Job pack: Hospitality Curriculum Design Advisor Country Pakistan Employer Hashoo Foundation (HF) is a progressive and dynamic non-government organization, leading the way in human development and poverty alleviation by implementing viable economic development, educational and capacity building programmes in Pakistan since 1988. Vision: HF envisages an ethical, equitable, inclusive and progressive society in which people live with dignity and have power over their own lives. Mission: HF s stated mission is to enable and empower communities to be independent by facilitating equitable access to opportunities. HF offers the International Vocational Qualification (IVQ) approved by City & Guilds UK and National Training Bureau (Govt. of Pakistan) based on the aptitude, interest and competencies of the target audience i.e. youth of 18-36 years who aspire to build their career in the hospitality industry. HF offers a unique 80% hands-on training in the Marriott hotel chain, Pearl Continental Hotels and Hotel One in Pakistan. It provides opportunities for youth to learn and practice the skills at a large scale through hands-on training under the supervision of skilled, competent professionals working in the hospitality industry. The majority of HF trained youth obtain employment within the Hashoo Group Hotels (HGH) providing an addition incentive for the trainees to improve their livelihood through relevant employment opportunities and build their career in a world-wide professional industry. Objectives: 1. Strengthen TVET sector through public private partnership in the field of tourism & hospitality 2. Promote best practices and work ethics as learning institution for the entire hospitality institutes in Pakistan. 3. Provide a platform to public sector to replicate and establish similar institutions in all provinces for creating more opportunities for youth development, women empowerment and entrepreneurships. Duration 6 months Page 1
Job purpose The Hashoo Foundation has taken the decision to establish an Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (HITHM), based in Rawalpindi. HF now require a Hospitality Curriculum Development Advisor to work with Hashoo staff to develop a relevant curriculum raising the standards of a range of hospitality trades and skills aimed at increasing the employability of H ITHM graduates. It is expected that the curriculum will meet the industry standards as set by IVQ, City and Guilds and the Government of Pakistan s National Training Bureau. Note: This is one of two jobs for the Hashoo Foundation that VSO is providing support for. The second is a Research and Market Assessment expert. The two roles are linked under the objective of providing relevant support to Hashoo Foundation in their initiative of developing the training institute with a relevant and dynamic curriculum. The work of the market assessment expert will feed into the objectives of the curriculum development specialist. Collaboration between the two volunteers will add value to Hashoo Foundation as well as provide peer support throughout the placement. Contents: 1. Job Description... 3 2. Personal considerations... 6 3. Background and contextual information... 6 Page 2
1. Job Description Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge There are number of institutions who are providing similar training in Pakistan and who have designed their own curricula. Prior to the volunteer s arrival, Hashoo Foundation will gather as many examples as possible to provide an indication of the level of training currently being offered in Pakistan. The role of the VSO Curriculum Advisor will be to: 1. Review the collected curriculum and modules and compare and contrast the available training with international standards 2. Share initial findings from the review with the HF Training Manager and Curriculum Development & Quality Assurance Officer. Identify and discuss areas in need of development or improvement and develop a draft outline for the design of content for the planned Institution. Curricula reviewed in line with international standard of IVQs, City & Guilds UK 1 Draft outline for the planned curricula presented to HF management Building and Sustaining working relationships The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal. Open Minded and Respectful A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture. Seeking and Sharing Knowledge Recognition that learning is a two-way and continuous process. Facilitating Positive Change The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches. Adaptability A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations. Resilience The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity. A minimum of Master or Bachelor degree in hospitality & tourism management or related field with minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience Proven experiences in developing systems, and procedures for developing modules and research Experience in stakeholders identification and development of linkages with them Proven and practical knowledge to share experience and learning. Excellent communication skills with good command in both spoken and written English The next steps will depend on the outcome of the above and the time available. However, in consultation with HF management and the VSO Senior Programme Manager, draw up a work 1 City and Guilds standard are considered as benchmark standard for Hashoo Foundation hospitality courses Page 3
Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge plan with achievable objectives and milestones for the remainder of the placement. The milestones likely to include: a core curriculum developed for each of the priority key trades expected to be included in the HITHM training programmes: Reception Operations services; Food and Beverage services; First draft curricula developed for Together with HF staff facilitate and guide the development of training manuals for teachers and trainers Faciliate a stakeholders seminar together with partners to present a draft curricula in order to seek comment, advice and recommendations Finalise draft curricular and modules and test them with HF master trainers and trainers. Revise and develop further the modules Present the final draft curricula to a further group of stakeholders prior to handing over the completed documents to Hashoo Foundation management. Draft training manuals developed First seminar held to present first draft curricula and supporting manuals and approved for trial 30 staff from HF and different stakeholders are trained as Master Trainers to test material and data collected All curricula and modules modified for final drafts Second stakeholder seminar held for final adoption of material and submission for official certification and accreditation. Stakeholders to include: NAVTTC; TEVTA; NTB. Page 4
Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge List of Acronyms: NAVTTC : National Vocational & Technical Training Commission TEVTA :Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority NTB: National Training Bureau TTB: Trade Testing Board COTHM: College of Tourism and Hospitality Management TTDC: Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab ITHM: Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management CTTS: Center of Trade and Technical Skills TEVTA :Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority Responsible to: The Hospitality Curriculum Design Advisor will report to Senior Programme Manager, and work in close collaboration with Manager MEAL Page 5
2. Personal considerations In addition to the job description, the following information should be used when considering whether a placement is suitable for you. Personal health considerations If you have a significant current or past medical condition and/or you have general concerns about staying healthy as a volunteer, please use this information to assess whether this placement will be suitable for you. All volunteers require medical clearance from a VSO medical adviser before they are able to take up a placement with VSO. Occasionally, VSO may consider that this placement is too great a risk for you in terms of your personal health and you would be advised to consider a different placement. If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances or health concerns in confidence with VSO s medical team before you apply for this placement please contact medical@vsoint.org. For further guidance about medical assessment and volunteering with a medical condition please see the frequently asked questions on VSO website. Access to medical care and support There are various public and private medical facilities available in Islamabad. VSO Pakistan refers its employees and volunteers to Shifa International Hospital Ltd which is located in sector H-8/4. It is a well-equipped hospital and is considered to be one of the best hospitals in Pakistan. It is on VSO s medical panel and all volunteers will be registered with Shifa. Shifa now has branches in F-11 and G- 10 sectors. There are also government hospitals which provide good health service the prominent among which are Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) at sector G-8/3 and Federal Government Services Hospital (Polyclinic) at sector G-6/1. In cases of emergency for any reason, including medical evacuations, VSO Pakistan has a detailed emergency system in place that will ensure volunteers are removed to a place of safety or transferred to an appropriate medical facility as soon as is possible. VSO is supported by the AXA insurance and medical repatriation scheme. Accompanying partner or family This is an unaccompanied position Duty Station: The volunteer will be based in Islamabad with travel to the field, possibly including Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi but please note that travel outside Islamabad will be subject to security clearance from the country office. Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan where lifestyle and living conditions are considerably better than some other cities of Pakistan. At the Hashoo Foundation Islamabad office, the volunteer will be provided with a work station and a computer. There will be access to the internet and emails during office hours which are flexible around a 40 hours week. The capital city is the fastest growing city in terms of population, economy and urban settlement in the country. Islamabad has been ranked second in the list of the world s most beautiful capitals. Wide, tree-lined streets adorn the various sectors and zones of the city, making much of it accessible and spectacular. Page 6
Transport requirements Hashoo Foundation will provide transport facilities for official travel to the field and pick and drop from residence to office. Islamabad is a metropolitan city and taxi is easily accessible. The cheaper public transport vans that travel throughout the city are not recommended to international volunteers. More reliable taxi services like metrocab are also available but cost more than regular taxis. The Government has just opened a Metro Bus service in Islamabad but it is only along one 23km route and may not be convenient to volunteers. Due to the security context of Pakistan international volunteers are advised to travel by Taxi. VSO Pakistan has increased its volunteer allowance in Dec 14 in consideration of this. Islamabad has an international airport, located at main Islamabad highway that has daily flights to and from the rest of the country and to other major international destinations. Caution will be required when travelling around Islamabad in the evening and whilst currently there is no curfew in place, VSO Pakistan may introduce one should the security situation require it. Until then all night time travel should be by taxi or with friends. Security information Being the capital of the country, Islamabad is host to the key government offices and ministries plus the diplomatic missions. Islamabad is also the hub of the development sector activities as almost all of the UN and other donor agencies, INGOs, and big national NGOS, have their offices there. Pakistan is often only featured in the international media when violent clashes between political, religious or ethnic groups have taken place. The impression that Pakistan is a violent Islamic fundamentalist society is a misleading one, and many volunteers commented that they felt safer in Pakistan than they did in their own country. But the security context of the country keeps on changing, there have been various acts in 2014/15 in different cities of Pakistan. Though Islamabad is a safe city, duty of care and adherence to security policies and protocols is expected from the volunteer. Usually foreigners are expected to be adopt a low-profile especially in outdoor activities and respect the local customs particularly as far as dress is concerned. According to VSO Pakistan security guidelines, Islamabad is a recommended area for placements. In Islamabad VSO will take care of security details for the volunteers. Volunteers are kept regularly informed about the security situation in Pakistan and are discouraged to travel to the areas and locations that are not considered safe. Volunteers are also expected to keep themselves updated on local news through newspaper or news channels. All international volunteers and staff in the VSO Pakistan programme will be subject to rigorous security policies. These undoubtedly will have some effect on freedom of movement, restricted access to particular areas, restaurants and other public places. If VSO Pakistan is to implement its duty of care policy, it is important that a volunteer interested in this job is willing to adhere to our carefully considered protocols at all times. The partner, Hashoo Foundation Pakistan has a Security Unit which will also keep the volunteer updated if there are any serious concerns. Any travelling outside Islamabad and to field stations will be subject to security clearance and approvals, mutually agreed between Hashoo Foundation Pakistan and VSO. The expected areas of movement of IV include Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, there might be needs of travel to Karachi and Faisalabad which will subject to security condition, alternatively volunteer may communicate with stake holders of these areas via (Phone or Skype) Please go through the Security Plan for Pakistan on the Pakistan page of the VSO Learning Hub. Page 7
Accommodation Accommodation in Islamabad is varied and for the volunteer can range from basic to well furnish depending on cost and whether or not it is supplied by the employer. As a minimum, the volunteer can expect an unfurnished room in a shared apartment or house with shared bathroom with a shower, kitchen and lounge area. In this case, VSO will provide a bed with mattress, sheets and mosquito net, a chair and table to work and eat from and a wardrobe or cupboard to keep clothes in. A fridge will be provided along with a range of kitchen utensils, crockery and an electric kettle. In general however, provided volunteer accommodation is of a better standard than that and although there is a strong likelihood that it will be shared, it will likely be better furnished and often has TV, easy chairs and washing machine. In most cases, internet access is not provided but can be connected via an evo internet stick. Mobile phone coverage is generally good. Power supply is often cut, usually for an hour here and there. Fresh food supplies are generally good but seasonal with a range of fruit and vegetables always available. Buying from the local shops and markets is more cost effective than the supermarkets although the occasional treat from the well-stocked shelves is hard to resist. Whilst there are many restaurants and cafes throughout Islamabad, it would be expensive to use them regularly. Cooking and eating at home is probably the best way of ensuring a balanced diet especially for vegetarians. Eating at home sharing a home-delivered pizza with friends is popular with volunteers! 3. Background and contextual information As part of its Supporting TVET for enhanced employability initiative, VSO Pakistan aims at strengthening institutions who are providing skills development training to increase economic empowerment opportunities, especially for women & youth. The Hospitality Curriculum Design Advisor is being placed with Hashoo Foundation Pakistan to support the design and updating of curricula in line with the needs of the hospitality industry to enhance the skills of youth and increasing their employability for the hospitality industry both in Pakistan and abroad. Since 1999, Hashoo Foundation had been working to impart employable skills training among youth through its flagship programme Hospitality Management Training Programme enabling them to obtain decent jobs in the hospitality sector or initiate small scale enterprises to enhance their livelihood. The Programme has trained 33,000 young people since 1999, 25% of whom are women and of whom 60% found immediate employment either in Pakistan or abroad. The Curriculum Design Advisor will support HF to undertake a technical review of existing curriculum on hospitality Management Training Programme and update it according to current market trends & needs. The volunteer will support to design and develop curriculum and training resource materials which cater the international requirements and relevant to tourism & hospitality industry. He/she will directly coach and mentor beneficiaries including staff members who will be able to take forward the tasks after the end of volunteer placement. The Curriculum Design Advisor is expected to design and develop curriculum and training resource material of international vocational qualifications relevant to tourism & hospitality industry. He/she will directly coach and mentor 35 beneficiaries who will be able to take forward the tasks after the end of consultant s placement. Consultant will directly benefit 35 key beneficiaries including 2 M&E Staff members, 5 Programme staff from Hotel Management Training Programme and 28 key Page 8
professionals from relevant institutions to work on curriculum development and bring uniformity across the board. Page 9