IPA I 2007-2013 OPHRD

The projects implemented under OPHRD strategic objective were aimed to foster the development of human resources, in particular by improving the quantity and quality of human capital, leading to more and better jobs, higher growth and development and increased national competitiveness at international level.

The OPHRD projects contributed to achievement of four priorities defined around:

Priority Axis 1: Employment

Variety of technical assistance and twinning projects, supplies and works projects provided support to relevant institutions for attracting and retaining more people in employment. Substantial support was provided to Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP) and Employment Service Agency (ESA) for further development, modernization and strengthening of capacities for implementation of the national employment policy and active labour market measures and services. State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) was supporting in building its capacities for fighting undeclared work, as well supplies of equipment and vehicles for improvement of working conditions for labour inspectors were procured. Special attention in several projects was given for promoting social dialogue, social entrepreneurship and alternative child-care services.

Priority Axis 2: Education and Training

Technical assistance and twinning projects in education sector ensured support to the country for investing in human capital through better education and skills. Providing quality inclusive education for all was significantly strengthen though technical assistance for preparation of Comprehensive Education Strategy 2016-2020, quality assurance and control of the educational system, developing cooperation between higher education institutions, private sector and relevant public bodies and modernization of the system for post-secondary education. Substantial support was provided for enhancing synergies and links between education and labour market, through modernization of educational and training system, enhancing life-long learning of vocational education and training and adult education system, and further improvement of the system for development and implementation of the national qualification framework.

Priority Axis 3: Social Inclusion

In order to promote an inclusive labour market, variety of technical assistance, supplies and works projects were conducted aimed at fostering social inclusion of people and areas at disadvantage, promoting social inclusion services and empowering relevant actors at local level. As well, capacities of Social Work Centers (SWCs) were improved. Three grant scheme programmes were implemented by tackling issues for integration of women from minority ethnic communities in the labour market, fostering social inclusion and employment at local level.

Priority Axis 4: Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance to the IPA operating structure aimed at its capacity building and supporting the effective implementation, monitoring, interim evaluation, administration, publicity and information dissemination of the OPHRD.