Consultant for the preparation of Technical Specifications for New Professional Specializations with the Ministry of Education

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title:

Consultant for the preparation of Technical Specifications for New Professional Specializations with the Ministry of Education

Position/ Contract Type:

Short Term Consultancy

Duration of Initial Contract:

Up to 6 months, starting ASAP (Maximum of 60 days)

Position Location:

Amman, Jordan

Language Required:

Arabic and English

1. BACKGROUND

Introduction to the Canadian Sovereign Loan Project:

The strategic objective of the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Education under the Canadian Sovereign Loan of CAD 120 million, entitled “Increasing Access to and Quality of Education through Modernization of Vocational Education and Enhancement of Education Technology” is to support the modernization of the education sector, primarily technical and vocational education and training in Jordan. This project of the Ministry of Education is fully aligned with Jordan’s National Education Strategic Plan (ESP), the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy, the Education in Emergencies Plan (EDEP), the Human Resource Development Strategy (HRD), and the Gender Equality Plan.

The overall objective of the project is to increase access to safe, inclusive, and quality vocational education for Jordanian and refugee students in the public education system, leading to improved skills and job readiness for future jobs. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Education, supported by technical assistance and monitoring and evaluation by experts, and by a selected international development partner, under a separate agreement with Global Affairs Canada.

1. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
2. Develop comprehensive and clear technical specifications for equipment and all equipment for the ten new vocational specialties. These specifications will be used to identify the appropriate equipment and tools to carry out activities in professional laboratories for all ten disciplines: Creative Media, Art and Design, Hospitality, Tourism and Travel, Agriculture, Construction, Engineering (Electrical, Automotive and Mechanical), Hair and Beauty, Business, Information Technology.
3. Conduct a market assessment of the novelty and costs of this equipment locally, to ensure the development of specifications that achieve the best value for money.
4. Train the technical team at the Ministry of Education on the mechanism for developing technical specifications in line with the requirements of modernizing vocational education.
5. DESCRIPTION OF TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will work on the below:

• Requirements Review: Analyze the content of new professional disciplines, determine their purpose, educational requirements and applications to determine the types of equipment required, their functions and their technical specifications.
• Industrial Research and Comparison: Research current industry standards, best practices and technological trends for equipment that will support the new disciplines.
• Specification Preparation: Writing detailed technical specifications, including but not limited to:
  • Functional and performance requirements
  • Design and operational standards
  • Safety standards
  • Environmental considerations
  • Compliance with relevant industry and regulatory standards
• Consultation and Collaboration: Interacting with key stakeholders (internal teams, subject matter experts, relevant departments, engineers, technical experts) to gather information and ensure that specifications are consistent with vocational education objectives and educational requirements.
• Review and Improvement: Review and improve specifications based on stakeholder feedback.
• Market Research: Conducting a comprehensive market survey to assess the novelty and costs of required equipment in the local market.
• Training of relevant teams in the Ministry of Education: Training relevant teams on the mechanism for developing technical specifications for devices.
• Reporting: Providing a final report containing the completed technical specifications, market survey and training schedules for relevant teams.

All tasks will be carried out in continuous consultation and cooperation with the MoE to ensure alignment with their priorities and context.

The Consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Technical Specifications: A draft of the technical specifications for the required equipment according to each specialty for review by all stakeholders.
• Market Assessment Report: A detailed report on the costs and novelty of equipment in the local market.
• Revised Specifications: The final version of the technical specifications after incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Integrated training schedule for all relevant teams in the Ministry of Education
• Final Report: A comprehensive report including technical specifications, market assessment results, final recommendations on equipment procurement and training schedules.

1. CONSULTANT PROFILE
   1. Education

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field is considered an asset.

1. Experience and Skills

• Prior experience in preparing technical specifications for laboratory equipment and workshops for not less than 7 years.
• Knowledge of industrial and regulatory standards for laboratory equipment and workshops.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Knowledge in conducting market assessments in terms of quality and prices and evaluating suppliers.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal teams.
• Experience in cost estimation and budget analysis for technical equipment.

1. Language

• Fluency in Arabic and English – speaking, reading and writing.

1. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

• The Consultant will be contracted under the ‘Middle East Field Support Services Project’ (ME-FSSP), being implemented in Jordan by Cowater International, for Global Affairs Canada. The contract will be administered through the ME-FSSP.
• The Consultant will be responsible and accountable for the deliverables under this contract to the Education team of Canada’s Jordan Development Program, at the Embassy of Canada in Amman. The Consultant will work closely and collaboratively with MoE officials.
• Work will be performed out of the MoE’s premises or the Expert’s own office, and the Expert will be responsible for providing all required overhead, including maintaining internet access and an email account.
• When not operating from the MoE, the Expert is expected to use their own workspace, equipment and materials (office space is not provided).
• The Expert will be paid according to the agreed-upon daily rate based on the level of effort reflected in the monthly financial timesheet and reports. Activities and services rendered should be in line with what has been approved by the Education team of Canada’s Jordan Development Program, at the Embassy of Canada in Amman.

ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST FIELD SUPPORT SERVICES PROJECT

Launched in December 2021 and implemented by Cowater International, the Middle East Field Support Services Project (ME-FSSP) serves to support the international assistance humanitarian and development objectives of Canada’s Middle East Strategy by providing administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical services in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and the region. The ME-FSSP also supports Canada’s regional development programmes through the provision of technical specialists in multi-sectors and thematic areas including, gender equality, governance and human rights, environmental sustainability and climate action.