Sub-Saharan Africa– Opportunity-Driven Skills Development

Project Description

The overall objective of this activity is to improve skills and vocational education and training (VET) provisions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by addressing the skills needs of the EU Global Gateway and other flagship initiatives, while enhancing the employability of women and men in SSA. The specific objective is to orient skills and VET interventions towards decent employment opportunities in selected sectors and value chains under Africa-Europe investment initiatives.

Position Description

EDC is seeking experts in the following areas:

1. Experts in Opportunity-Driven Skills (VET) and Employment – Ideal candidates should have experience in implementing VET solutions and capacity-building in SSA using an opportunity-driven approach, with additional expertise in private sector engagement, gender inclusion, and decent employment. French or English language proficiency, both spoken and written, is required.
2. Experts in Skills and Jobs for the Green and Circular Economy – These experts will help advance Africa’s green and circular transition by developing training programs and job opportunities in key areas such as renewable energy, waste management and recycling, eco-design of products and services, sustainable mobility, green spatial planning, and advanced green technologies, among others. French or English language proficiency, both spoken and written, is required.
3. Experts in Skills and Jobs for (Critical) Raw Materials – Candidates should understand the technical and safety requirements of these industries, as well as trade dynamics related to the strategic corridors. The aim is to support training and employment through strategies that engage the private sector, improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in resource extraction, thereby boosting local employment in SSA. French or English language proficiency, both spoken and written, is required.
4. Experts in Vocational Excellence – Specialists will develop and enhance Centers of Vocational Excellence to provide top-quality vocational training that meets international standards. Potential areas of support may include but not be limited to: adaptation of training tools, benchmarking similar centers of excellence in the region, needs assessment and gap analysis, action planning, strategy formulation for the upgrading of VTIs, introducing innovating instructional methods, facilitating partnerships with industry leaders, introducing monitoring and evaluation tools, and coaching. French AND English language proficiency, both spoken and written, is required.

Education:

Master’s degree or advanced degree in relevant field.

Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in the field of education and/or vocational training.
• Knowledge of trends, challenges, policies and practices related to vocational training in sub-Saharan Africa and/or the Middle Region/North Africa (MENA) region.
• Proven record of designing and delivering capacity-building programs for TVET institutions in sub-Saharan Africa or MENA.
• Experience in the field of vocational education and training employment promotion and promoting public-private partnerships.
• Experience in management of vocational training centers.
• Experience working with donors such as the European Union, United Nations agencies, or bilateral development agencies.
• Understanding and experience in adopting gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to education and vocational training, with a focus on promoting equal opportunities, including for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Proficiency in educational technology tools and platforms, including learning management systems, digital resources, and online assessment tools.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and leverage external funding opportunities to support program sustainability and expansion.

Language:

Professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken English or French.