Expression of Interest
Advisors and Experts
The National Skills Council is committed to bringing together diverse expertise to support the development of skills initiatives, research, policy, and strategic projects. Through this Expression of Interest, we invite professionals, practitioners, researchers, and subject matter experts to register their interest in contributing to upcoming opportunities.
As specific advisory, consultancy, research, or expert roles arise, details will be published on this page. Interested individuals may submit an application to be considered for the relevant opportunity.
Career Guidance
Background and Purpose
The National Career Guidance Network (NCGN), chaired and administered by the National Skills Council (NSC), brings together stakeholders from education, employment, industry and career guidance services to strengthen the quality, accessibility and coordination of career guidance in Malta.
The NSC is seeking to engage an external expert in career guidance to provide ongoing research-informed input, technical advice and capacity-building support to the NCGN and the NSC.
Overall Objective
The objective of this engagement is to secure specialist expertise that supports the NCGN in remaining informed, responsive and evidence-based in relation to career guidance, emerging careers, labour market developments and international best-practice. The expert shall identify relevant research, interpret its implications for Malta, and present it in a clear and practical manner for different audiences.
Scope of Services
The selected contractor shall provide expert support to the NCGN and the NSC by:
- monitoring and synthesising credible national, European and international evidence on career guidance, lifelong guidance systems, career management skills, emerging careers, skills intelligence and related labour market developments;
- preparing regular knowledge outputs for NCGN members, including a monthly newsletter and quarterly research update presentation;
- providing technical input and capacity-building support on relevant research, policy considerations, occupational trends and implications for practice;
- supporting expert review of key outputs related to the State of Play Report and the National Career Guidance for All Policy, once the respective tender is awarded;
- contributing expert ideas to the Malta Future Immersive Space Project, particularly in relation to career guidance and emerging careers.
Key Deliverables
4.1 Monthly NCGN Research and Practice Newsletter
The contractor shall prepare a concise monthly newsletter for circulation to NCGN members. The newsletter shall be 2–3 pages in length and shall provide a clear, focused mix of evidence and practical application. It shall be research-based, accessible and useful for day-to-day career guidance practice.
Each issue shall be organised around a clear monthly theme and shall include, as a minimum:
- a short editorial overview introducing the theme of the issue;
- a concise synthesis of selected recent research, policy developments, labour market data, emerging careers, changing skills needs or occupational trends relevant to career guidance;
- practical tips, reflective prompts or examples showing how evidence on skills demand, and labour market information can inform guidance practice;
- a small selection of suggested further reading from reputable sources such as Cedefop, OECD, Euroguidance, CareersNet, ILO, national agencies, academic sources and other recognised bodies;
- clear, reader-friendly language suitable for a mixed audience of practitioners, policymakers and institutional representatives.
The contractor shall identify topics, draft the newsletter, reference sources appropriately and submit a complete draft by the agreed monthly deadline.
4.2 Quarterly Research Presentation to the NCGN
The contractor shall serve as a resident presenter during NCGN quarterly meetings and shall prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation on the latest credible research in career guidance. The presentation shall either explore further a topic featured in the newsletter or cover an entirely different topic.
The presentation shall provide a concise, evidence-informed update on relevant developments in career guidance, including implications for policy, practice and the Maltese context.
The contractor shall submit the full presentation content, including slides, at least two weeks prior to each quarterly NCGN meeting. This is to allow sufficient time for review, feedback and any necessary amendments before delivery.
4.3 Internal Capacity Building and Technical Support
The contractor shall provide ongoing expert input to support the NCGN administration and the NSC Skills Intelligence Unit in staying abreast of developments in career guidance and related labour market evidence. This may include short briefings, written notes, informal knowledge-sharing sessions, input into internal discussions, and advice on relevant research or policy developments.
4.4 Expert Review of Policy and Research Outputs
Once the tender for the State of Play Report and the National Career Guidance Policy for All is awarded, the contractor shall contribute to the expert review of relevant outputs. This may include reviewing draft reports, commenting on the interpretation of evidence, identifying gaps or inconsistencies, and advising on how findings can be translated into practical and policy-relevant recommendations. The review shall be evidence-based and focused on relevance, clarity and usefulness for Malta.
4.5 Input to the Malta Future Immersive Space Project
The contractor shall contribute to idea generation and concept development for the Malta Future Immersive Space Project, particularly where the project relates to career exploration, future careers, emerging sectors, career management skills and labour market information. Input may include suggested themes, user journeys, content ideas, learning prompts, future career scenarios, and ways to make career guidance engaging and accessible to different target groups.
4.6 Annual Career Guidance Horizon Scanning Report
Once per year, the contractor shall prepare a concise strategic report
(approximately 10 pages) identifying the most significant international trends,
innovations, policy developments and emerging occupations likely to influence
career guidance in Malta over the next 3 to 5 years. The report shall include
practical recommendations for the National Career Guidance Network and the
National Skills Council, highlighting implications for policy, practice and
future priorities
Click here for Key Deliverables Summary
Expected Approach and Working Method
The contractor shall work in a proactive, organised and self-directed manner. Regular communication shall be maintained with the NSC on progress, timelines and any issues requiring clarification.
Quality Requirements
All outputs produced under this engagement shall:
- be grounded in credible and current evidence;
- include appropriate references to the sources used;
- be relevant to career guidance policy and practice in Malta;
- present international developments in a way that is meaningful for local stakeholders;
- include practical implications or suggested applications where relevant;
- be clear, concise and accessible to a mixed audience.
General terms
The contract shall operate on a rate-per-hour basis, up to a maximum overall contract value of EUR 5,000, excluding VAT, where applicable. The contractor shall invoice the National Skills Council on a monthly basis for the hours worked during the respective month. Each invoice shall include a breakdown of the hours worked and the services provided and shall be subject to verification and approval by the National Skills Council.
Duration
The engagement shall cover an agreed period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to performance, budget availability and the continuing needs of the NCGN and the NSC.
Register your Interest
Please click the link below and complete the form to submit your application.