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4.1.2 (b) Identification of target groups and their skills and interests
The appropriate selection of target groups will depend on the particular crisis or post-crisis
situation and the assessment findings. Criteria should be developed with crisis-affected
communities and other stakeholders, placing a priority on women, youth and vulnerable
groups. Once the target groups are selected, a profile of their existing knowledge, skills,
experience, and interests should be developed. Existing skills, knowledge, and experience
are usually valuable assets for livelihoods development, community rebuilding, and
economic recovery, and VST interventions should build upon these assets to the greatest
extent possible. Even in cases where market demand is not aligned with individuals’
past vocations, it is the case that the existing knowledge, skills, and experience that are
possessed by these individuals often provide a strong base upon which to upgrade or
develop new skills in line with market demand.
For sustainability of results, participants should be encouraged to undertake training only
in trades and subject areas that genuinely interest them and only if they have the ability
and time to complete training. Special attention is needed to identify vocations of interest
to women and girls through an economic empowerment approach that is focused
on women, without explicitly or implicitly directing these women toward traditional
vocations, such as sewing or baking. Youth should also be supported with additional
services such as coaching and mentoring. Crisis-affected communities should be involved
in identifying the interests and expectations of potential participants and the constraints
that may undermine their ability to participate.
4.1.2 (c) Selection and capacity development of VST providers and
trainers
VST providers may be government-run institutions, NGOs, CBOs, or private institutions. The
capacity assessment will provide useful information for identifying the key VST providers
and formulating a roadmap for developing their capacity to deliver services in a sustainable
and high-quality manner. The role of UNDP is typically to coordinate with other agencies in
supporting this capacity development. Support may include the provision of equipment,
training of personnel, and incentives for the inclusion of vulnerable groups. VST providers
should be encouraged to create an environment for training that is conductive to women’s
participation. This may require, for example, hiring more female instructors, setting up childcare
services, providing transportation, and/or offering time-flexible programmes. Refresher
training is often necessary for the staff of VST providers, especially when crises have been
protracted. Linkages with relevant government bodies, universities, private enterprises,
business and professional associations, civil society organizations, and donors can enable
an exchange of instructors and address shortages of qualified and experienced trainers.
VST trainers should possess appropriate skills and qualifications in their subject areas,
diverse backgrounds, and solid understanding of the crisis or post-crisis context. Awareness
of the concepts of economic recovery, local business protocol, psychosocial care,
sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response, or peace-building, may be
important to the particular situation. Women and men should be given equal opportunities
to serve as trainers.
4.1.2 (d) Training programmes
The training curriculum that is most appropriate in a crisis or post-crisis situation depends
on the assessment findings, the interests of target group members, and national and local
economic recovery plans. The findings of the market analysis and the profile of target
Livelihoods & Economic Recovery in Crisis Situations