Technical Coordinator

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA/ HUMAN CAPITAL RESILIENCE PROJECT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: TECHNICAL COORDINATOR

The World Bank’s Board has approved US$20 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to finance the Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project (SLHCRP).The Project seeks to strengthen the resilience of Saint Lucia’s population by using a two-pronged approach to strengthen human capital.

The Project includes a component on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which focuses on the promotion of higher quality technical and socio-emotional skills and the transformation of the TVET sector from a supply-driven system to a demand-driven system that responds to a dynamic labour market.

The Social Protection (SP) component concentrates on strengthening SP Policy Frameworks and improving the implementation of flagship social programs with an emphasis on increasing the efficiency and coverage of the Public Assistance Program (PAP), Saint Lucia’s main cash transfer program.

The Project will be implemented through a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that will carry out the activities in pursuit of accomplishing the objectives. The PIU will be headed by a Project Manager (PM) who reports to the Permanent Secretary (PS), Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, the Project Executing Agency, now invites interested eligible individuals to submit Expressions of Interest for the position of Technical Coordinator.

The Technical Coordinator shall coordinate the implementation of activities associated with Component 2 of the Project – Strengthening the Social Protection System.

The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of sixty (60) months. Contracts will however be offered for one (1) year, and will be subject to renewal based on job performance.

Expressions of Interest will be evaluated based on the following: expertise, qualifications and experience in undertaking similar assignments. The Expressions of Interest should include the Consultant’s updated curriculum vitae including: (i) personal and technical skills, (ii) experience in working with similar projects in developing countries, and (iii) the names of at least three (3) references with contact information (e-mail address, telephone or fax numbers).

In the evaluation of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and experience – as delineated in the attached Terms of Reference for this position,- local and regional experience on similar assignments, and existing commitments.

Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicants will be invited to an interview. The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. The Department will not be bound to assign any reason for not shortlisting any applicant, and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Applications must be submitted in English to the address below and reach the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations no later than 4:30 pm local time on Friday, July 03, 2020.

Permanent Secretary

Policy & Administration Unit

Department of Education, Innovation & Gender Relations

4^th Floor, Francis Compton Building

Waterfront, Castries

SAINT LUCIA

Please note that the sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name and address of the applicant, and shall be clearly marked “Human Capital Resilience Project- Title of Position”.

Further information including details of the project may be obtained by contacting 468 5285/5259 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm local time, Monday to Friday, or by emailing cpusecretary@education.gov.lc

Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project –P170445

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Terms of Reference for Technical Coordinator

Background

The World Bank’s Board has approved USD$20 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to finance the Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project (SLHCRP). The Project aims to strengthen the resilience of Saint Lucia’s population by using a two-pronged approach to strengthen human capital. The components of the Project are as follows:

1. Strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) through enhanced enabling environments and course offerings for TVET, which will focus on the promotion of more and higher quality technical and socio-emotional skills and the transformation of the TVET sector from a supply-driven system to a demand-driven system that responds to a dynamic labour market.
2. Strengthening the Social Protection (SP) System through the enhancement of SP Policy Frameworks and improving the implementation of flagship social programs with an emphasis on increasing the efficiency and coverage of the main cash transfer program – the Public Assistance Program (PAP).
3. Provision of technical assistance, capacity building, TVET equipment and furniture, and Project Management support.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development (MoE) and the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment (MoEQ) will work closely with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the implementation of Project activities. The services of a Technical Coordinator are hereby being sought.

Objective:

The Technical Coordinator is expected to coordinate the implementation of activities associated with Component 2 of the Project – Strengthening the Social Protection System.

Terms of Assignment

The Technical Coordinator will report to the Project Manager. He/she will also be expected to work very closely with the Permanent Secretary, MoEQ. A travelling allowance will be allocated for this position. It must be noted that this post does not include relocation allowance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties/responsibilities of the Technical Coordinator include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and supervise the implementation of the Social Protection component of the Project as per the approved work plan and budget;

• Mobilize technical expertise by coordinating with subject matter experts and other stakeholders when required;

• Ensure strong technical quality in the Project’s reports, outputs and outcomes;

• Plan, coordinate and check the activities and deadlines of various activities under Component 2;

• Draft Terms of Reference for consultancies of the Project’s Social Protection component;

• Assist with the planning and implementation of relevant activities or surveys;

• Facilitate activities for the development of the Social Information Management System;

• Oversee the submission and review of consultants’ reports;

• Coordinate the preparation of the project status updates and reports; and

• Facilitate effective networking with various social assistance agencies and project partners for successful implementation of Project activities.

Skills and Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):

Master’s Degree in Social Development, Social Work, Social Policy and Administration or related field;

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Development, Social Work, Sociology or a related field from an accredited institution along with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field of social development/transformation/social work;

Training in Project Management would be an asset;

Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and solve problems using innovative, evidence-based solutions;

Excellent interpersonal skills evidenced by effective collaboration with professional colleagues in a broad range of non-governmental, governmental, and/or international organizations;

Excellent writing, analytical, organizational and communications skills including organizing, documenting, summarizing and presenting information;

Strong planning, organization and time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks; and

Ability to speak St. Lucian Creole would be an asset.

Selection Criteria:

1. Knowledge of Government’s project implementation process in Saint Lucia;
2. Experience in the implementation of World Bank projects in the Caribbean;
3. Training and experience in social development/social policy and the administration of Social Protection services;
4. Experience in Project Management;
5. Experience in preparing and implementing social policy/programming;
6. Suitable academic qualifications; and
7. Should be eligible to work in Saint Lucia.

Duration

The Technical Coordinator’s contract will be for a period of one year initially, and will be subject to renewal based on measurable performance in satisfying the objective of this position.