The International Organisation of Employers (IOE), in partnership with the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) is seeking expressions of interest from an independent consultant to support research work on skills and education credentials across the Caribbean.

About IOE:

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers’ and business organisations. IOE is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, G20 and other global forums. IOE is recognised for its unique expertise, advocacy, and influence as a powerful and balanced voice for business at the international level. IOE consolidates the perspectives and priorities of national employers’ and business organisations in one single, effective, and coherent voice. Our vision is to create a sustainable economic environment worldwide, promoting free enterprise that is fair and beneficial to both business and society.

About CEC:

The CEC is a regional grouping of employers' organisations in the Caribbean Region founded in 1960. CEC aims to be the main stakeholder and advocate for the resolution of labour market issues for employers in the Caribbean as well as the coordinating body for the development of the “social responsibility” of enterprises in the Caribbean territories through their National Employers’ Organisation.

Background:

Businesses across the Caribbean report difficulty filling positions, not because of a lack of applicants, but because many job seekers do not have the technical and/or soft skills required. This mismatch between education and training and the needs of enterprises, that oftentimes leads to unemployment, underemployment, and labour shortages, is one of the most persistent growth constraints in the region. The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) are committed to facilitating sustainable economic development and enhancing the significant role that Employer and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs) play in advocating for practical, demand-driven policy solutions.

About the consultancy:

The aim of this consultancy is to support employers in the Caribbean in tackling educational and labour market challenges by exploring a regional approach to skills anticipation, the implementation of the CARICOM Skills Certificate, and collaborative approaches to data collection on skills needs. The planned research should aim to explore the current landscape of skills and credentials in the Caribbean, and examine
implications for economic development, workforce participation, and educational outcome.
The research document should:

• Evaluate the recognition of educational and vocational credentials across Caribbean nations and their alignment with labour market needs, with a special focus on the implementation of the CARICOM Skills Certificate.
• Explore innovative approaches and successful models from within and outside the region that enhance skills relevance and credentialing.
• Assess the implications of efficient migration systems in responding to labour market needs and producing fair and ethical recruitment.
• Review the effectiveness of different policies and initiatives in closing skills gaps, examining their implications for economic growth, workforce participation, and business productivity.
• Provide comprehensive recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and employers to improve skills development and credential recognition.

Expected outcome:

The final research document should be between 15-20 pages and should provide:
• a comprehensive understanding of the skills and credentialing landscape in the Caribbean.
• Identification of key challenges and opportunities for enhancing workforce skills.
• Policy recommendations aimed at improving skills development and credential recognition.

Timeline: 15 January to 20 February 2025

Location: Home based/Remote

Competencies:

• Knowledge and understanding of labour markets and diverse employment, migration and education policies
• Knowledge and understanding of CARICOM frameworks
• Knowledge and experience of business and the private sector in the Caribbean is a plus
• Knowledge and experience of employers’ and business organisations is a plus
• At least 8 years of work experience

Additional information: The consultant will work independently and will address statutory contributions in their country of residence. You must be registered as an independent consultant in your country of residence, affiliated with a university, or working through a registered organisation/company to apply for this consultancy.

Funding: the total funding available is 6000 EUR

Deadline for application: 2 January 2025

How to apply: please send your CV to projectprocurement@ioe-emp.com, and office@caribbeanemployers.com with the subject: SkillsCARIB2025