Introduction to the ILO's programme on Jobs for Peace and Resilience

Conflict and disaster have severe implications for the world of work, while poverty, unemployment and decent work deficits can themselves become triggers of vulnerability and fragility. The Jobs for Peace and Resilience flagship programme (JPR) adopts a strategic approach that aims to contribute to more peaceful and resilient societies through employment, decent work and social dialogue. Guided by ILO’s Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation (No. 205), the JPR combines employment-intensive investments, technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills training, employment services and private sector and local economic development approaches in a coherent and context-specific manner. The programme builds on ILO’s decade-long experience and added value in promoting employment, decent work and structural transformation of the economy.

A modular local resource-based approach

Guided by rapid but rigorous assessments, the JPR combines demand and supply side measures for effective employment policies within the framework of the decent work agenda. It provides a modular and local-resource based approach focusing on the following key objectives:

• Providing direct job creation and income security
• Enhancing skills for employability
• Supporting self-employment, enterprises and cooperatives
• Bridging labour supply and demand

These key objectives are achieved through:
> Institution building
> Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
> Social dialogue

The Programme places a strong focus on youth and women, given the specific challenges and needs they face in situations of fragility, conflict and disaster. By enhancing the economic prospects and inter-group contact, and by addressing grievances of the most vulnerable communities, JPR projects aim to reinforce social cohesion and build resilience to future shocks. Considerations of how employment and decent work link to peace and disaster resilience are therefore key to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the JPR.

Building capacity for rights-based, inclusive labour market governance

Changes in capacities and practices of local stakeholders play a key role in the formulation and implementation of employment initiatives. The JPR puts first the needs and priorities of its target groups, which are discussed with relevant constituents and stakeholders. During the implementation phase, the JPR’s components are primarily channelled through national and local institutions, ensuring local ownership and sustainable capacity building.

The JPR contributes to the Decent Work Agenda by pursuing interrelated and mutually reinforcing strategies through a a downstream-upstream approach, where delivering quick and tangible benefits in terms of job creation, skills development, employment services and enabling business environment promotes inclusive and effective labour market governance, which is essential for sustaining peace and resilience in fragile situations.

Enhancing synergies with other flagship programmes and strategic partners

The implementation of JPR in fragile, disaster- or conflict-affected situations is closely coordinated with other ILO flagship programme activities, including in the crucial areas of social protection, child labour and occupational safety and health. Strategic partnerships and strong coordination with relevant United Nations agencies, other international organizations and development partners are also critical elements of the JPR.

JPR’s work to date

For several decades, the ILO has carried out development cooperation programmes in fragile and conflict-affected countries, including in response to major refugee crises. The ILO has worked in Afghanistan, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, Haiti, Libya, Mauritania, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, just to mention a few. Since 2017, the ILO has allocated US$6 million to reinforce its presence through JPR programmes in : Central African Republic, Comoros, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

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