Running projects
Harmonization of curricula and occupational standards alignment for TVET institutes - CADENA/EASTRIP (WorldBank)
2021
For the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) project, and in cooperation with CADENA, North South Consulting is currently supporting the harmonization of curricula and operational standards of different key occupations in TVET education in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya as project manager of the Ethiopian team.
Baseline assessment rural One-Stop-Job-Centres - Caritas/EnJOY (EU TrustFund)
2021
We are in the final stages of a baseline assessment for the ‘Enhancing Job Opportunities and Employability for Youth and Women’ (EnJOY) project that focuses on the functionality, stakeholders and policy context of One-Stop-Job-Centres (OSJCs) as implemented by local government offices in 8 districts in Oromia and the SNNPR region of Ethiopia. This includes a stakeholder analysis, assessment of functions, roles and responsibilities of the OSJCs and an exploration of how the OSJCs are organized and located in local and national policy frameworks. The aim is to (re-)equip and (re-)organize OSJCs so they function as key stakeholders in job creation in rural areas.
Social Inclusion of urban poor Contribution to UN Aid Memoire - FAO
2021
For FAO, we assess the situation of poor vulnerable households in rural areas in Sidama, SNNP and Oromia. We assessed whether they are being effectively targeted in job creation programmes and how to facilitate the diversification of their livelihoods. We explored the main obstacles to their productive participation in the national economy and, more generally, the sustainability of their livelihoods in terms of food security and income. Further, we identified challenges and obstacles for the inclusion of these populations at the bottom of the pyramid in running NGO programmes, and formulated a way forward for their engagement.
Past achievements in sustainable impact
Virtual investment training for Ethiopian diaspora IOM
2020
NSC set up an online virtual bootcamp, provided for 20 Ethiopian diaspora with a desire to return to to invest in the country. The courses were divided in 5 different sessions and additional one-to-one coaching hours were organised. The training topics were focused on the PESTEL for business scanning of the investment climate, and Business Canvas Model in order to tailor the investors idea to the reality of the Ethiopian investment climate.
Staff training on community engagement strategies for the development of community based trekking routes – Yared Tour & Travel Plc (MVO Netherlands)
2020
With North South Consulting we supported this community certified tour operator to increase new destinations, using participatory techniques for stakeholder identification and community discussions.
The organisation was able to increase their products for travellers in very vulnerable areas, which is benefiting diversification of income for local communities. The organisation was also able to increase education opportunities for local communities in order to support diversification of income generation.
Ecommerce business development training - Graca Machal Trust Fund
2020
For 50 members of the Ethiopian Women Exporters Association we have organised an initial awareness raising workshop on the benefits of ecommerce to increase their export activities. All members already participated in export, but not all of them are satisfied with their results. In order to reach out to these members that have been pre-screened for this programme, this initial meeting will provide them with information about shipment methods, product tracking methods, mobile banking and online payment systems. They were provided with extensive information on how to start ecommerce through an online webshop attached to a social media campaign.
This initial meeting will have a follow up for the coming 2 years and is organised together with EWEA, Graca Machal Trust Fund, She Trade initiative, 50 million African Women Speak organised through FMSEDA.
System analysis on job creation - CADENA/SINCE EU Trustfund
2020
For the ‘Stemming Irregular Migration in North and Central Ethiopia’ (SINCE) programme, we published four case studies on 1) the creation of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) among TVET institution, PES and private enterprises, 2) the strengthening of Public Employment Services (PES), 3) the promotion of Decent Work within the private sectors, and 4) the promotion of Apprenticeship schemes. The case studies reflected on the impact of the SINCE programme and the experience of beneficiaries of the programme, as well as provide sound recommendations for the continuation of their efforts.
Job creation of urban poor - SNV/Sano plc.
2019
We provided Sano Plc. with advice on how to use funds to create jobs for local unemployed women and youth in different areas of Addis Ababa. These jobs are there to increase the sales of the product of the company, which are healthy drinks for an affordable price. Part of the work was related to conducting training of trainers with the Labour and Social Affairs offices. Providing support in selecting the appropriate beneficiaries that could form a small association in order to start selling the product for the company. The company was advised to work with a voucher system in order to create a less vulnerable situation and create a tracking system of sales.
Community Engagement for Abaya Geothermal concession - Reykjavik Geothermal Plc.
2018
The Abaya project is a 1.5 billion USD investment in the use of geothermal technologies in the energy sector. For Reykjavik Geothermal Plc., we identified relevant key stakeholders at the regional and national level in order to sustain investments in Ethiopia. We facilitated the stakeholder analysis and community engagement based upon the IFC/MIGA guidelines for the Abaya concession in the preliminary research phase. We supported the team of geologists to access the communities in 18 different kebeles in Wolaita zone, SNNP Region Ethiopia. The findings that came from the community engagement activities through community conversations and key information interviews have been verified in different workshops and presented in a final workshop to the SNNP higher officials, where the Ethiopian Energy Authority representative also was present.
Impact assessment in Afar - Stratex International Plc.
2013-2014
For this project, North South Consulting worked on community engagement in the mining sector of the Afar region for Stratex International Plc. Our contribution included discussions with local communities and government on sustainable livelihoods, access to basic education for pastoralist communities surrounding the camps and access to basic health facilities for the communities surrounding the camps.
NSC established a network with Mekele University, Mekele TVET and different international donors and INGOs to enforce key development programmes for the communities in Afar, like basic vaccinations as well as maintenance of basecamp equipment like airconditioning and generators.
Socio-economic & environmental impact assessment in Sidama and Bale - African Bamboo Plc.
2012-2013
Two local research teams were established and managed by North South Consulting to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment and Socio-Economic Baseline study in two Ethiopian regions. The assessment served to identify the feasibility of the purchasing of bamboo by African Bamboo Plc. and to understand necessary actions required to obtain the licences and certificates needed to produce an internationally viable product.
Baseline, Livelihood analysis Impact assessment in Tibila – aFRICA Juice Plc.
2009-2010
For this project, North South Consulting worked on community engagement in the mining sector of the Afar region for Stratex International Plc. Our contribution included discussions with local communities and government on sustainable livelihoods, access to basic education for pastoralist communities surrounding the camps and access to basic health facilities for the communities surrounding the camps.
NSC established a network with Mekele University, Mekele TVET and different international donors and INGOs to enforce key development programmes for the communities in Afar, like basic vaccinations as well as maintenance of basecamp equipment like airconditioning and generators.