JOB TITLE: WORKSFORCE INNOVATION OFFICER

Job Announcement

For External Use

Location: Pristina, Kosovo

Group/Practice/Unit: Education

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $100 million and more than 600 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

Summary of Position

IREX seeks a qualified Workforce Innovation Officer to support a five-year USAID-funded Private Sector-Led Workforce Development Activity in Kosovo. The activity will seek to harness the leadership of the private sector as a change agent to develop sustainable and innovative models to develop the Kosovo workforce in partnership with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in sector Alliances.

Under the guidance of the Workforce Innovation Manager, the Workforce Innovation Officer will help to coordinate tailored technical assistance to recipients of Workforce Innovation Grants and a selection of Cisco pilot institutions. S/he will engage Workforce Innovation grantees, helping them to define the technical assistance they require to deliver new or improved training programs and advise on feedback mechanisms.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (e.g., education, education or workforce policy, management, human/youth development, international development)
• At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in Kosovo.
• Kosovar citizenship or residency with work authorization is required.
• Experience working with and understanding of education/workforce and private sector in Kosovo. Experience of TVET preferred.
• Experience in priority high-growth sectors (ICT, Wood Processing, Agribusiness) preferred
• Experience working on USAID funded programs and/or other international donor-funded development projects is preferred
• Experience building capacity of education institutions and/or strengthening workforce development partnerships with private sector and other stakeholders desired.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to interact and cooperate effectively with a large and multicultural team and external stakeholders
• Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English is required.
• Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate events and workshops, including strong facilitation and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, take initiative, meet deadlines, and maintain flexibility;
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills including time management, ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced working environment, and ability to remain flexible while adhering to strict deadlines 
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems under pressure.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work based on identified priorities.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Positive attitude and willingness to support and assist colleagues.

Your Daily Tasks

• Under the supervision of the Workforce Innovation Manager, liaise with key stakeholders and support the development of sustainable, mutually beneficial private sector partnerships that raise the profile of priority high-growth sectors.
• Support the technical team and partners in identifying solutions for workforce development needs, which may include training centers, VET, Certification development, etc.
• Provide targeted guidance on market-driven workforce development methodologies, private sector partnerships, etc. to the technical team, project partners, stakeholders, etc.
• Support the Workforce Innovation Manager in effective support and management of Workforce Innovation Grant grantees, institutions and other stakeholders.
• Support the technical team in all aspects of program implementation to ensure timely and accurate completion of deliverables, including technical assistance to grantees and identified pilot institutions.
• Contribute to and manage the production of program deliverables including reports, technical products, training materials, handbooks, templates, and guides, including content development, formatting and proof reading.
• Contribute to internal IREX and USAID reporting requirements including quarterly and annual reports, and workplans.
• Provide administrative support to the technical team including budget tracking, preparation of consultant scopes of work and contracts.
• Represent the project publicly
• Includes travel throughout Kosovo
• Other duties as assigned.

Application submission instructions:

1. CV that emphasizes relevant experience for this assignment. Please include the country where you are currently located as well as countries/regions where you have experience, and relevant language skills.
2. Cover letter: Please submit a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and states. It should be to 1 page.

Use this Workforce Innovation Officer link to apply for this position. This position is open until filled. For best consideration, apply by June 30, 2022

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship. 

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.

All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled