National Expert

Terms of Reference (ToR)

for Selection and Appointment of National Expert

TVET Project in Vietnam

1. Project Overview

Vietnam has made impressive socioeconomic progress with gross domestic product (GDP) growing at an average rate of 8%.

European Union’s (EU) bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam over the period 2021-2027 builds on the achievements during the period 2014-2020 and focuses on three priority areas:

• Climate-responsive digital circular economy;
• Responsible entrepreneurship and enhanced skills for decent employment;
• Strengthening governance, rule of law and institutional reform.

The 2021-2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Viet Nam will address crucial issues for the country, while promoting key areas of EU external engagement, notably green and digital transition, decent and inclusive jobs as well as good governance, the rule of law, human rights and institutional reforms.

The German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) and Expertise France (EF)have been assigned by EU delegation to jointly implement the VETVET project (Vietnam – E.U. TVET project). International Partners, together with E.U. funding, will jointly provide a grant support of nearly 55 M€ to implement this project.

VETVET aims at supporting the TVET system in Vietnam, with a clear orientation towards supporting the Just Transition process. In the preparation phase, GIZ and Expertise France (will develop jointly all planned activities, under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) of Vietnam.

The project aims at developing skills for green and just energy transition in direction of Vietnamese youth in selected Vocational Colleges and Technical Schools. The process to select between 35 to 40 Vocational Schools is led by the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) of the MoLISA, through a criteria-based assessment. These schools are intended to reach the standard of “Center of Excellence” (CoE), recognizing the quality of their management and of the trainings they are providing, for an increased employability. Thus, short listed colleges will receive support for developing their training capacity via new and updated pedagogical equipment, new curricula, training of trainers and of management…

To ensure the successful preparation and initiation of the VETVET project, Expertise France seeks to appoint a National Expert (part-time consultancy for a period of 15 months) with extensive experience in project development & management in the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) sector. The selected expert will play a crucial role in establishing strong connections with various stakeholders, including international partners, donors, and local authorities. Moreover, he/she will bring valuable technical inputs in the design of the project activities along with the TVET centers across the country. In close collaboration with GIZ, the national expert serves as the liaison for EF technical team based in Paris, represents EF at working meetings, is the spokesperson for EF, ensures reporting, shares regular updates and coordinates missions. If successful, this assignment might lead to a full-time employment contract once the project is signed (6 years’ project).

2. Objectives

The primary objective of this Terms of Reference is to outline the selection and recruitment process for a National Expert (part-time, approx. 50%) who will contribute on behalf Expertise France to the initial phase and development of the VETVET project in Vietnam, over a period of 13 months, starting in December 2024.

3. Scope of Work

The National Expert will be considered as the Focal Point of Expertise France in Vietnam for the VETVET project definition phase. As such, he/she will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building:

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with national authorities (mostly MOLISA / DTVET / PMU), international stakeholders (predominantly E.U. and GIZ), educational institutions, industry partners, and local authorities during the project preparation phase,
• Represent Expertise France in meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote collaboration and alignment with project goals.

2. Project Documents draft

• Contribute to the Project Document (ProDoc and Description of Action) draft process, in close cooperation with GIZ,
• Provide technical recommendations and feedback for maximum achievement and impact within the scope of EF activities,
• Support budget draft.

3. Field visits:

• Organize visits and diagnosis of preselected vocational colleges, in coordination with national and local authorities and partners,
• Build trustful relations with vocational colleges representatives.
• Organize EF technical experts’ missions as required.

4. Project Management and Coordination:

• Develop, keep track and monitor a comprehensive project management plan, including timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation needed.
• Coordinate with project team members (GIZ, Expertise France), ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration.
• Monitor project preparation progress and provide regular updates.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Organize EF headquarters missions as required.

5. Technical expertise support:

• Provide strong technical inputs for the development of the package of activities that EF will implement as part of its intervention.
• Participate in the recruitment of 2 international technical experts in Green energy and Agriculture, as requested
• Guide, facilitate and supervise international experts’ missions, activities and deliverables

4. Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Minimum of Master's degree in Education, Project Management, International Development, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in vocational education project management.
• Proven track record of leading international cooperation / development projects (for INGO or internal organizations). Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship building with donors, institutional agencies, and educational institutions.
• Sound knowledge of MOLISA DTVET is an asset.
• Strong understanding of international best practices in vocational education.
• Experience of managing EU funded projects is an asset.

Skills:

• Leadership and management skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Vietnamese language and English language proficiency (writing and speaking)

5. Selection Process

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates are required to submit the following documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
• A cover letter
• 3 references (HR or line management) of the most recent experiences

Submission Deadline:

All applications must be submitted by 22/11/2024 to [Mrs. NGO Hong Nhung: [email protected]] with the subject line “Expert application – VETVET Project.” Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Women are encouraged to apply.

6. Reporting and Supervision

The National Expert will report to EF Project Officer based in France and will work closely with the TVET Consultant. Regular updates and progress reports will be submitted.

7. Contract Duration and location

The contract is intended to be performed over a period of 13 months (December 2024 to December 2025) with a 50% presence approx.

The position will be based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with travels to project sites as required.

NB: Candidates interested in this opportunity are invited to submit their application as soon as possible, with Expertise France reserving the possibility of pre-screening before that date.