Technical Expert – Strategic programme and partnerships development, TVET Programme

Result of Service

1- Inception report, including methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement plan, and timeline submitted within the first two weeks of the assignment. 2- Comprehensive review and analysis of the TVET sector, labour market trends, and programme development opportunities completed. 3- Stakeholder mapping and partnership development strategy prepared. 4- Resource mobilization and donor engagement framework developed. 5- Draft Three-Year TVET Strategy prepared and presented for stakeholder consultation. 6- Financing and sustainability framework for the TVET Programme developed. 7- Technical recommendations produced on instructor development, private sector engagement, internships, and on-the-job training. 8- Recommendations prepared on UNRWA's potential contribution to strengthening the TVET sector in Syria. 9- Concept notes, donor briefs, partnership materials, and knowledge products developed and disseminated. 10- Monthly progress reports submitted throughout the consultancy period. 11- Final Three-Year TVET Strategy finalized and validated. 12- Final consultancy report submitted, including lessons learned and recommendations for implementation.

Work Location

Damascus, Syria, with travel to programme locations in the country.

Expected duration

Six months (full-time assignment equivalent to five working days per week).

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs/Programmes and in close technical coordination with the Principal, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme in Syria field office, the Consultant will undertake the following tasks: A. Strategic planning and TVET programme development 1. Conduct a comprehensive review of secondary information related to the TVET sector in Syria, including existing UNRWA assessments, national strategies, sector reports, and labour market studies. 2. Review and analyse findings from the labour market assessment undertaken by UNRWA during 2025–2026 and identify implications for programme planning and skills development priorities. 3. In sync with the UNRWA’s agency wide sustainable livelihoods programming approach, develop programmatic pathways for the TVET programme to contribute to sustainable livelihoods for Palestine refugees in Syria. 4. Organize and facilitate consultations with key stakeholders, including UNRWA Headquarters, TVET and Skills Working Groups, Government of Syria line ministries, employers, training providers, and other relevant partners. 5. Undertake visits to UNRWA TVET centres in Syria to assess programme strengths, challenges, opportunities, and future development needs. 6. Facilitate workshops and consultations with UNRWA staff and management to identify strategic priorities and programme development opportunities. 7. Lead the development of a comprehensive three-year TVET Strategy, including strategic objectives, implementation priorities, partnership approaches, financing requirements, and monitoring framework. 8. Develop a financing and sustainability framework, identifying projected resource requirements, potential funding opportunities, and financing options for programme expansion and modernization. 9. Present the draft and final strategy to UNRWA management and staff and facilitate validation workshops. B. Partnership development and resource mobilization 1. Support the TVET Programme and Programme Support Office in identifying, engaging, and strengthening relationships with existing and potential donors and development partners. 2. Conduct stakeholder mapping and develop a partnership engagement strategy covering government institutions, private sector actors, UN agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and development partners. 3. Identify opportunities for technical cooperation, industry partnerships, internships, apprenticeships, and training support for TVET students and instructors. 4. Prepare concept notes, briefing papers, donor profiles, and partnership engagement materials to support resource mobilization efforts. 5. Work closely with the Programme Support Office to develop funding proposals and partnership initiatives aligned with the TVET strategic priorities. 6. Organize meetings, presentations, and briefings for donors and partners to showcase programme achievements, lessons learned, and future investment opportunities. 7. Prepare knowledge products and communication materials highlighting programme achievements, good practices, innovations, and lessons learned. C. Programme quality enhancement and sector support 1. Review existing approaches to instructor training, professional development, and capacity building and recommend measures to strengthen teaching quality and institutional capacity. 2. Assess current private sector engagement mechanisms, including curriculum development, industry advisory arrangements, on-the-job training, internships, and graduate placement systems, and provide recommendations for improvement. 3. Review existing internship and workplace learning arrangements and identify opportunities to enhance student employability and labour market transition. 4. Identify areas where UNRWA's TVET experience and expertise can contribute to strengthening the broader TVET and skills development sector in Syria. 5. Develop recommendations for technical support and capacity-building initiatives that UNRWA could provide to national TVET stakeholders, ensuring alignment with UNRWA's mandate, strategic priorities, and available resources. 6. Provide regular briefings and progress updates to the Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs/Programmes and submit monthly progress reports summarizing activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations. 7. Prepare a final consultancy report summarizing findings, achievements, lessons learned, strategic recommendations, and proposed next steps for implementation.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited institution in Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Experience: 1- Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in TVET, skills development, workforce development, education, programme management, strategic planning, or institutional development. 2- Demonstrated experience in developing TVET strategies, sector plans, institutional development frameworks, or similar strategic documents. 3- Proven experience in donor engagement, partnership development, concept note preparation, proposal development, and resource mobilization. 4- Experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, humanitarian, or recovery contexts. 5- Strong understanding of labour market dynamics, private sector engagement, and employment promotion programmes. 6- Experience in gender-responsive and inclusive TVET planning and implementation. 7- Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, development partners, or government institutions is highly desirable. 8- Familiarity with UN programme management processes and donor reporting requirements is an asset.

Languages

1- Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. 2- Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Desirable Qualifications 1- Experience supporting national TVET reform initiatives. 2- Experience in workforce development and livelihoods programming. 3- Knowledge of the Syrian TVET and employment landscape. 4- Knowledge of and interest in issues affecting Palestine refugees. Competencies: 1- Strategic thinking and analytical skills. 2- Excellent communication, negotiation, facilitation, and representation skills. 3- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities. 4- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 5- Demonstrated skills in report writing, proposal development, and preparation of strategic documents. 6- Commitment to ethical standards, diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. Conditions of Service: 1- The consultancy is expected to last for a period of eight (8) months. 2- The consultant will receive a monthly fee of USD 9,870 equivalent to the P-4 level. 3- A detailed schedule of deliverables, outputs, timelines, and corresponding payment milestones will be agreed upon prior to commencement of the assignment. 4- The consultant is expected to be based in Damascus, Syria, for the duration of the assignment. 5- UNRWA will arrange and cover inbound travel to the duty station at the start of the consultancy and outbound travel at the completion of the assignment. 6- UNRWA will facilitate the visa application process; however, appointment and commencement of the consultancy are subject to the successful issuance of the required visa and authorization to enter Syria. 7- Accommodation will be provided by UNRWA in an approved hotel in Damascus for the duration of the assignment. 8- The consultant will be expected to work in accordance with the UNRWA Syria Field Office working schedule: Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 9- Rest and Recuperation (R&R) travel will be granted every eight (8) weeks, subject to the applicable ICSC framework and UNRWA policies in force at the time. 10- For each approved R&R cycle, the consultant will be entitled to five (5) days of R&R plus two (2) travel days. A travel lumpsum of USD 700 will be provided for each approved R&R cycle. The consultant will be responsible for making his/her own R&R travel arrangements. 11- The consultant must comply with all applicable UNRWA security, safety, and administrative requirements throughout the assignment. 12- The consultant is responsible for obtaining and maintaining any required medical insurance coverage for the duration of the consultancy. 13- Any taxes, duties, or other governmental charges arising from the consultancy fee shall be the sole responsibility of the consultant.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.