Call for an External Collaborator to support project implementation and monitoring in Sulaymaniyah

I. Background and purpose• Conduct meta-analysis on existing research, studies, and policy briefs on re- integration of refugees, IDPs, women, PWDs and other marginalized groups in the labour market and labour market situation analysis and green employment diagnostics and identify sectors with potential to create green jobs• Conduct national and subnational consultative and strategic workshops with government and social partners on evidence-based policy dialogue.• Develop modelling estimates on the potential of creating decent jobs• Conduct series of validation workshops.• Provide training on refugees, IDPs and youth responsive policy formulation.• Consultative meetings with key government stakeholders, social partners, and private sectors leading to formation of social dialogue platform. C• Conduct regular tripartite plus roundtable discussions on key policies and strategic constraints.• Conduct a skills diagnostic and skills gaps in the green economy and identify opportunities for setting up apprenticeship in green business and sectors.• Capacity building and technical assistance for employers’ organizations who will mobilize apprenticeships programmes and on green jobs, green growth, and just transition• Sign MoU with selected SMEs to offer apprenticeship programmes• Sign implementation agreement with selected TVET centres and provide market-relevant technical skills• Identify PES centres in the selected governorates and conduct an in-depth assessment and enhance their capacities to be one-stop-shop centres.• Capacity building of PES staff in career guidance, registration and on working with refugees and IDP youth on issues, career guidance and life-skills• ToT on JSC methodology for 20 facilitators then cascade training to young jobseekers. And monitor JSCs and assess their employment status.• ToT on SIYB for 20 to conduct SIYB ToE for 500entrepreneurs and MSMEs.• Deliver FE trainings to 300 entrepreneurs, Start-ups, and existing MSMEs and link to financial institutions to access credit.II. Scope of workThis consultancy is to support the effective implementation of project activities in Sulaymaniyah for better labour market integration and transition of marginalized populations including youth, women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities (Target group) into decent jobs through strengthened employment services, work-based learning, and skills development, with a focus on green jobs and green enterprise development.The consultancy is to build capacities and coordinate and partner with key stakeholder institutions including employer’s and worker’s organisations, MSMEs and potential entrepreneurs, government departments, vocational skills training centres, public employment service centers and the target group and ensure smooth execution of interventions.The consultant will oversee field activities, including organizing meetings, FGDs, workshops, training sessions, and events while updating and managing monitoring tools to track progress and The selected consultant will support the effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring of project activities in Sulaymaniyah as outlined in background sections, by engaging stakeholders, implementing partners, partner businesses, consulting firms, non-governmental organisations (NGO), overseeing field operations, and maintaining quality control..III. Detailed tasksHe/ She will be responsible to:1. Support in Project Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement:• Liaising with the project manager and national project officer, ensuring alignment with project objectives and work plans.• Support in Establishing and maintaining partnerships with government entities, private sector actors, financial institutions, and local communities.• Organizing and facilitating high-level meetings, stakeholder consultations, and technical discussions, while documenting key outcomes and action points.2. Field Implementation & Monitoring:• Conducting regular field visits continuously for the project activities for quality assurance.• Support in Overseeing implementing partners’ activities, tracking progress against work plans, identifying operational bottlenecks, and providing strategic recommendations.• Conducting field assessments and data collection for different types of activities.• Fill the monitoring tools under supervision of the ILO team.3. Operational & Logistical Support:• Managing schedules and timelines for project activities, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to deadlines.• Organizing and coordinating training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions tailored to MSMEs, financial institutions, and implementing partners.• Coordinating logistical arrangements for field missions, stakeholder engagements, and capacity-building initiatives.• Follow up with event management providers under supervision of the ILO team.4. Supporting any other technical or operational tasks assigned by the Project Manager to achieve project outcomes effectively.IV. Expected deliverablesThe national consultant is expected to submit Monthly Project Progress Report as follows:Deliverable #1: Monthly Project Progress Report covering the period from 01 May to 31 May 2026. Due on 31 May 2026.Deliverable #2: Monthly Project Progress Report covering the period from 01 June to 30 June 2026. Due on 30 June 2026.Deliverable #3: Monthly Project Progress Report covering the period from 01 July 2026 to 31 July 2026. Due on 31 July 2026.Each Monthly Project Progress Report will cover the following:A. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination: Summary of meetings, key decisions, and follow-up actions.B. Field Visits & Activity Monitoring: Updates on project implementation, challenges, and recommendations.C. Implementing Partner Oversight: Assessment of partners’ progress, bottlenecks, and corrective actions.D. Data Collection & Evaluation: Updates on surveys, monitoring data collection, FGDs, KIIs, and beneficiary tracking.E. Training & Capacity Building: Reports on training sessions conducted, participant feedback, and materials used.F. Workplan & Timeline Updates: Progress against planned activities, adjustments, and upcoming priorities.V. Reporting arrangementsThe consultant will conduct the assignment under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and coordination with National Officer.VI. Detailed qualifications, experience and skills required• Education –First Level University degree in, economics, social sciences, development studies, education or other relevant field, Advanced University degree would be an advantage.• At least three years of relevant professional experience at the national and local levels implementing and/or supporting -career guidance, employment services and livelihoods projects, at least two years of which were with the UN or international organizations.• Experience in working in the field of vocational skills training and in youth programming would be a major advantage. Experience in working in the targeted governorate of Sulaymaniyah would also be considered an asset.• Proven experience in program planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.• Strong communication and coordination skills, particularly in engaging with ILO's social partners.• Professional experience in development programming, with expertise in liaising with government authorities, national/international technical counterparts, NGOs, and building effective partnerships.• Skilled in working and communicating with diverse actors, including government authorities, humanitarian agencies (UN and NGOs), and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.• Experience in both development and humanitarian programming.• Familiarity with ILO tools and methodologies (desirable).• Familiarity with Decent work country programme in Iraq (desirable)• Fluency in Arabic as consultant would be mainly working in Arabic speaking governorate, and good level in English for reporting.• Experience from the local context of Sulaymaniyah, and p e r m a n e n t existence on the ground is highly preferredVII. Indicators for evaluation of outputsDeliverable #1: Monthly Project Progress Report covering the period from 01 May to 31 May 2026. Due on 31 May 2026.Deliverable #2: Monthly Project Progress Report covering the period from 01 June to 30 June 2026. Due on 30 June 2026.Deliverable #3: Monthly Project Progress Report covering the period from 01 July 2026 to 31 July 2026. Due on 31 July 2026.VIII. Payment termsThe following are the payment terms for each of the consultantPayment amount Deliverables Due DateFirst A total amount equivalent to the number of working days quoted for the completion of Deliverable #1 Successful submission of Deliverable #1, and to the satisfaction of ILO 31 May 2026Second A total amount equivalent to the number of working days quoted for the completion of Deliverable #2 Successful submission of Deliverable #2, and to the satisfaction of ILO 30 June 2026Final A total amount equivalent to the number of working days quoted for the completion of Deliverable #3 Successful submission of Deliverable #3, and to the satisfaction of ILO 31 July 2026Total 100% of the total amount1. Progress payments or lumpsum payment2. In case of progress payments, payment schedule and timeframe shall be based on the number of days quoted by the applicant and corresponding to the relevant deliverable/s.3. The daily fee shall be established within the fee range corresponding to the complexity of assignment and the external collaborator’s country of residence, as per the ILO Daily Fee Range Table.4. If the external collaboration contract is to be established in local currency, the amount will be converted from USD to local currency (IQD) using the United Nations/Iraqi Central Bank Operational Rate of Exchange effective at the time of establishing the contract.IX. Travel arrangements (if applicable)- All movements inside the city of Sulaymaniyah is under the responsibility of the consultantHOW TO APPLYTo apply for the job, please click on the provided link and follow the instructions on the website. Make sure to read the job description carefully before submitting your application. You may be asked to create an account.Link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/297596