International Team Leader 100%

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is implementing the Education for Employment (E4E) project in North Macedonia, which aims to address structural labour market mismatches by strengthening the relevance, inclusiveness, and market orientation of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.

The project focuses on demand-driven skills development, stronger engagement of private-sector and public-sector institutions, and improved pathways to decent employment for young people, with particular attention to inclusion. E4E applies a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach and works closely with national and sectoral stakeholders to support sustainable, systemic change in the Vocational Skills Development (VSD) system. The project is currently entering its Phase 3 / Exit Phase (2026-2029), with a strong focus on institutionalisation, sustainability, transfer of ownership, and consolidation of learning.

The expected start date for this position is June 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

MAIN TASKS

  • Provide overall strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for the E4E project in North Macedonia.
  • Ensure high-quality project implementation in line with the approved intervention logic, donor commitments, and Helvetas standards, while steering the project through its exit phase with a focus on sustainability and transfer of ownership to key national actors.
  • Lead and supervise the project team, ensure effective planning, coordination, and risk management.
  • Oversee sound administrative and financial management and compliance with donor and organisational requirements.
  • Manage relationships and advise key project partners, particularly public-sector institutions and relevant private-sector actors, monitor the implementation of their activities, and ensure alignment with agreed objectives and roles.
  • Guide the consistent application of the MSD approach and adaptive management across project interventions.
  • Oversee monitoring, results measurement, learning, and knowledge management.
  • Ensure that learning, good practices, and evidence of systemic change generated by the project are properly documented, consolidated, and disseminated, preserving the knowledge base beyond the project’s lifetime.
  • Represent the project externally and maintain strong working relationships with donors, government institutions, private-sector partners, and other strategic stakeholders.
  • Perform Country Manager functions for 20% of your time. In this capacity, you will contribute to ensuring a conducive organisational environment for Helvetas in North Macedonia, including oversight of compliance with organisational policies, coordination with the Regional and Head Office teams, and support to sound administrative, financial, and HR processes.
  • Support the positioning of Helvetas as a credible development partner and knowledge broker in the country, contribute to institutional relationship management with key stakeholders and donors, and promote cross-project learning, knowledge sharing, and coherence in line with regional strategies.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum bachelor’s degree in economics, social sciences, development studies, education, or a related field; professional certification in project management is an asset.
  • At least 8–10 years of experience in development cooperation or related fields, including senior project management roles.
  • Proven experience in Vocational Skills Development, labour market interventions, or private-sector engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage project exit phases, including institutionalisation, handover of responsibilities, and consolidation and transfer of learning to national partners
  • Demonstrated experience in applying systemic or Market Systems Development (MSD) approaches in complex programmes.
  • Strong understanding of the North Macedonian context, including public-sector and labour-market institutions.
  • Excellent command of English; working proficiency in Macedonian or other relevant local languages, enabling independent communication with national stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency in standard office and digital collaboration tools.

OUR OFFER

At Helvetas, you will be part of a purpose-driven organization where your work creates meaningful global impact. We foster a caring and collaborative culture built on trust, flexibility, and accountability. You will grow in a professional environment that values integrity, empathy, and continuous learning. → We care. We commit.

The position is open to North Macedonian nationals and international applicants from the Western Balkans region. International applicants must demonstrate strong knowledge of the local context and the language skills required to communicate effectively with national stakeholders. Remuneration and contractual conditions will be applied according to the applicable Helvetas national or international compensation scheme, depending on the selected candidate’s profile.

We look forward to receiving your complete application including motivation letter, CV, and relevant certificates via our online recruitment system by March 01, 2026. For additional information, please contact Anastasia Bekish (anastasia.bekish@helvetas.org), Regional Economy Portfolio Manager, or visit our websites www.helvetas.org and Education for Employment @ Mk

 

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