VIETNAM:
PARTNERSHIPS IN HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM (PHER)

SCOPE OF WORK

Project Manager

September, 2022

1.     Context

The Partnership for Higher Education Reform (PHER) is a five-year initiative funded by USAID and implemented by Indiana University, aiming to modernize Vietnam's leading universities and strengthen Vietnam’s higher education system in alignment with USAID's Higher Education Program Framework.

As a background to the project, in recent years, the higher-education sector of Vietnam has benefited from significant government reforms and automatization efforts, leading to dramatic growth in the number of higher-education institutions and in gross enrollment rates. As the system continues to grow, new challenges include urgent needs for curriculum and pedagogy reform to produce an educated workforce; for improved capacity in innovation, research and development; and for more dynamic university governance to improve sector performance.

PHER builds on effective models, introduces innovative approaches, and develops new partnerships. Its strategy centers around four key pillars – Governance and Policy, Improvement of Teaching and Learning, Research, and University-Industry Linkages – and targets three major Vietnamese universities: Vietnam National University-Hanoi, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, and the University of Danang. Higher-education policy advocacy and reform, technology and digitization, and gender empowerment are critical, cross-cutting strategies for success across these four pillars and support the long-term sustainability of PHER outcomes.

Vien Sang Kien Vietnam (SKI) is a sub-awardee supporting IU to implement project activities in Vietnam. Therefore, SKI needs to recruit project managers to manage and coordinate each pillar as described above.  

2.    Scope of work

PHER requires contracting, through Vien Sang Kien Vietnam, one Project Manager (PM) based in Vietnam who will have the overall responsibility for the successful implementation of the project within the approved framework of authority covering 04 Project pillars: Governance and Policy, Improvement of Teaching and Learning, Research, and University-Industry Linkages. Specifically, the Vietnam-based Project Manager will:

• Lead the implementation of selected project activities under one of the 4 pillars (Governance and Policy, Improvement of Teaching and Learning, Research, and University-Industry Linkages);
• Provide technical inputs to the detailed design of PHER interventions under 4 pillars as necessary;
• Work with and support other project managers in other project activities;
• Work closely with IU team, Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) in project management activities;
• Report to COP and DCOP on project implementation progress in their scope of work.
• Provide inputs to annual work plan, AMEL (Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) Plan, and other plans as required;
• Prepare, or as appropriate, supervise the preparation of progress reports, annual reports, project completion report and other reports that may be required by the donor; and
• Other tasks upon IU and Project management team’s request.

3.    Requirement and Qualification:

The person suitable for this position should have the following qualifications:

• Bachelors’ degree or higher in the fields relevant to the assignment;
• Expertise, strong background knowledge, and working experience in higher education (HE), preferably in HE projects funded by international donors;
• Strong connection to and experience working with government agencies and HE institutions;
• Effective interpersonal, management and negotiation skills proven through successful interaction with stakeholders, including government officials, regional/local authorities, experts;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in team management and collaboration;
• Ability to respond to demanding deadlines of each members of the team;
• Fluency in English; and
• Computer literacy.

4.    Reporting and contract duration

During the fulfillment of requested works, the PM will ensure regular communication with the IU team prior to the delivery of expected results. The PM shall also ensure quality and timely delivery of the expected results and will regularly inform Project Management team on the progress and any challenges in project implementation. The PM reports directly to Project COP and DCOP.

Start Date: as soon as possible.
Contract Period: Twelve months/ year contract renewable.
Working hours: Normal working hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Work outside normal hours may be required.
Salary: Appropriate compensation will be offered to the right candidate.
Work location: Room 501, Icon 4 Building, 243A De La Thanh St. – Dong Da – Ha Noi.

To Apply: Submit cover letter and CV to [email protected] by October 12, 2022.

Organization: VNI
Location: Hanoi
Application deadline: 2022-10-12
Send application to: [email protected]