Transforming Employment in Kurdistan: ILO and MoLSA Host Job Fair and Introduce Job-Matching Platform

November 10, 2024

ERBIL (ILO News)—The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and social partners, has launched an innovative Job-Matching Platform under the EU-funded Joint Social Protection Programme for Iraq, co-implemented with UNICEF and WFP.

The Job-Matching Platform is a digital tool designed to simplify the recruitment process by linking job seekers with employers across Kurdistan. Developed by the ILO and MoLSA and overseen by the Kurdistan government’s Department of Information Technology, this platform aims to facilitate access to employment and help employers identify qualified local talent more efficiently.

MoLSA, the lead partner for the job fair, collaborated with the Kurdistan Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Kurdistan Region Trade Union, and the Ministry of Planning (MoP). The event attracted a wide range of participants from various industries, underscoring its significant impact on the local job market.

High-ranking officials attended the event, including Ms. Zakiya Said Saleh, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Kurdistan Region Trade Union, MoP, and the European Union.

Commenting on the platform's potential, Ms. Zakiya Said Saleh stated: “This job fair and the launch of the Job-Matching Platform mark an important step toward creating sustainable employment solutions in Kurdistan. By connecting job seekers directly with employers and providing the resources they need, we are empowering our local workforce and strengthening the region’s economy.”

Mr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation for the European Union, reiterated the EU’s commitment to regional economic development: “Today’s launch is more than a tool for employment; it is a step towards economic inclusivity, stability, and shared opportunity for all people in the Kurdistan Region.”

The job fair, held at the Erbil International Gallery in Sami Abdulrahman Park, welcomed hundreds of job seekers and employers from various sectors across the Kurdistan Region. This lively event fostered connections, networking, and direct recruitment. Attendees engaged in one-on-one discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, sharing insights on successful job matching. Many employers conducted on-site interviews, allowing job seekers to showcase their skills and secure potential job offers. Interactive sessions offered recruitment guidance, boosting job seekers’ confidence and preparing them for the evolving job market.

Mr. Gailan Said Aziz, representing the Kurdistan Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the platform’s benefits: “The job platform will be a valuable opportunity to showcase job opportunities and reveal hidden skills, offering employers a diverse range of options.”

Acknowledging the importance of the Job-Matching Platform and the job fair for promoting employment in Kurdistan, Mr. Igor Bosc, Social Protection Program Chief Technical Advisor, noted, “Based on ILO’s experience implementing similar platforms globally, for this initiative to succeed, we must encourage government oversight of other private job platforms and recruitment agencies, bringing them under the purview of this official platform to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance.” He also emphasized the importance of integrating the Job-Matching Platform into the overarching vision for promoting decent employment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to unlock its full potential.

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. Raghda Muhi

Communications and Outreach Officer, ILO Iraq

muhi@ilo.org

Tel: +964 790 194 6269