National Consultant for a Micro-Credentialing Framework in Iraq

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a National Consultant to support the design, development, piloting and operationalization of a national micro-credentialing approach for selected professions in Iraq. The consultancy runs for 10.4 months, is office-based in Baghdad and is open only to nationals. It covers the development of methodology, competency standards, assessment tools, training materials and implementation modalities, aligned with national systems, labour market needs and UNICEF inclusion and safeguarding standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a practical, competency-based and inclusive micro-credentialing framework and implementation methodology aligned with Iraq's TVQF and labour market needs.
• Coordinate with ministries, employers, private sector actors, chambers of commerce, academic and training institutions, youth-led organizations and UNPROSPECTS partners.
• Support competency standards, assessment tools, certification modalities and quality assurance mechanisms for selected construction-sector micro-credentials.
• Develop training and operational materials for assessors and implementing partners.
• Support piloting, document lessons learned and follow up implementation with stakeholders.
• Integrate gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, safeguarding, green skills, digital skills and youth engagement principles throughout.

Required profile

• Master's degree in TVET, education, human resource development, economics, public policy, workforce development, education management or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in TVET, skills development, competency-based training, workforce development or qualifications systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing training methodologies, occupational standards, competency frameworks or assessment systems.
• Experience with government institutions, the private sector and development partners; experience with UN agencies or donor-funded programmes is an asset.
• Fluent English; fluent Arabic and Kurdish highly desirable.
• Nationals only; office-based in Baghdad.

Required skills

• Competency-based education and training systems.
• Labour market systems and private sector engagement.
• Inclusion, safeguarding, youth engagement and gender-responsive programming.
• Analytical, drafting, facilitation and reporting skills.

Candidates apply through the UNICEF online recruitment portal with a CV, cover letter, financial proposal and a technical writing sample (one writing sample, maximum 10 pages).