JOB TITLE: Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Director Field: TVET sector Post reference: A0TVETII/023 Primary duty station: Cairo, with possibility to travel Type of contract: Project appointment (full-time) Programme: 'Support to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Reform Programme in Egypt - Phase II' (TVET II) Application deadline: 31/01/2015 (midnight, Cairo time) Application to be sent to: [email protected] PROGRAMME BACKGROUND Co-financed by the Government of Egypt and the EU, the Support to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Reform Programme in Egypt (TVET II) aims at improving the structure and the performance of the TVET system to better respond to Egypt's new socio-economic needs, in particular youth employability and increased competitiveness in the context of the country’s current and future development. The Programme includes three main components: (i) improving the governance of the Egyptian TVET system; (ii) enhancing the relevance and quality of TVET; and (iii) supporting the transition to employment. TVET II will be implemented by the Ministry of Education. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the authority of the Ministry of Education - contracting authority and supervisor of the Programme - and the direct supervision of the Imprest Administrator and Imprest Accounting Officer, the PIU Director will have the overall responsibility for the management, supervision, administration and implementation of the TVET II programme, including the management of the Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) staff. The PIU Director will carry out the following duties: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Manage and oversee the implementation of the overall programme in compliance with the programme overall/specific objectives, activities, expected results, and outputs. Supervise and provide leadership, guidance, and direction to the PIU staff; in particular through the coordination and supervision of the three Component Managers and the Tourism Coordinator to ensure the harmonization of the project activities. Ensure the efficient management of financial resources attributed to the programme, in line with the EU procedures and Egyptian financial regulations. Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of programme implementation and the reporting on programme activities. Liaise with the EU, Egyptian authorities, and all stakeholders, including Enterprise TVET Partnerships (ETPs) and the private sector. Ensure the communication and visibility of the programme in accordance with the Egyptian and EU guidelines. Carry out other activities as requested by his/her supervisors. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education ▪ ▪ At least a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent academic qualification) in development/international studies, economics, education, social sciences, public policy/administration, or any other directly relevant field; a Master's degree / Ph.D. (or equivalent academic qualification) in a directly relevant field would be a strong asset. An additional qualification in project management and a specialization in TVET would be preferable. Professional Experience ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ At least 12 years of professional experience in a directly related field at management level (e.g. international development cooperation, TVET, education), of which at least 8 years in Egypt. At least 6 years professional experience in donor-financed project management, including a proven track-record in working with logical frameworks. At least 6 years of practical experience in supporting and managing TVET reforms and large TVET programmes, including specific experience in the fields of TVET, employment, labour intermediation. Solid professional experience in carrying out financial analysis of projects/programmes and cost analysis/assessment of activities. Substantial professional experience in the supervision and/or preparation of procurement documents (requests for services including terms of references, technical annexes for supplies and works), evaluation of the related offers, as well as in developing guidelines for calls for proposals, evaluation of grant proposals and preparation of grant contracts. Substantial professional experience with EU development cooperation mechanisms, including EU procedures related to the management of funds (PRAG, Programme Estimates, etc.) would be a strong asset. Familiarity with cross-cutting themes, such as youth, governance, women empowerment, environment and tourism in Egypt is desirable. Proven track-record in working with the Egyptian authorities, at the highest possible level, as well as with the private sector (possibly including with ETPs) and civil society. Competence/Skills ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Egyptian context, in particular the current socio-economic, political and institutional situation. Excellent understanding of all aspects of modern TVET. Demonstrated and recognized management, coordination, leadership and training skills – in a multi-cultural and disciplinary environment. Good analytical and reporting skills, including a sound understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods in social science research. ▪ Capable of providing clear technical and policy advice at the highest levels. Good communication and negotiation skills. ▪ Ability to work under time and political pressure while meeting tight deadlines. ▪ Proficiency in standard office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). ▪ Readiness to travel regionally and/or internationally if needed. Languages ▪ Fluency in English and Arabic, both spoken and written. Potential candidates should note that the following rules will be strictly enforced: - The PIU Director will be working full-time and exclusively for the purpose of the Programme. Civil servants are not eligible for recruitment. - Any applicant in a situation of conflict of interest as defined in the Practical Guide to Contract Procedures for EU External Actions (PraG, available at: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/prag/document.do?locale=en), section 2.3.6, is not eligible for recruitment. - A policy of equal opportunities aiming at avoiding any form of discrimination will be applied in the recruitment procedures.