The training course explores a variety of topics necessary to apply a labour-based approach, including the safeguarding of decent work conditions, technical and engineering designs for infrastructure, and sustainable business and contract management, among others. Strict prevention measures against COVID-19 were implemented on the training site, including specific spacing arrangements that allow for sufficient physical distancing and adequate ventilation, in addition to the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

After the successful completion of the theoretical training, a complementary practical training under the overall supervision of the ILO is planned. Once certified, participating contractors from the two states will be offered a trial contract to apply what they learned during the classroom training to their respective duty stations.

In 2020, the ILO conducted a market and community needs assessment to determine the priority intervention areas under the PROSPECTS partnership. The assessment identified water and healthcare facilities as pressing needs and key for the value chain development in the target areas. Based on these results, the ILO applied the Employment-Intensive Investment approach to bridge the humanitarian-development nexus through the rehabilitation of water and health infrastructure assets and the provision of immediate employment opportunities. By leveraging these employment opportunities, the project will enhance livelihood opportunities for both host communities and displaced persons.

Prior to the launch of the training, the ILO held a number of consultations with local contractors’ associations, local communities (both the host and displaced communities), as well as local government officials, to determine the scope of work and sensitize the stakeholders on the upcoming works. The ILO then widely disseminated the invitation to local contractors for participation in the EIIP (Employment-Intensive Investment Programme) training, receiving twenty-eight applications from the two states in total. After due diligence processes, including reference and legal documentation checks and capacity assessments, ten contractors (five contractors from each state) were selected.

Thirty representatives from the ten contractors, as well as eight representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Administrative Reform and Ministry of Infrastructure, will play key roles in mainstreaming the employment-intensive methods in the country, as a cost-effective alternative for construction works that have the potential to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities.