Bhutan

Support to MoLHR for strengthening labour market analysis and employment generation especially among youth and women

The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) has been conducting National Labour Force Surveys (NLFS) annually to trace the labour market situation in the country, and using its findings to formulate labour and employment policies and strategies.

However, the annual NLFS conducted over the last five years have provided a weak basis for the formulation of concrete employment and labour policies. The reasons include variations in labour market indicators caused by seasonality and other associated factors. In the absence of accurate and timely information, the MoLHR is faced with considerable challenges in identifying policies and strategies for addressing unemployment and in matching the skills of job seekers with those demanded in the market.

UNDP's support to MoLHR will contribute towards the:

• Strengthening of the Labour Market Information System and Analysis to guide national employment and human resource development policies, plans and strategies
• Preparation of a National Human Resource Development Policy
• Support the enhancement of job matching and counselling programmes effectively linking the supply side and demand side
• Support the strengthening of the apprenticeship and business advisory programme supported through public private partnership
• Establishment of an Income Generation Start- up Support Programme to support self-employment and start up of micro or small businesses

UNDAF Outcome	1: By 2012, opportunities for generation of income and employment increased in targeted poor areas.
CT Outcome	1.3.4 Labour market analysis strengthened to guide national employment and human resource development policies; 1.4.1 Community based MSMEs and cooperatives, particularly those of women and youth, supported through improved access to micro-finance, business development services, marketing, group formation and post harvest management services
CT Output	1.3.Capacity of the RGoB strengthened to formulate policy framework for Private Sector Development to respond to economic constraints and vulnerabilities with focus on employment generation and pro-poor growth; 1.4 New Micro and SMEs and jobs created with emphasis on women and youth
Project Location	All Regions
Project Duration	January 2009 - December 2010
Budget Outlay	US$ 905,556
Link to Workplan	Click on the icon to download