Human Resources Advisor/specialist

Terms Of Reference (ToR) – HR Advisor/Specialist

Project: VTC Modernization – Pillar 1: Change Management

Location: Amman, Jordan (with travel to VTC centers as required)

Duration: 10-12 months

Reporting to: Team Leader, Pillar 1: Change Management

Background

Supported by UNICEF/Jordan, the Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) in Jordan is undergoing a thorough modernization process to improve governance, streamline business operations, and enhance human resource (HR) systems. Creative Associates International is submitting a bid to UNICEF/Jordan and is looking for an experienced HR Advisor/Specialist to lead the review and redesign of VTC's HR structure, ensuring it is fit-for-purpose, agile, and aligned with international best practices.

Objectives

• To assess and strengthen VTC's HR processes, systems, and capacity in alignment with new governance and business process reforms.
• To co-design and implement a robust HR framework that supports adaptive, accountable, and high-performing teams across VTC's central office and 30+ institutes.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• HR Systems Review & Assessment
• Conduct a comprehensive audit of VTC's current HR policies, processes, job descriptions, performance management systems, and capacity building initiatives.
• Benchmark VTC's HR architecture against regional and international best practices (e.g., Jordan, Egypt, South Korea, Turkey, and France).
• Map HR roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines to identify gaps, overlaps, and bottlenecks.
• HR Framework Design & Co-Creation
• Facilitate participatory workshops with VTC leadership, HR directorate, and center managers to co-design a fit-for-purpose HR framework.
• Develop competency-based job descriptions, clear performance metrics, and accountability mechanisms.
• Design and pilot new HR processes (recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance appraisal, incentives).
• Capacity Building & Change Management
• Develop and deliver tailored training modules for VTC staff and managers on adaptive leadership, change management, and HR best practices.
• Mentor VTC HR staff through shadowing, coaching, and communities of practice.
• Support the institutionalization of HR reforms, ensuring sustainability and ownership.
• Integration with Business Processes & Digital Systems
• Align HR processes with streamlined business workflows and the new digital MIS.
• Ensure HR data management and reporting are integrated into VTC's monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems.
• Reporting & Knowledge Sharing
• Prepare regular progress reports, recommendations, and toolkits for VTC and project stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for future scale-up.

Deliverables

• HR systems assessment report with benchmarking analysis
• Co-designed HR framework, job descriptions, and performance management tools
• Training modules and capacity building plan for VTC HR staff
• Pilot results and recommendations for HR process improvements
• Toolkit of HR policies, SOPs, templates, and digital resources
• Final report summarizing achievements, lessons learned, and sustainability strategy

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Human Resource Management, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 8 years' experience in HR systems review, design, and implementation, preferably in TVET, education, or public sector reform
• Demonstrated experience with international best practices and donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, UNICEF, World Bank)
• Proven track record in capacity building, change management, and institutional strengthening
• Strong facilitation, mentoring, and communication skills
• Experience with digital HR systems and data-driven performance management is an asset
• Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency strongly preferred

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the MENA region, especially Jordan
• Familiarity with TVET sector challenges and opportunities

Please submit your CV and daily rate. This is an imminent opportunity, so we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.