The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Present in Somalia in since the 1980s, the IRC implements humanitarian and development programming across various regions in Somalia in sectors such as WASH, health, nutrition, protection and women’s empowerment. The IRC currently has headquarters in Mogadishu and field presence in Garowe, Gaalkayo, Dhusamareeb and Baidoa.

Job and project overview

The IRC is seeking a qualified TVET Specialist to support the implementation of a project to equip youth, particularly adolescent girls and women, with basic literacy, numeracy, cross-cutting socioemotional and life skills, and foundational vocational skills to enhance their livelihoods.

Scope of work

The TVET Specialist will be responsible for designing, steering, coordinating, and implementing market-relevant TVET capacity development activities. This includes collaborating with stakeholders to ensure quality assurance measures are effectively integrated and that project achievements meet the targets outlined in project proposals and the national plan. The Specialist will continuously seek innovative practices and improved learning methodologies, adapting new technologies and approaches into TVET programs to enhance their effectiveness.

The TVET Specialist will also monitor the quality of TVET delivery to ensure the project achieves its goals and objectives. S/he will provide feedback and recommendations for program enhancements based on monitoring results. S/he will also foster collaboration among stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of TVET initiatives and stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field. This proactive approach will ensure that TVET programs remain relevant and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the target population.

The position will be based in Dhusamareeb or Kismayo, with frequent travel to project sites. The TVET Specialist will report to the Team Leader.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, management, and execution of TVET strategies and policies in partnership with relevant government ministries and other stakeholders.

• Conduct market assessments to identify in-demand vocational skills and analyze skills gaps to enhance training programs and methodologies.

• Ensure high-quality implementation of TVET activities, focusing on skills development, institutional strengthening, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.

• Work closely with government agencies, partners, and educational stakeholders to deliver cohesive TVET programs and build capacity for competency-based training and certification.

• Strengthen TVET institutions and capacity to connect with labor market needs and support economic growth.

• Design and implement TVET capacity-building initiatives and quality assurance mechanisms with key stakeholders.

• Provide technical guidance and policy advice to relevant institutions on TVET policy, strategy, and implementation.

• Establish and strengthen partnerships with employers, training providers, and relevant organizations to expand employment opportunities and skills development.

• Collaborate with the Curriculum Development Expert to develop and implement vocational curricula, national qualification frameworks, and modern training methodologies.

• Lead research and data analysis to enhance understanding of TVET, employment trends, and barriers to decent work.

• Collaborate with project team members and relevant IRC country program teams, to successfully deliver the project objectives.

Required qualifications & competencies:

• Education: Advanced degree in Engineering, Education, Economics, or a related field.

• Experience:

o Minimum 10 years of experience in TVET program development, workforce strengthening, and youth/women’s skills training in Somalia or similar contexts.

o Proven experience in designing and implementing capacity-strengthening models for organizations and individuals.

o In-depth understanding of economic and educational contexts affecting women and youth in Somalia.

o Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders, including government departments, donors, private sector, and community-based organizations.

o Strong understanding of operational management, fiduciary risk, attention to Value for Money and the importance of learning and continual improvement.

o Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution abilities.

o Excellent communication in both English and Somali.

o Excellent people management skills, interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication and ease in managing a multi-cultural team.

o Excellent IT skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).

o Ability to manage a large and varied workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

**Standard of Professional Conduct:**The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

How to Apply:

https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/job/req57883/TVET-Specialist