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Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency - Asia's Excellence in Public Service Award

In Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency (APEA) is central to managing employment services and maintaining a balanced labor market. With a citizen-centric focus, APEA provides vital resources for both job seekers and employers, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and digitalization.

APEA operates with one headquarters, 3 centralized branches (Central Monitoring and Evaluation Branch, Central Accounting and Appointment Branch, and Central Career Branch), 13 Regional Employment branches, and 4 Vocational Training Centers.

For job seekers, APEA offers user-friendly job search tools, personalized career counseling, vocational training programs, and support for self-employment. This commitment to enhancing employability includes clear criteria for participation and ensuring equal access to programs to enforce them to involve into workforce.

Moreover, APEA has spearheaded digitalization efforts within the labor market through the establishment of the "Labour and Employment" subsystem (AMAS). This transformative platform offers a centralized electronic hub accessible to employers, employees, the unemployed, and job seekers equally. This digitalization drive has led to a substantial decrease in paper document turnover, marking a significant shift towards efficient and eco-friendly digital processes.

APEA is affiliated with numerous international organizations such as the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), European Social Network (ESN), the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and UNESCO-UNEVOC. Additionally, APEA maintains partnership relations with various countries, including Türkiye, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, the Republic of Korea, and international organizations like GIZ, UAFA, and SOCIEUX+. These partnerships enable APEA to adopt best practices from leading countries, contributing to the improvement of employment issues in Azerbaijan.

The management of employment services and maintenance of a balanced labor market in Azerbaijan are heavily reliant on the Agency. APEA emphasizes accountability, transparency, and digitization while focusing on the needs of citizens. It offers employers and job seekers essential resources.

APEA has numerous digital and social project that facilitate the developments of the employment of population. However, we will provide brief information about some of them.

The digital projects initiative aims to leverage technology to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of employment services. These projects facilitate the digitalization of various processes within the agency, streamlining operations and improving access to services for both job seekers and employers.

AMAS is one of the key digital projects is the implementation of online platforms for job search and recruitment. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces for job seekers to browse vacancies and submit applications, while also offering tools for employers to post job openings and manage recruitment processes digitally. This digitalization of the job market reduces barriers to entry and increases opportunities for matching job seekers with suitable employment opportunities.

The Employment Map project, led by the APEA, is another digital initiative aimed at improving job search efficiency and transparency nationwide. In collaboration with diverse partners, including government bodies, international organizations, and private sector entities, the project provides a comprehensive overview of employment opportunities and labor market trends across Azerbaijan. By leveraging digital technology, the Employment Map fosters informed decision-making for both job seekers and employers, ultimately contributing to enhanced workforce participation and economic growth.

The "Bacar" digital project that serves as a comprehensive platform aimed at enhancing vocational education and training opportunities across the country and aligned with its membership in UNESCO-UNEVOC, aims to revolutionize vocational education and training (TVET) in the country. Developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, international organizations, and private sector partners, Bacar provides accessible and innovative vocational courses and resources. By leveraging digital technology, the platform supports UNESCO-UNEVOC's mission of promoting TVET excellence and relevance worldwide. Through Bacar, APEA fosters the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce, in line with UNESCO-UNEVOC's objectives of advancing sustainable development through quality TVET.

The active social projects of the APEA are likely encompass a range of initiatives aimed at addressing various social challenges and promoting community welfare. These projects include efforts to support vulnerable populations, provide education and training opportunities, promote health and well-being, and foster social inclusion.

These projects involve partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, local communities and international entities.

As an example of the social project the "Iralilayish" project, launched in collaboration with the APEA, the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organizations’ Union, aims to create internship opportunities in local companies adhering to international standards. Training sessions cover various topics such as labor market requirements, CV/resume preparation, interview skills, public speaking, personal branding, and time management. Upon successful completion of training, participants will engage in two-month internship programs within companies.

Another project the "Employment Support in Azerbaijan" project, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency, aims to expand self-employment opportunities for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, family members of martyrs, and displaced persons.

Overall, APEA stands as a pioneering force in fostering inclusive employment practices and advancing workforce development in Azerbaijan. APEA prioritizes transparency, accountability and digital innovation while offering essential resources to both employers and job seekers. Its ethos is centered around the needs of citizens. APEA is committed to advancing diversity, equity and sustainability in the labor market through its creative projects, strategic alliances with foreign organizations, and membership in international organizations such as WAPES and UNESCO-UNEVOC. APEA guarantees equitable access to opportunities for all citizens, promoting social inclusion and economic growth, through the user-friendly job search tools, extensive vocational training programs career guidance.