CFPs: Targeted Employment and Skills Development for Economic Aid Beneficiaries into Hospitality and Tourism Sector” (Albania)

Deadline: 19-May-25

UNDP Albania, under the United Nations Joint Programme “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania”, invites Civil Society Organizations/Social Enterprises/Licensed non-government Academic and Education Institutions based and/or operating in Albania to submit project proposals focused on enhancing employment opportunities and skills development for Economic Aid beneficiaries in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Aim and Priorities

• The selected Applicants are expected to implement the services in partnership with Local Employment Offices and business community and can partner/ create synergies with any of the governmental employment promotion programmes (through official partnership with National Agency for Employment and Skills- NAES).
• The main focus of the applicant will be to enabling of: Integrated employment and skills development services delivered in partnership with targeted municipalities of Lezha and/or Vora, non-public providers,
• The applicant can apply for Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 3, Lot 4 or for the four lots together.

Objectives

• Lot 1. Support inactive Women (Economic Aid beneficiaries) with intensive job counselling and placement services in Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Lezha and/or Vora municipalities.
• Lot 2. Establish partnerships and implement Traineeship Programme (Youth Guarantee programme) within the Tourism and Hospitality (T&H) sectors targeting youth within families benefiting Economic Aid in Lezha and/or Vora municipalities.
• Lot 3. Develop, initiate and deliver training programmes in the Hospitality and Tourism sectors by using the voucher scheme for vulnerable women and men (prioritizing adults within the economic aid scheme)
• Lot 4: Financial Support for Participation in Vocational Training Courses (Economic Aid beneficiaries, persons with disabilities and youth aged 15-29).

Funding Information

• The project should include a budget proposal from a minimum of 2,000,000 ALL to a maximum of 5,000,000 ALL.
• The duration of a Project should be not less than 12 months and not longer than 14 months.

Type of services and activities funded

• LOT I: Support inactive women (Economic Aid beneficiaries) with intensive job counselling and placement services in Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Lezha and/or Vora municipalities (linked to DCM 401, date 19.06.2024 and DCM 855, date 26.12.2024)
  • The objective of this lot is to support the establishment and extension of intensive counselling for employment delivered in partnership with NAES, experienced civil society organizations and/or municipalities of Lezha and/or Vora within the Hospitality and Tourism sector. With the technical support of UNDP, NAES has designed an innovative and inclusive Employment Promotion Programme titled “Social Re-integration programme”, adopted by DCM 401, date 19.06.2024, which has duration of up to six-month offering intensive counselling for employment to jobseekers (earlier referred to as Intensive Counselling for Employment). This programme offers holistic support to individuals prone to labour market exclusion. Its primary objectives include widening outreach, disseminating essential labour market information, and promoting training, employment, and self-employment opportunities. It is implemented in partnership with the employment offices and municipal social services, aiming at enhancing the existing mechanism for integrated service delivery (ex. Mechanism for social assistance beneficiaries, for people with disabilities etc.).
  • Through this LOT, NAES will be supported to expand this effective model to additional municipalities (Lezha and Vora), targeting at least 60 vulnerable jobseekersfrom the target groups within the sector of hospitality and tourism. Each grantee is expected to target at least 20 beneficiaries. The applicant will work with the Employment Offices and Social Services to identify the beneficiaries and to monitor their transition from social protection and care to work. To improve the integration between social protection and employment for adults in economic aid families within the specified grants lot, the following considerations need to be taken in account
  • This LOT aims to achieve the following objectives:
    • Support improvement of integrated case management protocols and capacity development for reintegration into the labour market of Economic Aid beneficiaries (with priority Tourism and Hospitality sectors), including by training of social administrators/employment office employees regarding integrated case profiling, assessment and overall management.
    • Support working age individuals part of the Economic Aid families, to be oriented towards active labour market measures implemented in partnership with the business community within the tourism and hospitality sectors, aiming the economic empowerment of the family and its reintegration.
    • Vulnerable jobseekers benefit from Intensive Counselling for Employment, delivered through each awarded project/ grant in this LOT. Total number of beneficiaries expected by each grantee is at least 20 individual.
    • Enhance the existing mechanism for integrated service delivery for the target groups, engaging with all the relevant labour market actors in the targeted municipalities, by including also the business community of the tourism and hospitality sector.
    • Capture and disseminate insights and knowledge from the previous models /pilot projects to the NAES and employment offices.
  • Indicative activities:
    • Improvement of integrated case management protocols and capacity development for reintegration into the labour market of Economic Aid beneficiaries, including by training of social administrators/employment office employees regarding integrated case profiling, assessment and overall management with priority in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors.
    • Combine income support with active labor market policies: Through the grants and in partnership with tourism and hotel industry, and all local related stakeholders, integrate income support measures with active labor market policies to help individuals adapt to changing labor market conditions. This includes providing immediate financial assistance while simultaneously enhancing employment prospects e.g. through reimbursement of travel cost and food and other important costs of participants during the period of vocational training or employment promotion programme attendance etc.
    • Address multi-dimensional barriers: addressthat inactivity and long-term income support can result from various barriers, such as skills mismatch, health issues, or childcare responsibilities. Use multisectoral approaches designed around individual needs, focusing on early intervention (e.g. support the mother register the child in chreche/ kindergarten or if needed support temporarily some care fees for the child to enable women in their employment prospects etc.).
    • Provide comprehensive support: Offer holistic support, including labor market information, and promote training, employment, and self-employment opportunities within the Tourism and Hospitality sectors.
    • Preparation and implementation of Individual Reintegration Plans to support selected targeted beneficiaries (registered unemployed jobseekers) of LOT 1 in the targeted municipalities, achieve their employment goals within the Tourism and Hospitality sectors.
    • Provision of individualised support to personal growth through life and soft skills (i.e. training to enhance beneficiaries (registered jobseekers) personal development and employability) within Tourism and Hospitality sectors.
    • Provision of group and individual counselling sessions (i.e. counselling for employment and career development, addressing multiple needs of beneficiaries etc).
    • Provide specialized employment counselling, self-employment guidance, and professional training (i.e. training and professional courses, employability mentoring and coaching) within Tourism and Hospitality sectors etc.
• LOT II: Establish partnerships and implement Traineeship Programme (Youth Guarantee programme) within the Tourism and Hospitality (T&H) sectors targeting youth within families benefiting Economic Aid in Lezha and/or Vora municipalities.
  • The objective of this lot is to support the integration into the labor market of youth within the group age 15-29 years old, that are not in employment, education or training through traineeship at the workplace within the Tourism and Hospitality sector. NGOs/ social enterprises/ licensed academic, education and training institutions can effectively contribute to improving the employability of Albanian youth while fostering partnerships that enhance the overall capacity of the hospitality sector. Proposed actions by applicants must be aligned with the adopted Youth Guarantee measure by government, under DCM 264, date 27.04.2023. The implementation of this program shall be carried out in accordance with the principles of cooperation and quality assurance in the vocational education and training (VET) system. This program can be offered in close cooperation between employers, participating young people, regional employment structures, and public institutions providing VET. Through this LOT, NAES will be supported to pilot this effective model to municipalities (Lezha and /or Vora), targeting at least 50 vulnerable jobseekers from the target groups. Each grantee is expected to support 15-20 beneficiaries. UNDP will work with the Employment Office to identify the beneficiaries and to monitor their transition from social protection and care to traineeship and work.
  • This LOT aims to achieve the following objectives:
    • Assist Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in individualizing and adapting training programs according to the needs of individuals and businesses within the Tourism and Hospitality Sector.
    • Enhance Employability of youth in need through Traineeships within the Tourism and Hospitality sector:
      • Develop and implement structured traineeship programs in collaboration with local hotels and hospitality businesses to provide practical work experience for youth. Ensure that traineeships are tailored to meet both the skills needs of employers and the career aspirations of participants.
    • Strengthen Partnerships with Local Businesses in T&H sector
      • Establish partnerships between NGOs, educational institutions, and the hospitality sector to create a sustainable network that supports youth employment. Facilitate regular engagement and feedback sessions with industry stakeholders to align training programs with market demands.
    • Provide Comprehensive Support Services
      • Offer career counseling, mentoring, and soft skills training to participants to enhance their employability beyond technical skills. Implement support mechanisms for families benefiting from Economic Aid to encourage participation and retention in the program.
    • Promote Awareness of Youth Guarantee Program
      • Conduct outreach campaigns to inform eligible youth and their families about the Youth Guarantee program and available opportunities in the hospitality sector.
      • Utilize social media, community events, and local partnerships to reach a wider audience.
    • Monitor and Evaluate Program Impact
      • Develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of traineeship placements and overall program impact on youth employment rates.
      • Collect data on participant outcomes to inform future program improvements and showcase success stories.
    • Foster Inclusion of Vulnerable Youth
      • Target outreach efforts specifically towards marginalized groups within the youth population, ensuring equitable access to traineeship opportunities.
      • Provide additional support services tailored to the unique challenges faced by vulnerable youth, including those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
    • Facilitate Transition into Sustainable Employment
      • Create pathways for successful trainees to transition into permanent employment within the hospitality sector post-completion of their traineeship.
      • Collaborate with employers to develop internship-to-employment programs that incentivize hiring of trainees
  • Indicative activities:
    • The grantee can assist Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in individualizing and adapting training programs according to the needs of individuals and businesses within the Tourism and Hospitality Sector
    • The employment promotion program under the Youth Guarantee Scheme can be carried out through 3 to 6-month vocational training courses via workplace learning, followed by an additional 6-month employment period.
    • Young participants in this program (trainees) engage in the practical component of the course for up to 32 instructional hours per week over four days. For trainees under 18 years old, employment conditions comply with child labor protection regulations (approved by Decision No. 108, dated 15.2.2017, of the Council of Ministers). One day per week, trainees will complete theoretical vocational training for four instructional hours at a licenced VET provider.
    • NGOs can supervise the implementation of the practical component of the vocational training course, the completion of theoretical vocational training, and the ongoing and final evaluation of trainees through the engagement of VET instructors in collaboration with workplace mentors.
    • The VET instructor at the public provider institution is responsible for: Delivering the theoretical course for four instructional hours per week at the public VET provider to ensure completion of theoretical training; Supervising trainees at the workplace for four instructional hours per week; Evaluating trainees at the end of the workplace learning vocational training period.
    • Upon completion of the vocational training course, trainees are assessed and awarded a certification document in accordance with the relevant legal guidelines on VET assessment, examinations, and certification for specific courses.
• LOT III: Develop, initiate and deliver training programmes in the Hospitality and Tourism sectors by using the voucher scheme for vulnerable women and men, prioritizing adults within the economic aid scheme (linked to DCM 646 date 05.10.2022)
  • The objective of this lot is to support the integration into the labor market of unemployed jobseekers through specialized trainings in the hospitality and tourism sectors, enabled through the financial support/ voucher payment of the training costs.
  • Albania’s tourism industry faces a critical shortage of qualified personnel, including tourist guides, waitstaff, hotel managers, maintenance services staff etc. The lack of skilled workers is a pressing issue for the sector’s growth and competitiveness. Many vocational training programs do not align with the needs of employers, leading to unqualified graduates entering the workforce. This disconnect emphasizes the need for targeted training initiatives. Through this LOT, NAES will be supported to pilot this effective model to municipalities (Lezha and/or Vora), targeting at least 100 vulnerable jobseekers from the target groups. Each grantee is expected to support at least 35 beneficiaries. Applicants under this lot must be licensed non-governmental academic and education institutions. UNDP will work with the Employment Office to identify the beneficiaries and to monitor their transition from social protection and care to training and work.
  • This LOT aims to achieve the following objectives:
    • Establish Partnerships on voucher scheme in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
      • Collaboration with Training and Educational Institutions: Partner with vocational schools, universities, and training academies that meet industry standards.
      • Engagement with Industry Stakeholders: involving representatives from tourism businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions to identify priority skills and qualifications needed in the sector.
    • Target through the Voucher Scheme
      • Focus on young adults, women, and marginalized groups to promote inclusivity in training opportunities. The scheme should encourage participation from those who might otherwise face barriers to accessing education.
    • Voucher Distribution: Create a system where individuals can apply for vouchers that cover tuition fees for accredited training programs in tourism and hospitality. This can be funded through the funds of the grants and in partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
    • Curriculum Development: Develop courses that include practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, focusing on areas such as customer service, management, and specialized skills like culinary arts or event management etc. Certification Standards: Ensure that programs lead to recognized certifications that enhance employability in both local and international markets.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
      • Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for collecting feedback from participants and employers to continuously improve training quality and relevance.
      • Impact Assessment: Regularly assess the impact of the voucher scheme on employment rates within the tourism sector to ensure it meets its objectives.
    • Promotion and transfer of the Scheme to NAES.
  • Indicative activities:
    • Community Outreach and Awareness
      • Information Campaigns: NGOs can conduct awareness campaigns to inform vulnerable groups about the training voucher scheme, its benefits, and how to apply. This can include workshops, community meetings, and informational materials distributed in local languages.
      • Targeted Recruitment: Focus on reaching marginalized groups such as women, youth, and ethnic minorities to ensure inclusivity in the training programs.
    • Partnership Development Collaboration with Training Institutions: NGOs can facilitate partnerships between vocational schools, universities, and training academies to align curricula with industry needs. This includes organizing joint workshops and meetings to discuss training requirements. Engagement with Local Businesses: Work with local tourism businesses to identify skill gaps and encourage their participation in the voucher scheme. This can involve setting up forums or roundtable discussions.
    • Curriculum Development
      • Needs Assessment: Conduct assessments to determine the specific training needs of the local workforce in hospitality and tourism. NGOs can gather data through surveys and focus groups with employers and potential trainees.
    • Program Design: Collaborate with educational institutions to develop training modules that incorporate practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, focusing on areas like customer service, culinary arts, and event management.
    • Training Delivery: Organize training sessions to ensure participants are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and teaching methods. Training can be delivered by partnering institutions and voucher payment is covered by the NGO though the funds of the grant.
    • Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship initiatives where experienced professionals guide trainees through their learning process, enhancing their practical skills and confidence.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
      • Feedback Collection: Implement systems to collect feedback from participants post-training to assess the quality and relevance of the programs. This can help in making necessary adjustments for future iterations
    • Impact Assessment Reports: NGOs can conduct evaluations of the program’s effectiveness in improving employment rates among participants, providing valuable insights for stakeholders. Advocacy and Policy Support: Based on their findings from monitoring and evaluation, NGOs can advocate for policy changes or enhancements to support ongoing training initiatives within the tourism sector
    • Sustainability Initiatives: Promote sustainable practices within the tourism industry through training programs focused on environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
    • Promotion of Success Stories: Document and share success stories of individuals who benefited from the training programs funded by the voucher scheme. This can inspire others in the community to participate and highlight the program’s effectiveness.
• LOT IV: Financial Support for Participation in Vocational Training Courses (Economic Aid beneficiaries, persons with disabilities and youth aged 15-29).
  • The objective of this lot is:
    • To increase the employability of unemployed jobseekers, including youth (15-29), persons with disabilities, and economic aid beneficiaries, by facilitating their access to certified vocational training courses.
    • To provide direct financial support covering course participation fees and travel costs, thereby removing economic barriers to skills development.
    • To ensure that beneficiaries acquire market-relevant competencies and nationally recognized certification, supporting their integration into the labor market.
  • This LOT aims to achieve the following objectives:
    • At least 20 unemployed jobseekers (indicative number) complete certified vocational training courses.
    • Increased employment prospects for participants through acquisition of market-relevant skills.
    • Strengthened cooperation between employment offices, vocational training institutions, and local coammunities.
  • Indicative activities:
    • Identification, referral, and enrolment of eligible unemployed jobseekers into public vocational training institutions.
    • Payment of up to 50% of the minimum wage as a participation fee (calculated by hours of participation) for each beneficiary for the duration of the course.
    • Subsidization of daily travel expenses for beneficiaries residing more than 5 km from the training center, in accordance with current tariffs and public fees.
    • Monitoring and documentation of attendance, completion, and certification of beneficiaries.
    • Collaboration with Regional Employment Offices and vocational training institutions to ensure effective implementation and reporting.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant shall be:
  • A non-profit organisation, a social enterprise or licenced Education and Training institution established in Albania.
  • An applicant that exercises its activity in the Municipalities of Albania.
• The applicant shall possess:
  • A court decision certifying the registration of the organisation/institution.
  • A Tax ID Certificate.
  • A bank account in ALL in the name of the Applicant. (Note: In case of a successful application, the applicant should open a separate bank account in ALL for all transactions under this CfP).

For more information, visit UNDP.