Job Creation and Skills Development
Better market-oriented skills and job prospects are key building blocks for fostering inclusive economic development in Moldova. Building on positive results achieved since 2017, Switzerland will continue strengthening public institutions, private sector stakeholders and excluded groups (rural youth, minorities, migrants) with a four-year contribution to a GIZ programme with a special focus on supporting dual professional education as well as SMEs and smart investment policies.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Moldova |
Vocational training Employment & economic development
Vocational training
Employment creation Business support & economic inclusion |
01.07.2022
- 30.09.2026 |
CHF 6’710’000
|
- The population of Moldova, with a focus on women, youth (NEET) and vulnerable groups such as Roma, people with disabilities and returnees. 5’400 individuals (including 600 through SDC contribution) will directly benefit from the project.
- Public institutions such as the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Investment Agency for Moldova (MIA) and for Gagauzia (GIA), the Agency for SME development (ODIMM), the Association of Roma Community Mediators and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Private sector (business associations, industrial parks, global/local firms, foreign/diaspora investors).
- The VET component was extended in 2021 to the Transnistrian region, with a conflict sensitive “Two Systems in One” approach.
- Other international or foreign NGO North
- Foreign private sector South/East
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EDUCATION
OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Vocational training
Employment policy and administrative management
Business support services and institutions
Cross-cutting topics Conflict reduction
The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project and programme contribution
Technical assistance inclusive experts
Project number 7F09304
Background | Moldova is among the poorest countries in Europe (EUR 5200 per capita). A quarter of the population lives in poverty (2020). 30.4% of youth are not in employment, Education or Training (NEET) (up to 39.9% for women and girls). Outmigration continues to draw young adults out of the country. Since 2020, successive health, energy and security crises have severely affected Moldova. The government elected in 2021 aims to advance economic and social convergence with the EU. Market-relevant skills are much needed. SMEs and private investors can play a key role in creating jobs and opening new markets. |
Objectives | The overall objective of the GIZ “Strong businesses and communities in Moldova” programme is to improve Socio-economic prospects for the population. The objective of this SDC contribution to the VET component, and the SME and investment component is to improve socio-economic prospects and economic resilience of the population through better functioning market systems, access to market-oriented skills, more and better jobs, which will result in net additional income to women and men, and in benefiting vulnerable groups. |
Target groups |
SDC co-finances GIZ programme with BMZ. This support is coordinated with the EU-funded program “EU4MOLDOVA–Local Communities”, supporting access to basic services and regional economic development in selected localities. SDC will continue to work with the Donor Committee for dVET (DE, AT and LIE) on VET, and with other like-minded partners on competitiveness and investment (USA, SWE, EU, EBRD, EIB, WB, UN). |
Medium-term outcomes |
VET Component: The GIZ programme significantly supported the adoption of the law on dual VET (2022), helped develop more than 20 new curricula, standards and occupational profiles. It also strengthened the role of private actors with the creation of 6’600 enrolment opportunities (incl. 200 in Transnistria) in 180 enterprises, 66 occupations and 42 VET institutions. SME Component: The GIZ programme created 4‘447 jobs (43% women, 30% youth; 111 Roma and 41 (former) detainees) and, during the C-19 pandemic, temporarily safeguarded 1’000 jobs in the automotive sector. It supported investors and subsidies, while improving the business climate. |
Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: VET Component: The GIZ programme significantly supported the adoption of the law on dual VET (2022), helped develop more than 20 new curricula, standards and occupational profiles. It also strengthened the role of private actors with the creation of 6’600 enrolment opportunities (incl. 200 in Transnistria) in 180 enterprises, 66 occupations and 42 VET institutions. SME Component: The GIZ programme created 4‘447 jobs (43% women, 30% youth; 111 Roma and 41 (former) detainees) and, during the C-19 pandemic, temporarily safeguarded 1’000 jobs in the automotive sector. It supported investors and subsidies, while improving the business climate. |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO Private sector Foreign state institution |
Coordination with other projects and actors | GIZ |
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 6’710’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 2’662’308 |
Project phases | Phase 2 01.07.2022 - 30.09.2026 (Current phase) Phase 1 01.12.2017 - 31.08.2022 (Completed) |