Job Opening: Project Management Unit Manager

I.                 About the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) Project

The Government of Jordan (GoJ) has received financing from the World Bank to implement the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) project, which has become effective in April 2020 and will continue until February 2027.. The YTJ project aims to improve digitally enabled income opportunities and expand digitized government services in Jordan. The project will build an impetus for private sector-led growth of the digital economy and make interventions to address specific constraints in the supply and demand sides of the digital economy.  The Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) is the implementing agency of the YTJ project.

Established in 2019 under Article 31 of the Jordanian Constitution and Law No. (9) of 2019, “The Technical and Vocational Skills Development Law”, the Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission (TVSDC) was mandated to motivate Jordanian youth to enroll in the TVET sector, contribute to job creation, promote entrepreneurship, address poverty and unemployment challenges, and support economic growth. Pursuant to Law No. (6) of 2025, the Amended Law on the Restructuring of Government Institutions and Departments, TVSDC was merged with the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions into a single entity under the name “Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC).”

Through the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) Project, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship has been supporting the former TVSDC—now operating within the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC)—in fulfilling its mandate, particularly with regard to supporting the National ICT Skills Council. In this context, the YTJ Project continues to support the Project Management Unit (PMU) within AQAC by facilitating the recruitment of consultants to enable the effective achievement of project objectives.

I.     ToR Objective

The objective of this Terms of Reference (ToR) is to identify and recruit a Project Management Unit (PMU) Manager for the PMU operating under the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC). The PMU Manager will support the preparation and implementation of PMU activities and will report directly to the President of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission.

II.     Responsibilities of the PMU Manager

1. Develop the strategic and implementation plans of the projects managed under the PMU with a strong focus on national employability programs.
2. Ensure that the AQAC identifies and drives the development and delivery of vocational and digital skills training programmes that are based on the current and future needs of the marketplace, through leveraging the output of the National Skills Council – ICT.
3. Develop and adopt a national demand-driven approach that will strongly inform the identification, development and delivery of skills development programs.
4. Create, adopt and manage the coordination mechanisms necessary to ensure the efforts/programmes/initiatives of all ecosystem stakeholders (including private enterprise, public sector agencies, academia, the civil society, donors, etc.) are aligned and integrated towards supporting the objectives of national employment programs.   
5. Manage projects’ lifecycle, implementation plans, resources, budgets, procurement, activities, and monitoring & evaluation.
6. Establish efficient business relationships with relevant departments and organizations in service to the projects’ objectives.
7. Oversee the reporting process and ensure that reports reflect the progress of projects against intended time-constrained milestones.
8. Build and sustain strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders in both the private and public sectors, including negotiating and coordinating the roles of stakeholders that are involved in project implementation.
9. Evaluate potential risks that affect projects’ implementation and set mitigation plans.
10. Plan procurement processes of works, goods, and services.
11. Oversee the closing of the projects at the end of their life cycles.
12. Represent the AQAC’s PMU as a decision-maker nationally and internationally.
13. Lead the PMU’s team.
14. Maintain deep knowledge and keep abreast of market/industry trends and changing dynamics as it relates to TVET and the skills development industry.
15. Oversee and follow up on all legal and regulatory matters of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC) and its projects, including legal advice, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and coordination with relevant authorities.
    Draft, review, and manage legal instruments and represent AQAC in all legal cases and proceedings, ensuring that all activities are legally sound and aligned with national and donor requirements.

III.     Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications

1. Significant work experience including leadership and management positions in the skills development industry, project management and any other relevant functions for a minimum of 8 years.
2. Strong analytical knowledge of TVET and the skills development industry and its role as an engine of economic growth.
3. Strong expertise in ecosystem building with a focus on TVET and skills development, including driving interconnectedness and collaboration between all key ecosystem players/actors.
4. Experience in implementing monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the impact of project activities and to track the performance of project beneficiaries.
5. Strong familiarity with diverse business and institutional functions, including legal affairs, marketing, public relations, product and program development, finance, and related operational areas.
6. Effective interpersonal, management, collaboration, and negotiation skills through experience and successful interaction with stakeholders such as local organizations, government, and TVET/Higher Education providers.
7. Demonstrated experience and competence in overseeing and following up on legal and regulatory matters, including providing legal advice, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, drafting and reviewing legal instruments, and coordinating with relevant authorities, with the ability to represent AQAC in legal cases and proceedings and ensure alignment with national and donor requirements.
8. Entrepreneurial mindset and high tolerance for risk, ambiguity and change.
9. Advanced written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English.
10. Excellent computer skills.
11. High level of cultural adaptability and sensitivity.
12. Willingness to travel as needed.
13. Regional & International experience is a plus.

IV.     Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in law, Business Administration, Education, IT, Engineering, or another relevant field. MBA or equivalent degree is a plus.

V.     Duration of Assignment

The contract period is for one year, renewable  according to budget availability and performance. The PMU Manager must diligently perform in a proper and efficient manner the duties set out within this ToR and any other tasks or responsibilities that may arise in relation to the AQAC needs.

VI.     Application

Only the most qualified and suitable candidates will be invited to interviews