This notice is provided for information to the market, prospective tenderers and suppliers. DFAT is proposing to approach the market during the next quarter for the implementation of the Kiribati Skills for Employment Program (SfEP), the proposed name for the third phase of the Kiribati Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector Strengthening Program (TVETSSP).

The program will have an estimated budget of AUD20 million over 3.5 years from July 2016 to December 2019.

SfEP seeks to develop a more capable, qualified and mobile i-Kiribati workforce. The proposed investment in SfEP is aligned with Australian aid priorities in education, and with the priorities of the Government of Kiribati as articulated in the Kiribati Development Plan 2012-15, the National TVET Strategy 2013-16 and the Kiribati National Labor Migration Policy. Workforce Skills Development is one of four priority areas agreed under the Kiribati-Australia Partnership for Development. It is also a priority in DFAT's Aid Investment Plan for Kiribati 2015/16-2018/19.

SfEP will work towards the following outcomes:

• Increased (equitable) participation of 16-24 year old women and men in skills programs;
• Increased employability of Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) graduates; and
• Effective and efficient management of the skills sector.

SfEP will build on the existing skills program, and it will also include new initiatives to increase the quality and relevance of training to meet local, regional and international labor market demand, and to strengthen pathways to employment. This will include a Job Search Centre, work placements, partnerships with Australian Group Training Companies, and a vocational pathway bridging program to reach young people disengaged from the education system. The name change to Kiribati 'Skills for Employment Program (SfEP)' reflects the shift in focus.

SfEP will include a new Flexible Support Facility as an additional modality for the delivery of SfEP and related activities. This will provide a flexible delivery mechanism to more efficiently and effectively manage in-country development demands and strengthen alignment across our aid investments in Kiribati.

DFAT has prepared draft documentation further detailing the proposed scope of requirements for SfEP.

Attachments

1. Kiribati Skills for Employment Program (2016-19) - Investment Design Document [PDF 2.04 MB] | [DOCX 1.32 MB]
2. TVETSSP Phase I and II – Independent Progress Review Report 2015 [PDF 1.15 MB] | [DOCX 782 KB]
3. DFAT Management Response to TVETSSP Phase I and II – Independent Progress Review Report 2015 [PDF 84 KB] | [DOCX 106 KB]
4. Kiribati Skills for Employment Program (2016-19) - course summary 2015–16 [PDF 76 KB] | [DOCX 38 KB]
5. 2016 Delivery Plan for TVET SSP Phase II (to be uploaded as soon as it is finalised)

Questions or comments

All questions or comments should be directed to Kiribatiskills@dfat.gov.au

This information is provided for planning purposes only and it does not represent solicitation or constitute a request for proposal, nor is it a commitment to purchase or tender for any described services. The scale, scope and focus of any proposed program may change at any time and is subject to formal approval by the Australian and Kiribati Governments before any procurement process will commence. This information is subject to delays, revision or cancellations.