Upper Quartile and WYG secure multi-million Libyan employment programme contract
30 April 2014
Press release
Upper Quartile and WYG secure multi-million Libyan employment programme contract
International economic strategy consultancy, Upper Quartile, has secured the latest contract for its partnership with multidisciplinary consultancy, WYG.
The partners have been awarded a competitive £2.5million Department for International Development (DFID) contract, to deliver the creation of jobs for 18 to 35 year olds in Libya.
Following the conflict in the country, the Arab Partnership[1] awarded programme aims to improve the relationship between young job seekers and job centres in Libya, the SME Agency (Libya Enterprise) and 4 Chambers of Commerce throughout Libya and use this to change the abilities of this demographic to find work.
The changes needed to make this happen include working with both the private and public sector and equipping both with the necessary skilled staff, making them more accessible and improving training programmes.
Working with local Government institutions and people on the ground in Libya is the challenge for Upper Quartile and WYG, who have agreed a strategic partnership to offer pragmatic solutions to enable change and improve the quality of life of people around the world.
The Libyan contract is the latest in their partnership and will take advantage of their combined global networks and experience.
Gavin Jones of Upper Quartile said: ‘Currently, Libyan jobseekers face many challenges. Finding employment is currently largely dependent on personal connections, and jobseekers receive limited assistance from government institutions. Our role will be to ensure job centres are located in the right places and to give staff the training, motivation and equipment they need to not just register with job centres, but to reduce the gap between private companies and young job seekers.’
Gavin added: ‘Our tender for this project was successful thanks to our partnership with WYG and the unique understanding of fragile and conflict economies. Together, we understand the challenges of developing the private sector in difficult places to work, and we have performed a similar role in countries such as Rwanda, Nigeria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and across North Africa.’
Graham Olver, WYG’s Chief Operating Officer, says the contract verifies WYG’s strategy for growth in this sector. Graham commented: ‘The fragile and conflict affected states (FCAS) sector is hugely competitive, but there are few firms who can offer experience, value and expertise in tandem. Our partnership with Upper Quartile is a strategic investment to cement our position in this sector, and this contract demonstrates that it is proving a success for both parties.’
ENDS
[1] The Arab partnership is a joint programme between the FCO and DFID and is the UK government's long-term strategic response to the Arab Spring
Lisa Butler, PR and Communications Executive
WYG GROUP LTD
Arndale Court, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2UJ
Tel: : 44 (0)113 278 7111
Email: groupcommuncations@wyg.com
Twitter: @wyggroup
Notes to Editors
One of the top-ranking global consultancies employing around 1,400 people, WYG is behind some of the world’s most challenging projects. Our specialists provide expert advice and project management support that is helping shape landscapes, infrastructure, society and culture in the developed and developing world.
We advise on planning and transport, provide engineering and environmental services, consult on waste and resource management, and deliver support to enable economic and social reform.
By engaging with clients at an early stage we ensure that decisions are made which will maximise a project’s potential and deliver our client’s strategic objectives. In turn, this builds strong and lasting relationships with clients in each of our seven core sectors:
• Defence & Justice
• Energy & Waste
• Environment (including Waste & Waste Water)
• Transport
• Commercial Development & Urban Regeneration
• Mining & Metals
• Social Development & Infrastructure
WYG has an international presence with offices throughout the UK, and in Eastern Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, and South Africa.
