Market Systems Approach to Decent Work in Ukraine (inception phase)

Entitled Market Systems Approach to Decent Work in Ukraine (inception phase), this action-oriented research project intends to lay the foundations for a larger programme which, underpinned by solid market system development (MSD) analysis, will generate job opportunities for people at risk of socio-economic exclusion in selected sectors of the Ukrainian economy. This 8-month long ‘inception phase’ project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and delivered by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The main purpose of the inception phase is to generate adequate knowledge and substantive information on selected sectors that will help narrow the focus and better target subsequent action. This is done to ensure that the next phase of the project works in high potential sectors; understands the key systemic constraints and challenges to more productive and decent employment in those sectors; and implements interventions that simultaneously (i) improve market functioning, stimulate sector growth, and enhance employment opportunities (demand-side, or ‘pull’ interventions), (ii) consider the environmental sustainability aspect and (iii) ensure that these employment opportunities are accessible to those at higher risk of exclusion, particularly by building market-relevant skills for young people and women in vulnerable circumstances (such as youth NEET, rural youth, ethnic minorities, working mothers and inactive women with care responsibilities, low-skilled, informal and seasonal workers), and forcibly displaced persons (supply-side, or ‘push’ interventions). Thus, the ‘inception phase’ focuses on selected knowledge products, including a rapid sector selection exercise to identify three high potential (sub)sectors which can generate more productive and decent employment for the target groups; market systems analyses (MSAs) in the three (sub)sectors to identify the key systemic constraints to productive and decent employment; and a portfolio of concrete, systemic interventions per (sub)sector. The MSA will look at constraints in the sector itself as well as in support services, rules, regulations, and policies. The portfolio of demand- and supply-side interventions will define specific targets, timelines, and pilot areas for implementation. In addition to the knowledge products, the ‘inception phase’ will serve to generate greater awareness of the benefits of a systemic approach and thereby get buy-in for any potential future activities. The ‘inception phase’ will culminate in the detailed design of an ‘implementation phase’ project document that outlines concrete actions and suggests coalitions with local partners.

Project symbol

UKR/21/03/SWE

Admin unit

DWT/CO-Budapest

Start date

01/01/2022

End date

31/03/2023

Total allocation

496107

Total expenditure

Status

Closed

496107

Development Partners

Sweden, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

Country/Countries

Ukraine

Outcomes

Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises as generators of employment and promoters of innovation and decent work