Years of instability due to the conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have adversely impacted Iraq’s economic growth, leading to a reduction in job opportunities for young people. Of an estimated 20 million Iraqis eligible for work, at least 2.5 million remain unemployed.

Through the Iraq Crisis Response and Resilience Programme (ICRRP), UNDP supports the country’s post-conflict economic recovery by building the skills and capacity of workers, employers, and the government.

In partnership with Mercy Hands, UNDP recently organized a vocational training programme followed by a job fair for over 100 Iraqis based in Shirqat and Baiji in Salah al-Din. To ensure an inclusive process, over 40 percent of participants were women.

“I have learned a lot from the vocational training we received. I made sweets and sold them in my neighborhood. The community received it well,” said Fayza Ali Rawi, a graduate from the vocational training course and baker based in Shirqat. Fayza is a mother of five and the sole breadwinner for her family.

The participants went through a two-month extensive skill training in either baking, sewing, blacksmithing, computer or electrical conducted by trainers from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA). On completion, they received MoLSA accredited certificates at a graduation ceremony.

While at the graduation ceremony, 23-year-old Omar Sobhi Hassan from Shirqat said, “I didn’t know anything about the art of blacksmithing before this. The course structure included a theoretical and practical approach. On completing the course, I have now started a small blacksmith business.” The opportunity came at the right time as Omar was previously unemployed.

Alongside the graduation ceremony, a job fair was held to link participants to potential employers. Shaima Ali Hamada, a computer skills graduate, received a job offer as a community health worker with a local non-governmental organization. “Even after studying hard and completing my bachelor’s degree, I remained unemployed for years. But through this project, I was able to upskill and link to employers at the same time. I am proud that I was one of the first graduates to get a job offer. Now, I have a reliable source of income to support my family. This motivates me and I have confidence in my capabilities now,” shared Shaima.

With over 141,000 people in Salah al-Din still displaced, generating sustainable livelihoods is key for people to return home safely. For Ismaeel Saleh Abd, a father of four and sole provider for the family, employment opportunities are a driving force to build back. “Initially, I was unemployed and found it hard to make ends meet. After enrolling in the electrical installation classes, I have started ad-hoc services to residents in my village. I feel financially confident and stable. I hope to save my earnings and set up a business one day,” said Saleh.

About the project

This project was implemented through UNDP’s Iraq Crisis Response and Resilience Programme (ICRRP) in partnership with Mercy Hands with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provided through KFW Development Bank.

In 2021, over 25,000 people are expected to receive short, and medium-term livelihoods support across Anbar, Diyala, Salah al-Din, and Ninewa. To date, through the programme 7,000 IDPs, and refugees have been supported through vocational training and more than 10,000 trained in business development.