International Consultant Opportunity: Labour Market Assessment for VET Programmes in Georgia|Deadline 16 Apr 2026
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking an experienced international consultant to conduct a demand-driven labour market assessment in Georgia. This consultancy aims to inform the design of certified vocational education and training (VET) programmes aligned with the needs of the private sector and emerging labour market trends. The assignment is part of the project “Building Resilient Futures for Migration-Prone Populations in Georgia (REforM)”, which focuses on enhancing employment opportunities, particularly for youth, women, returnees, eco-migrants, and other vulnerable populations.
Project Context and Purpose
Georgia faces complex labour market challenges, including:
- Persistent skills mismatches across sectors
- Limited access to quality and sustainable employment opportunities
- Climate-related vulnerabilities affecting rural livelihoods
- High outward migration, particularly among young people seeking opportunities abroad
The REforM project seeks to address these issues through private sector-driven skills development and employment interventions. While sectors such as IT, agriculture, construction, transport and logistics, and hospitality have been preliminarily identified, detailed data on priority occupations, skills requirements, and future labour market trends remain insufficient.
The consultancy will provide robust, evidence-based insights to:
- Identify high-demand sectors and occupations
- Assess employer needs and readiness to engage in training programmes
- Guide the development of VET programmes aligned with domestic and international labour market demand
- Strengthen the skills and employability of vulnerable populations in Georgia
Scope of the Consultancy
The consultancy will be implemented over 30 working days across three months, primarily remotely, with up to seven days of travel to Georgia. The international consultant will work closely with a national consultant to ensure strong local contextualization, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with national labour market priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
Desk Review and Initial Research
- Analyze labour market trends using reports and datasets from the National Statistics Office, Ministry of Economy, IOM, and other development partners
- Review policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks related to employment, skills development, and labour mobility
- Identify knowledge gaps and areas where additional primary data collection is required
Planning and Methodology
- Develop a detailed work plan and timeline, including sequencing of activities and stakeholder consultation schedules
- Prepare an inception report outlining the analytical framework, data collection methods, and stakeholder engagement strategy
- Ensure that methodological approaches are inclusive, participatory, and aligned with international best practices
Employer Needs Assessment
- Conduct surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs) with private sector representatives
- Assess demand for specific skills, emerging roles, and hard-to-fill positions in selected sectors
- Evaluate private sector readiness for programme collaboration, including apprenticeships and work-based learning
- Identify barriers and opportunities for labour market participation for youth, women, returnees, and eco-migrants
- Analyze alignment of existing VET programmes with employer needs and provide recommendations to close gaps
Sectoral Analysis and Recommendations
- Identify priority occupations and specializations for VET programme design
- Define required skills, competencies, tools, and certifications for each occupation
- Assess future skills needs considering digitalization, automation, climate change, and green skills
- Review potential international demand for selected specializations, particularly in European labour markets
- Provide actionable recommendations for pilot programme design, including private sector engagement models and partnership strategies
Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting
- Facilitate consultations with stakeholders to ensure alignment, ownership, and sustainability
- Present findings at a validation workshop and incorporate feedback into final reports
- Deliver a comprehensive labour market assessment report and a concise summary brief for decision-makers
Deliverables and Timeline
The consultancy includes three key deliverables:
- Inception Report – Methodology, work plan, data collection tools, and outline of labour market assessment report (by 15 May 2026)
- Draft Labour Market Assessment Report – Sector analysis, skills gaps, priority occupations, employer demand, alignment with VET programmes, analysis of target groups, and gender and environmental considerations (by 30 June 2026)
- Final Report and Summary Brief – Recommendations for VET programme design, sector prioritization, private sector engagement, and sustainability considerations (by 10 July 2026)
Required Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate will have:
- An advanced degree in economics, business, social sciences, or development studies
- Proven experience in labour market assessments, sectoral analysis, and workforce development
- Expertise in VET systems, curriculum development, and qualification frameworks
- Experience working with private sector stakeholders, vulnerable groups, and apprenticeship or work-based learning systems
- Familiarity with digitalization, green skills, and international labour market trends
- Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills
- Fluency in English
Competencies and Values
IOM emphasizes the following competencies and values for all staff:
- Inclusion and diversity – Respect for individual and cultural differences
- Integrity and transparency – High ethical standards and accountability
- Professionalism and courage – Composed, competent decision-making
- Empathy – Respectful and fair treatment of others
- Teamwork and communication – Effective collaboration and clear, motivating communication
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply through the IOM e-Recruitment system at https://shorturl.at/5CR8W. Applications must be submitted before 16 April 2026. IOM covers occupational accident insurance for consultants but requires candidates to provide proof of personal medical insurance for non-occupational coverage.
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