African Union Commission Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) Continental TVET Expert – Advisory Group

The need to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) through scaled up investments, the establishment of a pool of high-quality TVET centres across Africa, greater links with industry and alignment to labour markets has become urgent. This is with a view to improve the skills profile, employability and entrepreneurship of especially youth and women, and closing the skills gap across the continent.

The long-term challenges and possibility to grow and prosper in a rapidly evolving world requires skills that prepare young people for decent jobs, so that they can thrive and participate fully in society. One of the major socio-economic development concerns of many African government sis the growing problem of youth unemployment and underemployment. Without job-related skills, young people and adults cannot benefit from employment opportunities that offer a decent income. Supporting the youth to acquire employable skills through TVET programmes has therefore become a key development strategy of many countries.

It is within this framework that the African Union Commission has developed a continental strategy to revitalize TVET in Africa. The Strategy is grounded on an approach based on

a Paradigm Shift with an emphasis on skills for job creation, and draws on recent regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting TVET to foster youth employment

Purpose

• This call for expressions of interest is open to individuals holding the nationality of a Member State of the African Union (AU).
• The continental TVET Experts-Advisory Group will be composed of 20 members, drawn from experts in Vocational Education and Training, Foundations and Partners in Work Force Development, and the Private Sector/Employers.
• Membership is based on the expressed willingness & commitment to contribute to the agenda of the above mentioned program on a voluntary basis. Thus the role will not be remunerated but, group members will be given DSA and reimbursed for normal travel expenses in line with the applicable rules and procedures of the AU.
• While the membership selection process will focus primarily on the qualifications of the members in terms of knowledge and experience,the African Union Commission will endeavour to achieve, to the extent possible, an appropriate geographical, linguistic and gender balance, and representation of all re levant stakeholders.
• Members of the TVET Expert Group shall be appointed by the Commissioner, Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST) and serve for four years

• Persons or stakeholders meeting the basic selection criteria of a TVET/skills development expert or practitioner, or an entrepreneur or employer of TVET graduates and wishing to apply for a position on the Continental TVET Expert-Advisory Group are invited to submit their expression of interest attaching a detailed curriculum vitae and a motivation letter (2 pages maximum). Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Applications must be submitted by email to youth@africa-union.org not later than Friday 30th June 2017 with the subject line as Expression of Interest.