Request for Proposals: The LSETF - USADF Employability Program (Up to 100 Million Naira Funding)

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Applications are open for The LSETF – USADF Employability Program. The United States African Development Foundation is collaborating with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (“LSETF”) to support 10,000 young people by equipping them with relevant industry trade skills that cut across sectors, including but not limited to: Education, Fashion, Technology, Construction, Business Support and Health.

The training period at the training center must be followed by a professional internship period in the same sector (or similar), a key measure of the project performance being the fast access to formal employment or entrepreneurship in the sector of training. Gender balance and inclusion of trainees from vulnerable groups are also key objectives of the project.

To achieve the program’s objectives, LSETF and USADF seek to engage Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) with proven experience in youth employment initiatives. VTCs will provide skills development training and paid job placements, aiming to secure full-time employment for their trainees. Through this Request for Proposals, LSETF and USADF invite qualified VTCs in Lagos State to apply for the LSETF-USADF Employability Programme. VTCs must train participants aged 18-40 (with at least 50% women and 75% youth aged 18-35), arrange internships of at least three months, and conduct monitoring and evaluation for a minimum of six months after training and internships.

LSETF – USADF Employability Program Objective

The Grantee is entrusted with the implementation of the LSETF – USADF Employability Program aimed at increasing employment and improving the economic welfare of youth in Lagos State, Nigeria, through vocational training and internship placement. The Grantee is encouraged to include in their response to this Request for Proposal a work plan with the number of beneficiaries and corresponding financial proposal (budget).

Key Responsibilities of the Grantee

Program Implementation

Planning and Reporting:
- Develop an annual work plan and detailed scope of work for program implementation.
- Submit a project implementation plan before the first disbursement.
- Conduct a market survey and skills gap analysis to identify high-demand vocations and associated skills.
Training Delivery:
- Conduct training courses for selected cohorts, ensuring certification for at least 90% of participants.
- Provide training materials, stipends, and support for trainees to meet program goals.
Internship Management:
- Ensure placement of 80% of trainees in three-month internships.
- Coordinate with employers and manage internship contracts and stipends.

Support and Capacity Building

Enhance the visibility of the training program through media outreach.
Build the capacity of staff and upgrade facilities, tools, and equipment for effective program delivery.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Develop and follow a monitoring plan.
Collect and report data on trainee progress and post-program outcomes, including income levels and employment rates.
Provide “success stories” and multimedia documentation of program impacts.

Collaboration and Oversight

Work closely with USADF, LSETF and their Technical Partner for guidance, training, and compliance.
Participate in financial management and reporting training.
Ensure transparency and accountability through third-party audits and progress evaluations.

LSETF – USADF Employability Program Funding Information

USADF, with the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee and after the period of project development and due diligence, shall award grants to the VTCs whose application Proposals have been determined to be substantially responsive to the requirements of the Request for Proposal and with the most compelling and competitive budget. Note that the maximum budget should be up to 100 Million Naira.

Expected Outcomes

At least 65% of placed trainees secure permanent employment post-internship.
Significant improvement in employability skills and economic opportunities for youth participants, with at least 50% female representation.

Eligibility Criteria for LSETF – USADF Employability Program

The VTCs must be able to train eligible participants between the ages of 18 and 40 (at least 50%of trainee beneficiaries are expected to be women, and at least 75% of trainees are expected to be youth between the ages of 18-35 years), place them in an internship of at least three (3) months, and ensure monitoring and evaluation of the program (up to a minimum period of 6 months after completion of training and internship).