1. Project title:   Kurdistan Region Labor Market Survey 2025 
2. Researchers: 

• Supervision team

Dr. Fraidoon Rashid 

Daban Abdullah Salam

Ahmed Faeq Ahmed

• Technical team

Roshna Akram Salih 

Ako Hama Ali Salih

Shno Muhamad Rashid

Chawan Jamal Nuri

Zana Kmaladin Muhamad 

• Academic team 

Dr.Chro Salih

Dr.Nawroz Othman Hussein

Ass.Prof.Khoshi Othman Abdullatif

L.Tara Salih Ali

Ass.L.Shagul Mahmud Shafiq 

1. Introduction:

Based on the decision of the Council of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Kurdistan Regional Team for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research has been assigned to carry out fieldwork and assess the labor market needs across various sectors of the private sector in the cities and towns of the Kurdistan Region. This project has been allocated for the 2024–2025 academic year and is planned to be implemented over a period of twelve (12) months in the governorates of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Duhok, and Halabja. The project will commence on 01/09/2024 and conclude on 31/08/2025. The overall labor market needs assessment process consists of three consecutive and integrated phases:

• Data Collection – Gathering relevant information and data;
• Analysis and Evaluation – Reviewing and analyzing the collected data;
• Reporting – Preparing the necessary reports and submitting them through the team leadership to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

1. Objectives:

The objective of assessing the labor market needs for higher education institutions is to collect and analyze relevant data and information that can contribute to developing workforce competencies and improving academic programs. This, in turn, aims to enhance graduates’ employability and their integration into the labor force.

This goal will be achieved by gathering the necessary information and data from various sectors within the private sector, specifically from top-tier companies that play a leading role in employment and productivity in the Kurdistan Region. The findings will be used to inform the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, assisting in the review and restructuring of academic curricula and the organization of departments within universities and institutes. The aim is to align these programs with the annual demands of the labor market and to prepare a locally qualified workforce—equipped with certified, relevant, and competitive skills—that will attract interest from companies and employers.

1. Funding Body:

   Kurdistan institution for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research

2. Total Budget:

Unknown 

1. Main Implementing Partner:

   Kurdistan institution for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research

2. Other Implementing Partners:

       None

1. Beneficiaries of the Project: 

    

• Private sector companies in the Kurdistan Region
• Universities, institutes, and other higher education institutions in the Kurdistan Region
• Graduates of universities, institutes, and other educational centers

1. Planned Start Date:

   1-09-2024

2. Planned End Date:

   31-08-2025

3. Duration:

   12 months 

4. Required Resources:

Final report organized by IREX in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

1. Initial steps:
   • Obtaining approval from the ministries and governmental departments of the Kurdistan Regional Government through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the purpose of collecting data and information from local companies and business entities in Kurdistan.
     • Providing financial and logistical requirements based on the budget of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the purposes of transportation, delivery, accommodation, seminars, workshops, and training courses.
     • Participation of university, institute, and other higher education institution staff affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, especially those located more than 200 km away from the Kurdistan Regional Team.
   • Participation of employees from government departments in the Kurdistan Region, in addition to collaborating with humanitarian organizations and cultural activities, according to the project’s needs and under the condition of data and information protection, without sharing data without the Kurdistan Team’s consent.

1. Challenges:
   • What types of companies and institutions will data and information be collected from?
     • Initially, data will be collected only from companies classified as Tier 1 and Tier 2 according to their size and scale.
     • Who is the best person (employee) to contact for information?
     • Depending on the company structure, human resources personnel are usually the best point of contact to obtain accurate information.
     • Should the Ministry of Higher Education assist in collecting information from companies in Erbil and Duhok?
     • To collect data from companies in all cities and towns across the Kurdistan Region, it is recommended that the Kurdistan team have offices in universities located in major cities. The Kurdistan team, in coordination with universities, will establish an office in each university.
     • Should the data collection be electronic or in a traditional (paper) format?
     • All data and information will be collected electronically and documented accordingly.
     • How will the project budget be provided?
     • Financial support and income for the team are limited, and this project does not cover those costs. Cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education along with support from universities is necessary.