National Consultant for the Development and Piloting of a Micro-Credentialing Framework in Iraq (KRI and Federal), Programme Section, 10,4 months, Baghdad, Iraq (Nationals only) Office Based

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the design, development, piloting, and operationalization of a national micro-credentialing approach for selected professions sector competencies in Iraq. The consultant will contribute to developing the methodology, competency standards, assessment tools, training materials, and implementation modalities for the micro-credentialing framework while ensuring alignment with national systems, labour market requirements, and UNICEF inclusion and safeguarding standards.

The consultancy aims to:

1. Develop a practical, competency-based and inclusive micro-credentialing framework and implementation methodology aligned with Iraq’s TVQF and labour market needs.
2. Facilitate coordination and consultation with relevant ministries, employers, private sector actors, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, training institutions, youth led organization, and the United Nations PROSPECTS partners.
3. Support the development of competency standards, assessment tools, certification modalities, and quality assurance mechanisms for selected construction-sector micro-credentials.
4. Develop training and operational materials for assessors and implementing partners.
5. Support piloting, documentation of lessons learned, and follow-up implementation of the micro-credentialing model with relevant entities and stakeholders.

Ensure integration of gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, safeguarding, green skills, digital skills, safeguarding, and meaningful youth engagement principles throughout the process.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  External ToR TMC0005819.pdf

• Education:
• Master’s degree in TVET, Education, Human Resource Development, Economics, Public Policy, Workforce Development, Education Management, or another relevant discipline.

• Work Experience:
• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in TVET, skills development, competency-based training, workforce development, or qualifications systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing training methodologies, occupational standards, competency frameworks, or assessment systems.
• Experience working with government institutions, private sector, and development partners.
• Experience in facilitation, stakeholder coordination, and capacity building.
• Previous experience with United Nations agencies, international organizations, or donor-funded programmes is an asset.
• Experience working in Iraq and familiarity with the Iraqi TVET ecosystem is highly desirable.
• Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English required.
• Fluent in Arabic and Kurdish is highly desirable.
• Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:
• Strong understanding of competency-based education and training systems.
• Knowledge of labour market systems and private sector engagement.
• Familiarity with inclusion, safeguarding, youth engagement, and gender-responsive programming.
• Strong analytical, drafting, facilitation, and reporting skills.
• Desirables:
• Prior work experience with UNICEF or other UN organization is an asset

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template)  Financial proposal TMC0005819.docx
• A detailed technical proposal:
•  
• Technical proposal: Applicants are requested to submit one writing sample (maximum 10 pages), (co-)authored by the applicant, demonstrating relevant technical and analytical experience related to the assignment, such as TVET/curriculum development, competency-based training, occupational standards, assessment or certification systems, micro-credentials, or related policy/technical guidance. The sample will be assessed for technical relevance, quality of analysis, clarity and structure, and applicability to the assignment
• The sample should meet the following criteria : be (co)-authored by the applicant, be relevant to the assignment such as TVET curriculum development, align with the deliverables such as technical guidance, analysis or policy-oriented document. Additionally, demonstrating solid experience in curriculum rolling out with master trainer with private and public sector entities in terms of training and orientation of in- house trainers.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Advertised: 23 Oct 2026 Arabic Standard Time
Applications close: 12 Nov 2026 Arabic Standard Time

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