CALL FOR EXPERT:

Short-term Expert, Industry Relations

Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education Activity

USAID funded Activity

The Kosova Education Center (KEC) in cooperation with the University of Iowa (UI) is seeking an individual to serve in a short-term, six-month position, as an Industry Relations (IR) Expert for the USAID funded activity, Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education. The IR Expert will establish and nurture relationships between Kosovo’s Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) and Agriculture sectors and universities for the purpose of creating and growing opportunities for young people and companies in Kosovo.

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

The Industrial Relations Expert will lead Activity staff and partners in facilitating private sector engagement to reform university curricula to match labor market needs, to cultivate opportunities for students to participate in experiential and applied learning with companies, and to assist Kosovo’s ICT and Agriculture sectors in pursuing applied research with universities. The IR Expert will be engaged from October 2023, as the 2023-2024 academic year begins, and continues through March of 2024. The Industrial Relations Expert will have critical responsibilities for facilitating the leadership capacities of the five university Faculties’ Industrial Boards. The Industrial Boards are a key driver of the strategies and approaches that universities pursue to ensure that their graduates’ in the ICT and Agriculture sectors have educational and applied experiences that optimally translate to professional success for themselves and their employers. The IR Expert will train and support the Industrial Board co-chairs in carrying out their duties, and the Expert will guide the Industrial Boards in working collaboratively with a focus on using data and advocating for actions that enhance partner cooperation and student learning. More specifically, tasks and duties will include the following:

• Provide technical leadership for the design and management of innovative partnerships with the private sector and 3 selected universities, their 5 Faculties, and 13 study programs.
• Support the operations and logistical needs necessary to improve the structures, practices, and interactions of the participating Faculties’ Industrial Boards.
• Strategically recruit, promote, and expand ICT and Agriculture industry involvement in Kosovo’s universities, and engage diaspora and Iowa industrial counterparts where prudent.
• Expand the number of private sector partners participating in the Activity, formalize Memoranda of Understanding, and deepen the quality of relationships with additional forms of cooperation and involvement between university and industry partners.
• Lead discussions and actively engage with private sector partners and university partners, the public sector, and civil society,
  including the diaspora community.
• Coordinate with donor community, public institutions, and the donor’s other funded projects to ensure harmonization of private sector and university partnerships activities.
• Train and work with Industrial Board leaders and members to effectively use relevant data, make recommendations for action, and advocate for university and industry stakeholder support.
• Incorporate data and information sharing and facilitate presentations and/or briefings to disseminate learning among Industrial Boards, end-users, and stakeholders.
• Properly document, communicate, and report on the progress and activities and interventions that fulfill required Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education Activity deliverables.
• Employ strong collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA)practices throughout all work activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five years of experience in a field related to private sector engagement.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (business administration, economics, or relevant degree)
• Knowledge and experience of business administration, private sector.
• Strong communication, supervision, leadership, and mentoring skills
• Experience working with diverse teams, and training teams to work cooperatively
• Working knowledge of and experience with donor-funded program management, policies, regulations, and procedures
• Experience managing complex relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong skills in managing Industrial Boards
• English language fluency, with excellent oral and written communication skills.

Additional Information

To be considered, please include a cover letter and CV or resume explaining your interest in the position.
In the subject of the email please state the position you are applying for.

Applications shouldbe submitted to vendepune@kec-ks.org by August 27, 2023.