Specific Objective of this Assignment

Under Specific Objective 1 of the project, the primary objective of this consulting assignment is to conduct a skills gap analysis of the Transport Sector with a focus on the Marine Transport Sub-sector utilizing the ILO Rapid Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) methodology. The sector skills gaps analysis aims to identify the skills development gaps within the sector and to recommend strategies for addressing these gaps. The assessment will contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that can support the growth of the Marine Transport Sub-sector and contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.

The assessment for the Marine Transport sub-sector in Malawi further aims to:

• To identify the current and future skills needs within the Marine Transport sub-sector in Malawi.
• To assess the existing skills supply and the capacity of the education and training system to meet the skills needs of the sector.
• To analyse the impact of technological advancements and market trends on the skills requirements within the Marine Transport sub-sector.
• To recommend strategies for addressing skills development gaps and for building a skilled and adaptable workforce within the Marine Transport sub-sector.

Scope of Work:
The team of experts (both National and International) will coordinate with the TA Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, and national stakeholders to develop a workplan for the duration of the assignment, to include, but not be limited to, the following activities:

• Conducting a desk review of existing data/statistics, literature, policies, and reports related to the Marine Transport sub-sector and skills development in Malawi.
• Adapt the Rapid STED methodology through the following stages:
  o Stage 1: Sector position and outlook
  o Stage 2: Business capacity implications
  o Stage 3: Types of skills needed?
  o Stage 4: Number of workers by skill type
  o Stage 5: Skills supply gap
  o Stage 6: Proposed responses to the sector needs
• In a combination of strategic analysis and social dialogue, engage with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, education and training institutions, and employers within the Marine Transport sub-sector.
• Adapting a holistic and strategic focus on skills, identify and analyse the specific skills needs and gaps within different sub-sectors of the Marine Transport including boatbuilding, boat maintenance and repair, mechanics, etc.
• Assessing the capacity and effectiveness of the technical education and vocational training system in Malawi to provide the required skills for the Marine Transport sub-sector.
• Identifying emerging trends and technologies within the Marine Transport sub-sector and their implications for skills development.
• Assess the entrepreneurial potential for TEVET graduates in the Marine Transport sub-sector.
• Developing a set of actionable recommendations for addressing skills development gaps and enhancing the capacity of the technical education and vocational training system to meet the needs of the Marine Transport sub-sector.

Deliverables:
The team of experts will be responsible for delivering the following:

1. An inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools for the assessment.
2. A draft report presenting the findings of the Rapid STED assessment, including skills needs analysis, skills supply assessment, and recommendations for addressing skills development gaps.
3. A final report incorporating feedback received on the draft report and presenting the finalized findings and recommendations of the assessment.

The ISTE (10 days) should possess the following expertise and qualifications:

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in a subject relevant to the assignment (Education, Business Administration, Human Resource Development, Organizational Development TVET, Management, Economics, Research, Labour Markets);
• Over 10 years’ international experience of working (outside Malawi) in the training field and supporting institutions identifying and addressing skills gaps.
• Significant experience of working with senior executives and decision and a proven track record in conducting organisation-wide training needs assessments.
• Knowledge of the ILO STED methodology.
• Experience in the Marine Transport sub-sector.
• Experience in engaging with senior government stakeholders, private sector leaders and evidence of strong relationship building skills.
• Previous experience in Malawi or similar context including familiarity with transition countries is an advantage.
• Strong training, coaching, mentoring and facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.

The NSTE (15 days) should possess the following expertise and qualifications:

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in a subject relevant to the assignment (Education, TVET, HR Management, Business Admiration, Management, Economics, Research, Labour Markets);
• Over 10 years’ experience of working in the in TVET and the training and development field. In Malawi
• Proven track record in the different methodologies of skills analysis.
• Experience in the Marine Transport sub-sector.
• Significant experience of working with senior decision makers in TEVET in Malawi.
• Strong training, coaching, mentoring and facilitation skills.