ILO and Ministry of Youth and Sport Launch Job Search Club National Programme in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq (ILO News) – The Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and as part of the PROSPECTS partnership, officially launched the Job Search Club National Programme in Iraq. The initiative aims to empower young Iraqis with enhanced job search and employability skills, paving the way for their integration into the labour market.

The Job Search Clubs (JSC) initiative is an ILO-developed methodology designed to provide youth with structured activities that support them in finding suitable employment in a short period of time. The programme marks a significant step toward equipping Iraq’s youth with the tools and skills needed to navigate the job market effectively.

The first phase of the programme involves training over 25 facilitators who will deliver the Job Search Clubs across Iraq’s governorates, including areas with high rates of youth unemployment and displacement. These facilitators will play a critical role in reaching hundreds of young people aged 18-34, especially in regions most affected by unemployment and conflict.

© ILO

In his speech during the launch event, Dr. Ahmed Saad Alawi, Director General of National Programs, Regional Affairs and Scientific Care at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said: "Today, through the National Job Search Programme, we can reduce the gaps that stand in the way of young people finding job opportunities. By developing their skills and working to change the mechanisms of job searching, we aim to overcome the challenges young people face today."

The Job Search Club National Programme is part of the broader PROSPECTS initiative, supported by the Government of the Netherlands. PROSPECTS focuses on skills education, employment, and critical infrastructure in contexts of forced displacement, with the goal of improving the prospects of host communities and displaced populations.

In her speech, Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, said: "The population census showed that Iraq enjoys a demographic gift, as 60 per cent of the population is of working age. However, the high unemployment rate among Iraqi youth represents a major challenge. Data from the 2021 Labor Force Survey indicates that youth unemployment rates exceed 35.8 per cent. Launching job search clubs as a national program in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports is a crucial step to bridge the gap between young job seekers and the labour market."

The programme’s approach involves intensive, two-week coaching sessions where young participants will work with trained facilitators using tailored JSC manuals adapted to the Iraqi context. These sessions will cover essential skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and navigating job markets. Following the two-week programme, participants will receive ongoing support for three months, including regular assessments and guidance on their employment progress.

The programme is designed with inclusivity in mind, specifically targeting marginalized groups such as young women and displaced youth. Special outreach efforts will ensure these groups benefit from the programme, addressing the unique challenges they face in accessing the labour market.

Unemployment among Iraqi youth remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by the impacts of conflict, displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data suggests that unemployment rates among young people in the 15-24 age group exceed 35.8 per cent, with even higher rates among displaced populations.

The PROSPECTS partnership is a strategic four-year global initiative supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to the ILO, the partnership includes the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Bank (WB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), all working together to support host communities and displaced populations across the Arab States, East Africa, and North Africa.