Deadline: 05-Sep-2025
The United Nations Development Program is inviting grant proposals to support the piloting of the Youth Guarantee in Albania. This initiative aims to ensure that NEET youth (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) aged 15–29 gain access to quality employment, education, and training opportunities. The program will focus on implementing a dual vocational education and training (VET) apprenticeship model in sustainable tourism for 50 NEET youth in Tirana, Shkodër, and Vlorë.
The pilot will be led by a Chamber of Commerce or Business Association, which will provide sector-specific insights and support the development of the apprenticeship program. It also aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of these organizations for future VET efforts and to test innovative ways to involve the private sector in green skills training. The project will collect lessons learned to shape a scalable national model under Albania’s dual VET framework.
The selected employers’ organization will take on several responsibilities, including mobilizing tourism companies, training mentors, supporting NEET youth with measures like transportation and childcare, and contributing to student evaluation and certification. All activities will be carried out in close coordination with national agencies and must align with Albania’s VET policy priorities.
The total funding available is USD 150,000, and the project is expected to last 13 months. Deliverables include an inception report, development of teaching materials, mentor training, company coordination, student support, quarterly progress updates, and a final report detailing outcomes and recommendations.
This call for proposals aims to build inter-institutional capacities for implementing the Youth Guarantee, enhance local partnerships to support NEET youth integration into the workforce, and strengthen the VET system’s ability to produce a skilled, green economy-ready workforce.
Eligible applicants include legally registered, non-profit Chambers of Commerce or Business Associations in Albania with active operations or membership in the tourism sector in the target regions. They must have proven experience in VET-related initiatives and private sector development. Co-applicants must meet similar criteria and demonstrate expertise in skills development within the tourism sector.
Ineligible costs include debts, interest, penalties, duplicate funding, unrelated equipment, and unspecified budget items. Only costs directly contributing to the project’s objectives will be accepted.
For more information, visit UNDP.
