The objective of the assignment is to support EBRD and its clients to develop tailored inclusion models across a range of sectors and regions and to engage effectively with relevant public sector authorities in order to provide improved economic opportunities for youth (including young women) and local population in disadvantaged regions through skills transfer, training, and employment.

With large youth inclusion gaps in relation to education and skills mis-match and regional disparities persisting across many countries of operation, businesses face substantial challenges in recruiting qualified and motivated young people, particularly into blue collar or service jobs. At the same time, youth unemployment and NEET (not in education, employment and training) rates remain high, particularly in Turkey, the Western Balkans and the SEMED region, especially or members of vulnerable and marginalised groups. The Bank supports clients to address these business challenges through the development of inclusion models that are based on international best practice and tailored to the specific needs of the company. These focus on the establishment of stronger partnerships between employers and education providers to introduce effective work-based-learning and training opportunities such as apprenticeships (TVET) or traineeship programmes (graduate level).