TOR for an International Consultant: Design, facilitate, oversee and monitor the training and assessment of 200 youths in three green occupations

TOR for an International Consultant: Design, facilitate, oversee and monitor the training and assessment of 200 youths in three green occupations, through inclusive apprenticeships.

PROJECT BACKGROUND
1. GENERAL BACKGROUND

Iraq has a youthful demographic profile, wherein nearly 50 percent of the population is under 19 years old and 20 percent falls between 15 and 24 years and the scarcity of opportunities for channelling this population into productive learning, employment, and enterprise avenues is a cause of concern. This poses a significant challenge to their reintegration into a fragile, post-conflict economy. According to the 2021 ILO Iraq Labour Force Survey, the overall unemployment rate was recorded at 16.5 per cent, with youth unemployment alarmingly high at 35.8 per cent. Around 36.7 per cent of the youth population is not in education, nor in employment or training (NEET). Young females are notably more affected, with a NEET rate of 52.3 per cent, compared to their male counterparts at 22.1 per cent. The governorates of Duhok, Ninawa, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in Iraq are grappling with a critical issue of escalating youth unemployment that necessitates immediate attention. Characterized by an important share of young individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, high youth unemployment rates, significant numbers of refugees and IDPs, and a pressing need for sustainable economic opportunities these regions are struggling to provide sufficient employment opportunities for them. At the same time, the repercussions of heightened youth unemployment extend beyond economic concerns, adversely impacting social dynamics and community well-being. The current situation underscores the necessity for a more strategic and coherent approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by young individuals seeking employment in these targeted governorates, with a special focus on those experiencing intersectional vulnerabilities in entering employment and labour market.

Furthermore, the prevailing disconnect between the skills possessed by young women and men and the demands of the labour market is a pressing concern. This misalignment between supply and demand spells a failure to adequately assess and anticipate labour market trends and to prioritise skills training programmes accordingly.

2. THE PROJECT BACKGROUND

The International Labour Organisation is implementing a project titled "Promoting Employment and Employability among Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Host Communities focusing on Women, PWDs, and Youths in Northern Iraq” in Ninawa and the Kurdistan Regional Government areas of Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. This is a collaborative initiative between the ILO and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Project Objective: To support better labour market integration and transition of marginalized populations including youth, women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities into decent jobs through strengthened employment services, work-based learning, and skills development, with a focus on green jobs and green enterprise development.

This project aims to support up to 1,000 of the most marginalised among refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and people in host communities focusing on women, persons living with disabilities (PWDs), and young people aged 18 to 35 years; and 500 entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing MSMEs in Northern Iraq, Erbil, Dohuk, Ninawa and Sulaymaniyah Governorates transition into green jobs. To contribute towards the achievement of the project objective, the project will equip young people with the relevant technical and core skills demanded by the labour market, with a focus on skills for green jobs. ILO has a strong partnership with Technical and Vocational centres in the northern Iraq such as with Erbil Polytechnic University (EPU) to develop the skills of technicians and workers. This partnership allows ILO to ensure more women and men acquire market-relevant skills that have the potential to provide long-term and decent employment opportunities. ILO will further strengthen its partnership with the selected vocational training centres to provide the necessary market-relevant skills with special focus to young refugees, IDPs and members of host communities in the target Governorates. In this regard, ILO in collaboration with selected TVETs in the targeted Governorates will conduct a skills diagnostic and skills gaps in the green economy for market-relevant skills with a focus of green economy in the target Governorates. The ILO will provide market-relevant intensive technical skills training which will take a minimum duration of 45 days for 500 unemployed young women and men including refugees, IDPs and host
communities in the target Governorates. 200 graduates from technical skills training will be placed to apprenticeship programmes in companies with a minimum duration of two months in accordance with the skills
acquired during the technical skills training. To realize effective apprenticeship programmes, the ILO will make use of the long-standing partnership it has with Chamber of Commerce in KRI in terms of identifying potential private sectors for the apprenticeship programme as well as identification of skills and employability gaps that meets the needs of local industries.

ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
3. ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND

The primary objective is to support improved transition of 200 marginalized youths including women, refugees, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, youth from host communities to decent jobs through apprenticeships and strengthened employment services, with a focus on green jobs and green enterprise development.

To achieve this project the ILO seeks the services of an international expert to work with a skills diagnostics specialist to co-create apprenticeship programmes in green sectors that have the potential to generate green jobs for youth in the targeted geographical areas. In response to identified skills gaps among MSMEs to offer apprenticeship programmes and employers’ organisations, the assignment will include conducting capacity

building programmes and providing technical assistance for potential employers’ organizations to ensure that apprenticeship programmes are effective.

4. ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this assignment is to train through apprenticeships, assess and certify at least 200 youths including women, refugees, persons with disabilities, youths from internally displaced persons and from host communities in three green occupations that are relevant to the labour market and to their aspirations.

SCOPE OF WORK AND METHODOLOGY

5. THE SCOPE OF WORK AND METHODOLOGY
ILO in Iraq, seeks to hire an international consultant to support the initiative to ensure that 200 youths drawn from 500 graduates from vocational skills training, including women, displaced Iraqis, and persons with disabilities will have an easier transition to 3 green occupations, following inclusive apprenticeships and assessments that are relevant to the labour market and to their aspirations.

Design and set up apprenticeship programme

• Based on a skills anticipation exercise, with a DACUM approach, co-develop with skills diagnostics specialist, key industry informants design and develop apprenticeship programmes for 3 prioritised green occupations guided by the “ILO recommendation 208 on quality Apprenticeships.” They will also develop the required competency standards for 3 prioritized green occupations or upgrade the existing related ones, ensuring technical and core work skills and rights at work are adequately mainstreamed. The consultant will build on the findings of the “Skills diagnostics and skills mapping which will include the selected target sectors or specific target occupation and skill. The consultant needs to work with employers or businesses in the target sectors, training providers which include TVET, colleges and universities; MoY, MoLSA and their accreditation departments and chambers of commerce and industries. The apprenticeship design should include the kind and size of investments needed, and Government incentives required to ensure green business and employer partnerships required to provide structured on-the-job training. This will include coming up with programme structure and duration, curriculum development and assessments and certification and means to evaluate apprenticeship performance. In addition, the consultant will need to design appropriate governance structures- including regulatory framework, stakeholder engagement and coordination.
• Jointly with instructors, disabled persons organizations, and a youth consultative group, develop training plans and logbooks, on and offline training materials (with a work-based component), considering the required accommodations for the needs of targeted groups including persons with disabilities and displaced persons. Jointly with assessors, prepare the tests for the 3 occupations, with a variety of assessment methods.
• Organize and facilitate a one-day tripartite workshop to validate the contents of the apprenticeship agreement and training plans, the role of the in-company trainer and instructors, the entitlements and protection for apprentices, the selection criteria for companies and training providers, the assessment methods, and on overall implementation modalities.
• Furthermore, there will be a need to include aspects that will ensure financial sustainability such as cost- sharing models, potential funding sources, supportive policies such as government incentives and other

efficiency measures especially necessary to monitor outcomes in the design of the apprenticeship programme
Conduct capacity building of MSMEs, workers’ organisations and employers’ organisations to provide apprenticeship programmes
Conduct capacity building programmes and provide technical assistance for workers’ and employers’ organizations to further capacitate future members and MSMEs who are interested to provide apprenticeships programmes and vocational skills assessors for targeted young women and men who graduated from skills development programes. Capacity building involves equipping them with the knowledge, skills, systems, and motivation to design, implement, and sustain high-quality apprenticeships. Therefore, there will be need to engage with the organisations and MSMEs to assess level of readiness and the capacity gaps. The consultant will need to sensitise target MSMEs and employer organisation on the apprenticeship programme and design the appropriate training then roll out training which will cover technical and skill development and partnership building as follows:
• Implement a one-week training of instructors and assessors on new technical areas added to the competency profiles, on learner-centered didactic approaches, on apprenticeships, and on mainstreaming of core skills and rights at work with trade unions for this aspect, and on mainstreaming of core skills and rights at work with trade unions for this aspect.
• Implement a two-day training of selected in-company trainers on their new role as part of the apprenticeship pilot.
• Provide weekly e-coaching sessions to all stakeholders to reflect on experiences, identify issues, and propose remedial actions.

Facilitate training agreements with and monitor and provide oversight for selected apprenticeship providers
• Design adequate monitoring and oversight of the selection of the training providers and companies, the recruitment of apprentices, the monitoring of training on and off the job, the implementation of assessments, and the organization of certification ceremonies.
• Oversee the selection of the training providers and companies, the recruitment of apprentices, the monitoring of training on and off the job, the implementation of assessments, and the organization of certification ceremonies.
• Design and implement with trade unions and other relevant stakeholders a user-friendly complaint mechanism to allow early identification of issues and possible harassment that learners may be faced with and identify adequate remedial action with stakeholders.
• Trace agreed indicators throughout implementation to assess progress, especially for trainees coming from vulnerable backgrounds, identify possible issues, and propose remedial measures. Prepare a quick survey to be implemented three months after graduation for all beneficiaries, and a quick employer satisfaction survey.

DELIVERABLES& PAYMENT SCHEDULE
All payments will be made upon the delivery of the assignment’s deliverables to the satisfaction of the ILO.

Deliverable Details of Expected deliverables, and time frame Duration (Working
days) Time frame Payment
1.
Apprenticeship programme developed for three occupations -Three new or upgraded competency standards for green occupations, with core and technical skills, and rights at work adequately mainstreamed. 21 Working Day Deadline: to be submitted on or before end of second month after date of
signature. First Instalment: 30% of the total agreement amount Equivalent to 21 working days will be paid upon submission of the complete deliverable 1 and to the satisfaction of the ILO.
2. Training plans, logbooks and training materials developed -Training plans and logbooks, on and offline training materials (with a work- based component), tests for the three targeted occupations, and written guidance on required accommodation of the needs of target groups including persons with disabilities and displaced persons. 21 Working Day Deadline: to be submitted on or before end of second month after date of first report. Second Instalment: 30% of the total
agreement amount equivalent to 21 working days will be paid upon submission of the complete deliverables 2 and to the satisfaction
of the ILO.
3. Interim Report -One-day tripartite workshop organised and facilitated to validate the above as well as contents of the apprenticeship agreement and training plans, the role of the in-company trainer and instructors, the entitlements and protection for apprentices, the selection criteria for companies and training providers, the assessment methods, and on overall
implementation modalities. 1 Working Day Deadline: to be submitted on or before end of second month after date of second report. Third Instalment: 30% of the total agreement amount equivalent to 21 working days will be paid upon submitted of the complete deliverables 3-10 and to the satisfaction of the ILO.
-One-week training of instructors and assessors organised and implemented on new technical areas added to the competency profiles, on learner- centered didactic approaches, on apprenticeships, and on
mainstreaming of core skills and rights 5 Working Day

at work with trade unions for this
aspect.
-Training report for a two-day training of selected in-company trainers organised and facilitated on their new
role as part of the apprenticeship pilot. 2 Working Day
-Facilitate selection and partnering with businesses offering apprenticeship training and ensure enrolment of 200 youths in developed apprenticeship programmes. At least 2 months for
each cohort 2 Working Day
7-Youths that have been enrolled and certified and proportion that gain
employment afterwards.
8-Weekly e-coaching sessions to all stakeholders to reflect on experiences, identify issues, and propose remedial
actions. 11 Working Day
9-Adequate monitoring and oversight of the selection of the training providers and companies, the recruitment of apprentices, the monitoring of training on and off the job, the implementation of assessments, and the organization of
certification ceremonies.
10-A user-friendly complaint mechanism for apprentices co-
designed with trade unions
4. Final Report Final report will be produced to the satisfaction of the ILO upon completion of all the assigned tasks/deliverables 1- 10. 7 Working Day Deadline: Submitted on or before 28
February 2026 Final Instalment: 10% of the total agreement amount equivalent to 7working days will
be paid.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCES
6. MINIMUM REQUIREMENT

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Educational Background: A minimum of a master’s degree in education or human resources, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: At least 10 years of experience in designing and implementing skills training programs, with a focus on marginalized groups such as refugees, IDPs, women, and youth.

• Technical Expertise: DACUM certified, with demonstrated expertise in developing training curricula, conducting needs assessments, and delivering training using various methods. Experience in green jobs and sustainable development is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in English and Arabic is required; knowledge of Kurdish is an advantage.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Proven experience in monitoring and evaluating training programs, including the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.

SUPERVISION AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
The consultant will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with relevant ILO Officials, including the Head of the Unit on Training Excellence. Regular progress updates will be required, and the consultant will participate in periodic meetings to discuss the status of the assignment, and any challenges encountered

TIME FRAME AND ESTIMATED BUDGET
The work is expected run over a span of no less than 6 months for an average of 20 hours per week. Effectively the international consultant would work for up to an equivalent of 70 working days.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION PROCESS

The ILO invites technical and financial proposals from qualified consultants who have relevant experience in delivering similar services, as mentioned in this Terms of Reference (TOR). One national consultant technically responsive and financially viable will be chosen following ILO procurement rules/procedures on evaluation by an ILO team of professionals.

A two stages evaluation method will be applied for this procurement exercise and the contract will be awarded to the highest scorer- (70% of the total grade) will be allocated for the technical proposal and the (30 % of the total grade) for the financial one. Any candidate that scores less than 70% in the evaluation of the technical proposal shall not be considered further.

If multiple candidates achieve high scores, ILO might invite top three highest scored consultants for interviews to determine the final selection.

7. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
The International Consultant/ External Collaborator shall describe in the Technical Proposal how he/she intends to meet the requirements described in the Terms of Reference.
• Provide a maximum of three pages outlining the methodology and steps for completing the assignment.
• In preparing the proposal, the External Collaborator shall thoroughly review all requirements and demonstrate his/her understanding and approach to meeting these requirements within the proposal.
• In preparing the Technical Proposal, the consultant/Excol shall provide details of the proposed project methodology and implementation and management plan as well as his/her personal CV, indicating candidate’s qualifications and relevant experiences from similar assignments, the candidate’s contact details and at least three professional references.

• The External Collaborator may also add any other document(s) and information to demonstrate its technical and professional capacities and competencies to fulfil the requirements as specified in the Terms of Reference.

8. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL
A financial proposal for conducting this assignment, based on a total of 70 working days.
• Daily fees excluding transportations and daily allowances for 70 days.
• Visa fees and Internati.onal flights for the shortest route between the country of residence and the primary city of assignment (Erbil) – Iraq, will be covered by the ILO and as per UN rules and regulations
• Daily substantial allowances in the city of assignment will be covered by the ILO as per UN rules and regulations
• When transportation between cities inside country of assignment (Iraq) is requested by ILO, then transportation fees and daily substantial allowances will be covered by ILO.
• Transportation within the city of assignment is under the full responsibility of the consultant.
• The assignment will include field work while in Iraq and remote support while in home country. Field work for this assignment will be conducted in Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah.

Note: this position is opened for international applicants only.
9. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA OF SELECTION
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by an Evaluation Panel from the ILO to determine compliance with the requirements specified in the TOR. A two-stage procedure will be utilized in evaluating the proposals:
First Stage: Technical Proposal (70% of total grade) will be evaluated first.

Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Criteria Weight Description
Consultant qualification and competences 10% Relevant educational background and competences.
Professional experience relevant to the TOR and previous experience in conducting similar assignments 20% A solid professional experience coupled with previous experience for developing similar assignments.
Suggested methodology and demonstrate clear understanding of the assignment as in the TOR 30% The proposal should demonstrate a solid compliance with the TOR showing the methodology to be used to conduct the assignment and estimated schedule to achieve all deliverables described in this TOR.
Providing evidence of developing good-quality reports 10% Provide samples of previous work showing excellence in writing high-level strategic documents.

Note: Candidates who score less-than 50% on the technical evaluation will not be considered further. If multiple candidates achieve high technical scores, only the top three candidates with the highest combined scores will be invited for interviews to finalize the selection.

Second Stage: Evaluation of Financial Proposal (30% of total grade) will be evaluated after passing the technical proposal. This is essentially the daily rate.

• During the second stage of the evaluation, the Financial Offers (30% of the total grade) of all bidders who have attained at least the minimum score during the technical evaluation will be compared.
• The process of evaluating proposals will be based on the combined percentage of Technical and Financial elements.
• One International consultant/ External Collaborator technically responsive and financially viable will be chosen following ILO rules and procedures shown in this TOR and the evaluation conducted by an ILO team of professionals.

UNGM Link: TOR for an International Consultant: Design, facilitate, oversee and monitor the training and assessment of 200 youths in three green occupations, through inclusive apprenticeships.