Deadline: 29-Jan-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting grant applications to support Syrian refugees in Egypt preparing for voluntary return to Syria. The program focuses on skills development, vocational training, green and digital skills, and self-reliance interventions to enhance employability and facilitate reintegration upon return.
What is the UNHCR Syrian Refugee Skills Initiative?
This initiative supports Syrian refugees in Egypt who are considering or have opted for voluntary return to Syria. It provides targeted skills development, vocational and technical training, and self-reliance interventions designed to align participants’ skills with labor market demand in Syria. The program also ensures recognition of certifications to facilitate smoother reintegration and access to livelihoods.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants are Syrian refugees residing in Egypt, particularly in the New Valley governorate. Special attention is given to youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Individuals must be preparing for or have opted for voluntary return to Syria and willing to engage in tailored training and employability support.
Focus Areas and Priorities
The initiative emphasizes: livelihoods and self-reliance, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), profiling and skills assessments of returnees, market-oriented skills development, certification and skills recognition, green and digital skills integration, and monitoring, follow-up, and learning. Training and interventions are practical, demand-driven, and adapted to Syria’s economic context.
How the Program Works
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Outreach and Information: Structured sessions inform potential returnees about available support and opportunities.
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Individual Profiling: Participants undergo profiling, employability assessments, and skills gap analyses to identify appropriate learning pathways.
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Tailored Interventions: Training and support plans are customized to strengthen employability and prepare participants for return.
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Vocational and Technical Training: Courses align with priority Syrian labor market sectors and include practical, hands-on components.
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Soft Skills and Employment Readiness: Complementary life skills, digital literacy, and job readiness support are provided.
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Green and Digital Skills Integration: Training incorporates solar energy, sustainable agriculture, environmentally responsible practices, and digital work opportunities.
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Monitoring and Follow-Up: Participation, completion, quality, and lessons learned are tracked to ensure effectiveness.
Why It Matters
The initiative empowers Syrian refugees to develop skills relevant to the Syrian labor market, supporting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. By providing recognized certifications, tailored training, and practical experience, the program facilitates smoother reintegration, enhances employability, and supports resilient community development upon return.
Tips for Applicants
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Clearly demonstrate the alignment of proposed activities with labor market needs in Syria.
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Incorporate practical and demand-driven training approaches.
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Include strategies for green and digital skills integration where relevant.
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Address accessibility and inclusion measures for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
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Establish monitoring and evaluation plans to track participation, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Neglecting market relevance when designing training activities.
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Failing to consider recognition of skills and certification for use in Syria.
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Excluding key vulnerable groups from participation.
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Lack of clear monitoring, follow-up, or evaluation strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who can participate? Syrian refugees residing in Egypt, especially youth, women, and persons with disabilities, preparing for voluntary return to Syria.
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Where is the program implemented? Egypt’s New Valley governorate.
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What types of training are provided? Vocational, technical, soft skills, life skills, employment readiness, and green and digital skills.
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Are certifications recognized in Syria? Yes, all training provides certifications and qualifications recognized upon return.
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How are participants selected? Based on profiling, skills assessments, and alignment with market-oriented interventions.
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Are green and digital skills included? Yes, integrated across training, including sustainable practices and digital work opportunities.
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How is success measured? Through monitoring, tracking participation and completion, and documenting lessons learned and good practices.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Syrian Refugee Skills Development initiative strengthens self-reliance, employability, and livelihood pathways for refugees preparing to return to Syria. By providing tailored, market-aligned training and recognized certifications, the program supports sustainable reintegration, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and long-term economic resilience.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.