JOB OPPORTUNITY

Swisscontact, established in 1959 in Switzerland, is a leading partner organisation for the implementation of international development projects. The organisation promotes inclusive economic, social, and ecological development to make an effective contribution towards sustainable and widespread prosperity in developing and emerging economies. It strengthens the competencies of people, improving their employability, increases the competitiveness of enterprises, growing their business, and fosters social and economic systems, promoting inclusive development.

Swisscontact, registered as an International Non-Governmental Organization in Nepal, has been operating since 1991 and is currently implementing six development programmes across all seven provinces of Nepal.

The NVQS-P is a bilateral initiative between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland represented by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC. It supports the implementation of the National Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS) which will enable Nepali youth to increase their employability and gain socio-economic benefits. The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) implements the NVQS-P on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST) at the federal level and by the Ministries of Social Development/Education in the provinces. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, SDC. Swisscontact provides Technical Assistance to the project on behalf of SDC.

The NVQS-P invites applications from the committed and experienced Nepali citizens for the following position.

Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Location: NVQS P-II, PSU Office, CTEVT Complex, Sanothimi, Bhaktapur with frequent field visits (at least 40%).
Reports to: Team Leader, NVQS P – II
Duration: Two years with the possibility of extension.

Purpose of the Job
Private Sector Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and the private sector employers, ensuring that vocational qualifications are relevant, responsive, and aligned with industry needs and standards.

The position holder will be responsible for fostering strong relationships and collaborations with the private sector and other stakeholders of TVET. S/he reports to the Team Leader and works closely with project team members and government counterparts at both the federal and provincial level.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Private Sector Engagement

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for private sector engagement, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
Support the system actors for the development and implementation of a private sector engagement strategy at the federal and provincial levels to identify, initiate, and enhance relationships with the private sector for meaningful collaborations in TVET.
Facilitate effective collaboration between government authorities (CTEVT, MoSD/Es, LGs) and the private sector for NVQF implementation-related processes.
Provide strategic input to project leadership to identify potential sectors to form and strengthen Sector Skill Committees (SSCs)
Facilitate and collaborate with employers’ associations and other relevant stakeholders to form SSCs and strengthen their role.
Collaborate with industry stakeholders to identify industry requirements and skill demands to align the vocational qualifications system with market trends.
Support sector skill committees in preparing their operational plans, identifying industry requirements and skill demands, developing occupational sectoral maps, and mobilizing experts for the development of National Competency Standards (NCS), assessment packages based on NCS, and curriculum frameworks to align the vocational qualifications system with market trends.
Facilitate the development of National Competency Standards (NCS) and assessment packages led by SSCs, as well as the elaboration of the curriculum in coordination with CTEVT/NSTB and industry associations.
Ensure the quality assurance of deliverables as per process guides and the quality assurance manual.
Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and events to convene stakeholders and showcase the National Vocational Qualifications System to potential industry partners.
Prepare reports, presentations, and case stories of private sector engagement efforts to communicate their impact to internal and external stakeholders.
Strong commitment and experience of providing required support to team in promoting gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and implementing activities in GESI sensitive approaches into all aspects of work.

2. Coordination, Collaboration and Networking

Collaborate with relevant government stakeholders, including CTEVT/NSTB, TVET institutions, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, to advocate for and promote the benefits of the vocational qualifications system.
Liaise with project teams, CTEVT/NSTB, and MoSD/Es to integrate private sector demand for skills and their corresponding NVQ levels.
Proactively establish a strong network among stakeholders to increase ownership and advocate for the NVQS project at the federal, provincial, and local levels.
Coordinate and collaborate with SDC-mandated projects like QualiTY and ENSSURE, as well as other likeminded TVET projects, for potential exchange related to private sector engagement. Seek further synergies and cooperation among projects.
Coordinate and engage in dialogue with private sector and GoN authorities at the federal, provincial, and local levels to promote collaborations between the government, private sector, and vocational education providers.
Engage with governments, industry associations, and like-minded organizations to promote public-private partnerships for the effective implementation of the National Vocational Qualifications system.
Coordinate with training-related projects for the development of curricula, etc.

3. Compliance with the policies, rules/regulations, and guidelines

Adhere to the relevant policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and guidelines of Swisscontact Nepal, including but not limited to the Financial and Operational Manuals, Code of Conduct Against Corruption, Conflict of Interest Policy, Basic Operating Guidelines (BoG), Local Security Management Plan, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Guidelines, Guidelines on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), Communication Guidelines, and any other specific policies, guidelines, and manuals applicable to Swisscontact Nepal.

4. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Work Force Diversity (WFD).
Swisscontact and the NVQS Project value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equal, and non-discriminatory working environment. The organization is dedicated to promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and embracing workforce diversity. The position holder is personally responsible for practically applying, promoting, and safeguarding the GESI provisions within their role.

5. Other Specific Responsibilities

Professionally discharge other tasks assigned by the Team Leader.
Be proactive in bringing innovations and taking new initiatives in the program and the organization.

Qualification and Experience
The individual must confirm to the following qualifications and expertise:

Master’s degree in economics, finance, public policy, business administration, or any discipline with a minimum of 5 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing similar initiatives in Private Sector Engagement (PSE), preferably in the TVET program.
Experience working in the private sector or a demonstrated understanding of private sector engagement principles, with the ability to develop a vision for alignment and convergence between the private and public sectors.
Proven experience in building and maintaining strong and productive relationships with implementing and strategic partner agencies.
Excellent research and analytical skills, particularly in stakeholder mapping, outreach, engagement, and partnership development to support program activities.
Thorough understanding of the private sector actors in Nepal.
Advanced communication skills in both English and Nepali, both verbal and written.
Ability and willingness to work collaboratively in a team to deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently within the project intervention areas.

Required Skills /Competencies

Willingness to learn and adapt according to the needs of the role.
Self-motivated, proactive, flexible, team-oriented, and capable of taking initiative.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and ethical management practices.
Ability to collaborate effectively, provide support, manage negotiations, and facilitate consensus among multiple private sector stakeholders.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Proactively creating synergies with team members and other projects.
Openness to learning from and sharing knowledge with team members.
Commitment to informed and transparent decision-making.
Dedication to promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and poverty reduction.
Strong commitment to the development of TVET and its ideals in Nepal.

Working Conditions and Environment

This will be applicable in accordance with the Swisscontact Staff Manual.

Application Procedures:
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are requested to visit our website at
https://www.swisscontact.org/en/countries/nepal/jobs for a detailed job description and submit Job Application Form through an online portal.

The deadline for submission of the application is 31 May 2024.

Swisscontact Nepal shall not entertain any phone inquiries or other such solicitations for this position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the selection process. Swisscontact Nepal reserves the right to reject any or all applications.

Swisscontact Nepal promotes workforce diversity and applies positive discrimination to candidates from discriminated groups (Women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi/Terai, and other minority communities).