Training equips employer organization professionals with essential management skills

Between August and October 2024, participants undertook 40 hours of intensive distance learning. This culminated in four days of hands-on training at the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy during which participants also had the opportunity to meet and learn from peers from around the world. Through interactive activities and immersive role plays, they gained critical knowledge and skills in virtually all areas of modern management. These included, among others, good governance, strategic advocacy through effective social dialogue, membership development, service delivery, communication, and financial sustainability. 

As catalysts for economic and social progress, EBMOs play a vital role in advocating for policies that foster sustainable enterprises and enable the creation of quality employment opportunities. Managing an EBMO in a rapidly evolving and competitive environment requires advanced competencies to handle complex situations and address members’ needs effectively.  

The programme supported participants by not only deepening their knowledge and expanding their skillset, but also equipping them with innovative practices, tools, and collaborative strategies essential for effective management. This enhanced expertise will empower their organizations to amplify their voice and advocate for a competitive, enabling and fair business environment.  

This is what the ILO’s employer constituents said  about the training: 

This  master training has been invaluable, as our organization is  currently considering developing a new membership strategy. I gained practical insights and discovered tools that we’re excited to implement. Rolling out the Client Relationship Management tool (CRM) has become a top priority, and I look forward to continued support from the ILO to make this happen. Connecting with peers from around the world broadened my perspective on how to adapt to a rapidly changing and challenging environment, providing me with fresh ideas on how to effectively engage with members. 

Mersiha Jusic, Secretary General, Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina  

In my organization, I’m responsible for communication, marketing and education, and this training provided  the exact tools I needed. The sessions on strategic advocacy, member engagement, and effective communication offered valuable insights on how to connect more effectively with our members and stakeholders and amplify our voice. I now feel equipped with deeper knowledge and practical strategies to enhance the clarity and impact of our communications. I’m very grateful to the ILO for this opportunity.

Marina Jovanovic, Advisor for marketing and education, Montenegrin Employers Federation 

For me as a legal advisor and a relative newcomer in my organisation, this master training  was extremely useful. The sessions on governance, strategic advocacy and social dialogue deepened  my knowledge to better support my organization’s mission. I learned about practical strategies on how to navigate complex legal challenges and advance the voice of our members. This training has not only improved  my understanding of effective management but also equipped me to advise my team on initiatives that could enhance our organization’s impact.

Tamara Risteska, Legal advisor, Organization of Employers of North Macedonia  

Attending this master training  has been an incredibly enriching experience. I am thoroughly satisfied with the depth and quality of the course. The trainers were exceptionally professional and knowledgeable, delivering invaluable insights for my role as a Business Development Manager. Meeting and collaborating with peers from around the world was inspiring, and the diversity of perspectives added immense value to the experience. I am excited to pursue further educational opportunities and remain connected with this outstanding network of EBMO professionals. 

Djordjo Borovic, Business Development Manager, Montenegrin Employers Federation 

The participation of EBMO representatives in the master training was jointly supported by the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) and the Decent Work Technical Support Team in Budapest (DWT/CO-Budapest). 

The ILO promotes strong, independent and representative EBMOs through capacity building and technical support, enabling them to amplify the voice of business and provide impactful and relevant services to their members. 

For more details about the course, please contact ILO ITC Turin, Employers’ Activities Programme.