Creating inclusive employment prospects

Context

After years of conflict, the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region is still fragile: Many people face economic hardship due to destruction and loss or lack of income opportunities. The situation is especially severe for around four million people who returned to their home communities after fleeing the terror of the so-called ‘Islamic State’ (IS) and for around 1.8 million people who are still displaced. Iraq’s young population in particular needs income opportunities to build their livelihoods.

Objective

Refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities gain the necessary skills to find a job or start and scale their own businesses.

Approach

The project focusses on four areas:

1. Governmental services: Working closely with governmental actors to improve their ability to define and implement frameworks that allow internally displaced persons and refugees to participate in the labour market.
2. Skills for employment: Offering trainings for vulnerable persons so they can acquire skills relevant for the labour market, thus increasing their opportunities to secure a job. The focus lies on enhancing the capabilities and curricula of vocational training and career development centres.
3. Skills for entrepreneurship: Besides assistance in finding a job, youth are supported in starting an own business, which creates prospects for both entrepreneurs and potential future employees. This takes the form of business development trainings and financial support focusing on micro to medium sized enterprises that address social or ecological challenges. 
4. Flexible short-term employment: Using short-term cash for work activities to create income for vulnerable target groups, thereby stabilising their economic situation.  

Last update: September 2023