Technical Specialist - Skills

Job Overview

This role offers a fixed-term contract of 12 months based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to provide technical advisory and capacity-building support within the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). The Technical Specialist will contribute to the Ministry's efforts in skills governance and lifelong learning under a multi-year cooperation program focused on women's empowerment, social dialogue, and eliminating child labor.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement technical activities relating to skills and lifelong learning, including planning, monitoring, evaluation, and concept development for additional technical assistance.
• Develop terms of reference and supervise consultants ensuring high-standard deliverables aligned with Ministry expectations.
• Review studies and reports to ensure recommendations reflect Saudi labour market needs and align with national policies and priorities.
• Facilitate implementation of study recommendations by translating them into practical policies, identifying stakeholders, overseeing execution, and providing technical support.
• Offer policy advice to senior Ministry officials including the Deputy Minister for Skills and Training and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Represent the Ministry in committees, meetings, or conferences focused on skills and lifelong learning as requested by senior officials.
• Analyze and summarize relevant legislative and policy documents prepared by other government bodies, with actionable recommendations for the Ministry.
• Prepare briefs to support Ministry representation in national policy forums promoting market relevant skills and employability.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to promote ILO standards on skills and contribute to technical reports on competency-based skills systems.
• Build capacity of TVET authorities and social partners to sustain improvements in skills policy and lifelong learning beyond the contract period.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by Ministry or ILO leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in human resource development, education, training, social sciences, or related field. A bachelor's degree with additional experience may be accepted.
• A minimum of seven years' relevant experience focused on human resource development and market relevant skills policies and programs, preferably including international exposure and engagement with TVET authorities and social partners.
• Full professional proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic is a strong advantage.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Strong ownership and integrity with ability to honor commitments within timelines and standards.
• Strategic thinking with capability to design and implement program goals aligned with objectives.
• Effective policy advocacy and advisory skills.
• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Research and analytical skills using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Experience in training design and delivery.
• Proficiency in drafting project proposals, policy documents, and procedural guidelines.
• Promotion of knowledge sharing and learning cultures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and stakeholder networking.
• Capacity to initiate and manage cooperation project activities.
• Strong negotiation skills and customer-oriented service delivery.
• Ability to support skills development and manage change effectively.
• Innovation-driven mindset with openness to new approaches.
• Cultural sensitivity, gender awareness, and nondiscriminatory attitudes.
• Familiarity with ILO policies and standards and advocacy for the ILO mandate.

Additional Information

The appointment is subject to ILO Staff Regulations and successful medical clearance. Contract extensions depend on funding, continued need, and performance. The recruiting process may involve digital assessments. The ILO upholds zero tolerance toward sexual exploitation and abuse and performs background verifications to ensure candidate suitability.

Eligibility

Applications are accepted from internal ILO candidates per Staff Regulations and from external applicants. The organization encourages female candidates and persons with disabilities to apply and provides accommodations as needed.