CFPs: DEMO – Enhancing Decent Employment and Mobility Opportunities for Egyptians

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is inviting grant applications of up to EUR 1.2 million to strengthen employability and labour mobility for Egyptians in Egypt and Italy through institutional reforms, skills partnerships, mobility schemes and the establishment of the DEMO Centre.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is accepting applications for a major grant programme aimed at increasing employability and labour mobility for Egyptians, both domestically and through regulated migration pathways to Italy. The initiative seeks to address skills gaps, strengthen institutions and promote sustainable, rights-based labour mobility through coordinated policy and operational interventions.

Programme Objectives and Structure

The programme is structured around two Specific Objectives. SO1 focuses on strengthening policy tools and institutional frameworks by improving coordination mechanisms, job-matching systems, skills recognition processes and institutional capacity, while also promoting decent employment standards. SO2 aims to enable cooperating stakeholders to design and implement effective skills partnerships and labour mobility schemes that respond to labour market needs in both Egypt and Italy.

Establishment of the DEMO Centre

A central pillar of the call is the establishment and operationalisation of the DEMO Centre, envisioned as a national hub for employment services and labour mobility coordination. Applicants must identify suitable premises and propose a sustainable management and governance model that ensures accessibility, continuity and long-term viability. Through the DEMO Centre, beneficiaries will access job matching, career guidance, training referrals, employability services and support for skills certification and recognition.

Legal and Institutional Frameworks

The call places strong emphasis on institutional sustainability. Applicants are required to propose a draft Executive Agreement defining governance structures, roles and responsibilities under a public–private partnership framework. This agreement should secure long-term institutional commitment, outline financial responsibilities and ensure the operational integration of the DEMO Centre with relevant Egyptian authorities and systems.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Coordination

Capacity building is a core component of the programme. Applicants are expected to design and deliver targeted training for ministries, public employment services and TVET institutions to strengthen labour migration governance, job matching systems and skills recognition services. This includes support to specialised units such as the Pre-Departure Orientation Unit and initiatives that enhance coordination among national stakeholders.

Skills Development and Mobility Schemes

Applicants must design structured labour mobility schemes aligned with labour market needs in Egypt and Italy. These schemes should include pre-departure preparation, placement and follow-up components. Priority sectors include agriculture and hospitality for seasonal mobility, ICT and energy for medium- and long-term mobility, as well as internships and traineeships developed through partnerships with companies and chambers of commerce. The programme also promotes vocational and Italian language training, employability skills development and the use of digital tools for skills validation and job matching.

Inclusion, Rights and Vulnerable Groups

A rights-based and inclusive approach is required across all activities. The programme prioritises youth, women and persons with disabilities, and applicants must ensure accessible services, inclusive training environments and tailored communication strategies. All indicators must be disaggregated by age, sex and disability, and collaboration with community-based organisations supporting vulnerable groups is strongly encouraged.

Sustainability and Local Ownership

Applicants must demonstrate a clear strategy for sustainability and local ownership beyond the project lifecycle. This includes a long-term operational and staffing plan for the DEMO Centre, projected annual outreach to workers and employers, and financial sustainability mechanisms such as co-financing and formal commitments from national institutions.

Funding and Eligibility

The maximum grant available under this call is EUR 1,200,000. Eligible applicants include NGOs, public sector operators, local authorities and international organisations that meet the legal and administrative requirements, are legally established in eligible countries and can demonstrate direct responsibility for managing and implementing the proposed action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main goal of this AICS funding opportunity?
The programme aims to improve employability and regulated labour mobility for Egyptians by strengthening institutions, developing skills partnerships and operationalising the DEMO Centre.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
Applicants may request up to EUR 1,200,000 under this call.
What is the DEMO Centre?
The DEMO Centre is a proposed central hub for employment services and labour mobility coordination, providing job matching, guidance, training referrals and skills recognition support.
Are mobility schemes mandatory?
Yes. Applicants are expected to design and implement structured mobility schemes aligned with labour market needs in Egypt and Italy.
Which sectors are prioritised for mobility?
Priority sectors include agriculture and hospitality for seasonal mobility, ICT and energy for medium- and long-term mobility, and internships or traineeships through private sector partnerships.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include NGOs, public sector bodies, local authorities and international organisations that meet AICS legal and administrative eligibility criteria.
Is inclusion of vulnerable groups required?
Yes. All activities must follow a rights-based and inclusive approach, with specific attention to youth, women and persons with disabilities.
How is sustainability assessed?
Applicants must present long-term operational, staffing and financial plans for the DEMO Centre, including co-financing and institutional commitments.

Conclusion

This AICS funding opportunity represents a significant investment in strengthening Egypt’s employability ecosystem and creating safe, skills-based labour mobility pathways to Italy. By combining institutional reform, skills development, inclusive services and long-term sustainability, the programme aims to deliver durable benefits for workers, institutions and labour markets in both countries.