Technical Specialist - Skills

Grade: P4

Vacancy no.: BEY/DC/P/2023/14 Publication date: 20 December 2023 Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 20 January 2024

Job ID: 11519 Department: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut Organization Unit: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut Location: Riyadh Contract type: Fixed Term

Contract duration: 12 months

Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.

In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.

Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.

The following are eligible to apply:

• ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
• External candidates.

The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.

Introduction

Over the past few years, the ILO has been supporting the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in analysis, policy and capacity development through a development cooperation programme focusing on women’s empowerment and inclusiveness, social dialogue, and the elimination of child labour. The programme has made significant achievements in research, capacity building and policy development. Building on the achievements made under the first phase of cooperation and with further requests received from the MHRSD for knowledge- and capacity building, the ILO developed a second phase of the Programme of Cooperation extending for a three-year period. Under this new phase, the ILO will provide technical assistance through a five-pillared approach focused on (a) supporting effective labour market and employment policy development, monitoring and evaluation; (b) promoting fundamental principles and rights at work; (c) strengthening social dialogue institutions; (d) improving skills governance; and (e) improving Occupational Safety and Health.

As part of the support provided under the fourth pillar on skills governance, an international technical adviser on skills will be recruited to provide on the ground support to the Ministry’s Deputyship for Skills and Training.

In this context, the incumbent is expected to provide high-level technical and advisory services to Saudi constituents within their area of specialisation. The position will be located in the MHSRD to support and provide technical guidance and capacity building support to the relevant wing of the ministry. In this regard, the incumbent will be working very closely with the Deputy Minister for Skills and Training and his team.

The Technical Specialist will report to the Senior Employment Policy Specialist & Head of RESA Unit who is managing the Programme of Cooperation and will receive technical guidance in strategic areas of project implementation from the Senior Skills Development Specialist – ROAS and overall guidance and oversight from the Deputy Regional Director. He/she will work closely with Technical Specialists in DWT-ROAS.

Description of Duties

1. Responsible for the implementation of technical activities of the technical assistance project’s skills and lifelong learning pillar through i) the provision of inputs and technical advice as needed; ii) the planning and monitoring and evaluation of activities to ensure conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and (iii) the development of concept notes for any potential additional ILO technical assistance required by the Ministry.

2. Develop ToRs for consultants, provide guidance and ensure the production of high-quality reports that meet the Ministry's standards.

3. Provide technical inputs and feedback on the different studies and reports produced under the skills pillar of the development cooperation programme and ensure alignment of the recommendations generated through the project with the Saudi labour market needs and the expectations of the Ministry. Ensure that all studies and reports take into account pertinent national policies, regulations, ongoing skills reform initiatives and national priorities.

4. Ensure effective implementation of the recommendations derived from the various studies completed as part of the programme of cooperation, as mutually agreed upon with the ministry. This involves translating the studies’ conclusions and recommendations into actionable policies; identifying relevant stakeholders responsible for implementation; overseeing the actual implementation of the proposed actions; and providing technical support for the different responsible parties.

5. Provide policy advice to the Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, the Vice Minister for Labour and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development as requested and as may be required.

6. At the request of the Vice-Minister or Deputy-Minster, participate in relevant committees, meetings or conferences focused primarily on market relevant skills and lifelong learning.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Review decrees, laws, rules, regulations, policy papers, concept notes and other documentation of skills relevance prepared by other ministries or agencies of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and prepare summaries or briefs along with recommendations for action for the minister.

8. Prepare briefs for the participation Vice-Minister or other representative of the Ministry of Labour in national policy and decision-making forums on skills and employability to reinforce the rationale for strengthening market relevant skills for improved skills matching and employment outcomes.

9. Engage with and provide support and technical advice to relevant departments at the ministry, in close collaboration with the relevant officials from the Decent Work Team in Beirut and HQ units as needed, to promote ILO policies and standards on skills. This includes provision of technical inputs for the Ministry’s departments when preparing technical reports on competency-based skills policies and systems.

10. Develop capacity of the related TVET authorities and social partners based on assessment of capacity gaps to continue strengthening market relevant skills and lifelong learning and ensure implementation of the study’s recommendations after the departure of the skills technical advisor. This includes periodic meetings to discuss and analyse developments in the areas of skills policy development, national skills coordination, sector skills council and occupational competency standards.

11. Perform any other duties or functions requested by the Vice-Minister of Labour, Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, or the Senior Skills Development Specialist at the ILO Regional Office of Arab States.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in one of the following fields: human resource development, education, and training, related social sciences field or another relevant field.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant professional experience in working on human resource development, esp. market relevant skills policy and programs including at the international level. Experience working with the TVET authorities and relevant ministries, as well as employers’ and workers’ representatives would be an added advantage.

Languages

Full fluency in English. Proficiency in Arabic would be a distinct advantage.

Competencies

• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the project/program’s objectives, and to design and synthesise strategies for program development.
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Excellent leadership skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to formulate new concepts and methodologies and to synthesise research and reach empirically based conclusions on related subjects by understanding both the qualitative and quantitative approaches in social science research.
• Ability to develop training strategies and design training materials.
• Ability to formulate project proposals, policy documents and procedural matters.
• Ability to promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.

Competencies (continued)

• Proven capacity to initiate and implement development cooperation project/program activities with partners.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to provide high quality services.
• Ability to plan and support the development of individual’s skills and abilities for a more effective fulfilment of job/role responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment, and to adjust effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Drive to seek or encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to organisation challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Good Knowledge of ILO policies and standards and ability to advocate the ILO mandate and provide policy advice.
• Ability to promote a knowledge-sharing and learning culture in the Ministry.
• Ability to conduct discussions and negotiate with the government and to coordinate activities and work well in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.

Conditions of employment

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to ILO Staff Regulations and other relevant internal rules. Any offer of employment with the ILO is conditional upon certification by the ILO Medical Adviser that the person concerned is medically fit to perform the specific inherent requirements of the position offered. In order to confirm an offer from the ILO the successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination.
• Any extension of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.

For more information on conditions of employment, please visit the ILO Jobs International Recruitment page.

Recruitment process

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit ILO Jobs. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for a written test and/or an interview.

Depending on the location and availability of candidates, assessors and interview panel members, the ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates at the different stages of the recruitment process, including technical tests or interviews.

The ILO has zero tolerance for acts of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and is determined to ensure that all staff members and all beneficiaries of ILO assistance do not suffer, directly or indirectly, from sexual exploitation and abuse. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organisation, the ILO may conduct a background verification of candidates under consideration.

Fraud warning

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