Assessment of the value and recognition of qualifications as a driver of transitions to formality in the MENA region
Funding
Algeria, Lebanon, Egypt, Occupied Palestine Territory
2023 - 2024
Employability & Job Creation I Education
Research I Policy Analysis & Development I Human Rights
Introduction
Paeradigms spearheaded a comprehensive research project exploring workforce informality and its underlying factors, while assessing the impact of qualifications on transitions to formal employment.
Objectives
Paeradigms was brought in to:
Conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand the factors driving informality in the workforce.
Examine potential solutions to transition workers from informal to formal sectors.
Validate the assumption that formal qualifications can facilitate this transition
Background
The ILO-SOLIFEM project, backed by the European Commission DG-NEAR, aims to foster a shift from informal to formal economies in the EU Southern Neighbourhood nations. The initiative focuses on empowering governments, employers, and workers to formulate integrated formalisation strategies and establish national training and skills recognition systems.
Approach
Paeradigms’ methodology involved:
The research methodology adopted by Paeradigms was bifurcated into:
Desk Review: Conducted a meticulous evaluation of Recognition of Prior Learning schemes, compiling statistical data and scrutinising vocational graduate tracer studies. Relevant pilot projects and studies from the MENA region were also assessed.
Field Study: Centred on specific occupations in Lebanon and Algeria, the study delved into skills assessment, content, and certification. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were employed to gauge the role of formal qualifications in employment transitions.
Outcome
Paeradigms successfully delivered:
A tri-lingual report (English, French, Arabic) investigating the underlying causes of workforce informality.
Identified strategies that could potentially ease the transition from informal to formal employment sectors.
Evaluated the hypothesis that formal qualifications can facilitate this transition.