[Consultancy] TVET and Skills for Employment Consultations

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS

• Engagement type: Short-term consultancy
• Base location: Lagos, Nigeria, with hybrid working arrangements
• Level of effort: Up to 17 working days between 15 September and 31 October 2026
• Travel: Up to two weeks of field travel within Nigeria
• Expected start: Mid-September 2026
• Application deadline: 7 September 2026
• Fieldwork costs will be covered directly by the contracting organisations.

ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) seek a consultant to conduct an exploratory analysis of Nigeria's technical and vocational education and training sector and help design a youth skills-to-employment initiative, including specific attention to young women. The work will examine workforce readiness, alignment with labour-market demand and government priorities, and the interaction among government, education and training providers, employers and other stakeholders.

SCOPE OF WORK

TVET and skills-system analysis

• Analyse the structure of Nigeria's existing TVET and skills-for-employment system, including coordination arrangements and employer engagement.
• Identify key national and state actors, formal and informal training providers, ongoing programmes, government priorities, policies and available data.
• Assess system strengths, gaps and opportunities for improving workforce readiness and employment outcomes.
• Examine linkages among government institutions, education and training providers, employers, industry bodies and development partners.
• Document operational realities and constraints affecting skills delivery and transitions to employment.

Labour-market and sector assessment

• Assess employment and skills opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, information and communication technology, mining, health, manufacturing, aviation and logistics.
• Consider the role and potential engagement of Canadian companies and other private-sector actors.
• Examine priority states including Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi and Nasarawa, as well as growth locations such as Lagos.
• Recommend two to four priority sectors based on labour-market potential and gender equality, social inclusion and environmental or climate considerations.
• Assess opportunities and barriers affecting young women, internally displaced people and other marginalised young people.

Stakeholder mapping and partnership opportunities

• Map relevant government bodies, TVET institutions, employers, industry associations, chambers of commerce, private-sector actors and civil-society partners.
• Identify stakeholders and potential partners for consultation and future programme design.
• Explore how Canadian colleges, institutes, industry partners, training approaches and global expertise could contribute to a future initiative.
• Work closely with the assignment's gender equality and social inclusion expert.

CONSULTATION AND DELIVERABLES

• Prepare a detailed consultation and work plan for the assignment.
• Identify priority stakeholders and organise consultations for a two-week scoping mission.
• Participate in meetings, take accurate notes and provide interpretation or contextual guidance where required.
• Synthesise consultation evidence and analysis into a clear consultation report.
• Participate in a review and interpretation workshop with WUSC, CICan and relevant partners.
• Conduct agreed in-country follow-up after the field mission.
• Deliver practical, evidence-based recommendations to inform programme design.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or MBA in economics or another relevant discipline; a bachelor's degree combined with equivalent experience may be considered.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience related to TVET.
• Strong knowledge of TVET administration and development in Nigeria.
• Deep professional networks across relevant government, education, training and private-sector stakeholders.
• Demonstrated private-sector engagement experience.
• Experience in vocational training, employment programming or career guidance is an asset.
• Experience working with international NGOs, partner organisations, government institutions or civil-society organisations is an asset.
• Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Ability to manage complex work, use participatory methods and contribute effectively to an international team.
• Strong research, analytical, reporting and stakeholder-consultation skills.
• Strategic and systematic approach to assignments and deliverables.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, particularly for women and young people.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• Experience working with global, multidisciplinary teams and on similar assignments in Nigeria.
• The consultant must be based in Nigeria.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit:

• A cover letter demonstrating understanding of the terms of reference, relevant capacity and stakeholder networks.
• A current CV.
• Contact information for three references.
• Confirmation of availability for two weeks of travel between 18 September and 9 October 2026.
• A proposed daily professional rate.

VALUES, SAFEGUARDING AND INCLUSION

WUSC values responsibility, respect, honesty and excellence and does not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse. The organisations are equal-opportunity employers. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply; CICan also encourages applicants who are Black, Indigenous or people of colour and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and telephone enquiries are not accepted.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the official online application through the linked WUSC careers page and upload the full application package before the deadline.