3. Project/Programme Context (230228)

The ‘Youth Rising’ project (phase I) for a total of EUR 25 million and a duration of 6 years, aims to strengthen the Liberian TVET sector in its capacity to deliver equitable and gender-balanced access to high-quality and demand-driven TVET in seven counties (six supported by the EU and one by the Government of Sweden).

The second phase of the ongoing ‘Youth Rising’ project (phase II) will expand the support provided under the first phase to cover all 15 counties of Liberia, adding 10 schools in 8 counties to the 10 schools in 7 counties already covered. Secondly, phase II will continue capacity development support to the central TVET institutions to eventually transition the nascent system of TVET quality management by two Ministries (i.e. MoE and MoYS) towards a centrally governed Liberia TVET Commission.

Thirdly, phase II will also continue to support the TVET providers supported under Phase I in managing their new and/or renovated infrastructure, delivering training, and supporting the continuous professional development of TVET teachers professionally and sustainably.

Project Information:

• Programme Implementation:Coordinate and manage the implementation/execution of projects and programmes, assuming full responsibility for the provision of projects/programme implementation services ensuring that assigned inputs are delivered on time at the right level of quality and within the allocated budget. This will entail the preparation of the necessary inputs (consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.), monitoring progress in implementation, including missions to the project sites, as well as taking part in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters, and assisting the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/programmes. Propose, for the project manager’s approval, the annual work programme, including providing leadership in teamwork and close monitoring of each stage of programme/project development and implementation.

• Resource Mobilization: Cooperate with other units in-house in designing and planning resource mobilization strategies and collaborate with relevant internal and external partners to mobilize the funds necessary for project and programme implementation. Manage external relations by maintaining close relationships with all stakeholders involved in the project, including government institutions and international entities, locally based donor institutions, international financial institutions and regional development banks, the private sector, civil society and academia to establish collaborations and synergies.

• Project Engineering: Provide technical advisory services for rehabilitating TVET infrastructure, focusing on modernizing facilities. Responsibilities include overseeing the installation, testing, and operation of equipment and ensuring compliance with specifications. Evaluate engineering drawings and bills of quantities to guarantee that construction and installations meet specified standards and best practices. The role ensures all infrastructure components, including electrical, mechanical, and structural elements, adhere to safety and quality requirements. Additionally, coordinate with contractors and stakeholders to facilitate timely, cost-effective project execution, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of rehabilitated infrastructure.

• Advisory Services on TVET: Provide technical advisory services to enhance TVET systems’ relevance and effectiveness. Advise governments, institutions, and the private sector on policy development, institutional strengthening, public-private partnerships, financing strategies, and labor market integration. This includes aligning curricula with labor market needs, enhancing governance structures, promoting private sector collaboration, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms. The role focuses on improving the transition of TVET graduates into the workforce, fostering economic growth, and ensuring TVET programs meet market demands and international standards.

• External Relations:Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the progamme/project and aimed at strengthening public relations, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, dissemination of information on the project activities through UNIDO/project website and network of UNIDO offices.

• Performs other related duties and assignments as required

Core Values and Competencies

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those, we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in education, engineering, project management, construction management, or related field with specialization in TVET is required.

Experience:

A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, is required.

• Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, is required.
• Exposure to the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is required.

• Project management certification is required (i.e. Prince 2, PMP or equivalent)
• Experience in TVET, including an understanding of competency-based education, quality assurance, and technology integration in education, is required.

• Infrastructure management experience, including health, safety, and environment experience, is required.
• Experience working in fragile states and in hard-to-reach, remote and rural environments is desirable.

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and oral English is required. Fluency or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.