Assessment of the local economic development

Project Description

EPICENTAR was contracted by UNDP Macedonia for the project of assessing the local economic development potentials of the three targeted manicipalites. EPICENTAR with this project provided support to the immediate and long-term needs of the returnees as well as to enhance systemic capacities of the Western Balkan authorities at central and local level to effectively address multi-dimensional vulnerabilities of returnees. The Project contributed to the socio-economic recovery of project beneficiaries from devastating consequences of COVID-19 pandemic.

In each of the target countries, the project supported establishment of local reintegration platforms in 3 municipalities, with a purpose of mobilizing public service providers, business community and civil society in co-designing and implementation of local strategies for reintegration of returnees.

The main objective of this assignment was to undertake an assessment of the local economic development potentials in the three target municipalities (Prilep, Ship and Shuto Orizari). The assessment mapped out the prospective local supply and value chains, which can generate quality jobs, assess the employability level of returnees and the needs of potential employers. The analysis highlighted the existing gap between demanded skills by the employers and the skills offer of the unemployed. The analysis particularly focuses on the skills gaps of the vulnerable population, Roma and the returnees This assessment was based on a research (questionnaire, polls, interviews or other innovative methods of data collection) conducted with vulnerable population, Roma and returnees, private companies, local banks, business support providers and Employment Agency.

Our aim was to:

1. Map out the economic development and jobs creation potentials in Shtip, Prilep and Shuto Orizari in the established local businesses or in foreign direct investment companies based on their growth plans.

2. Identifying the most relevant value chains and investment plans in the 3 pilot municipalities, assessment of the jobs creation potentials of local industries, the workforce needs and forecast of required skills. Additionally, potentials for integration of businesses run by returnees or Roma men and women in local value chains.

3. Considering the prevalent engagement of Roma and returnees as informal workers in these sectors.

4. Labour diagnosis of the current skills of Roma men and women and returnees, as well as the barriers for formal employment, employment experience in the country or abroad or in informal sector, employment preferences etc.

5. Review of the current skills development service providers and other business development services such as financial institutions, employment and self-employment support programmes, entrepreneurship support etc.

6. Provision of recommendations regarding the needs for soft skills, VET skills, on-the-job trainings, internships and apprenticeships programs in order to address the gaps detected in the assessment of workforce needs.

7. Analysis of the barriers that hinder current business, skills development and employment supporting functions to efficiently target Roma and returnees.

Project Details

  • Research Studies and Market Analysis
  • UNDP
  • 29-04-2022
© Copyright Auston, All Rights Reserved. Designed by EPI CENTAR International

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.