The “Skills Needs Assessment and Anticipation Study for Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar” aimed to enhance the economic integration and resilience of host communities in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district. This region, influenced by the influx of refugees and ongoing development, required targeted research to identify skill gaps and future skills needs for sustainable economic growth. The project focused on developing a regional skills analysis along the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar economic corridor, covering priority sectors like construction, tourism, transport, and manufacturing. DM WATCH LIMITED conducted a detailed establishment skills survey across the entire regional economy, providing valuable insights for inclusive skill development initiatives in line with the economic demand and growth prospects of the area.

Through this study, DM WATCH LIMITED was able to provide critical data and recommendations to the ILO and its partners, facilitating strategic planning for gender-sensitive, market-driven skill development programs. The initiative also aimed to strengthen the employment ecosystem for NEET youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups by mapping the demand-driven skills necessary for sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.

Key Highlights of the Assignment

DM WATCH LIMITED provided a range of critical services for the Skills Needs Assessment and Anticipation Study for Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar:

1. Inception Report and Desk Research:

• Produced a detailed inception report, aligning with ILO’s guidance and outlining a comprehensive action plan, methodology, and time frame for the skills assessment.
• Conducted extensive desk research to establish the assessment’s framework and contextual understanding, incorporating regional economic factors and labor market trends impacting the target host communities.

2. Establishment Skills Survey (ESS):

• Conducted a comprehensive Establishment Skills Survey (ESS) (sample size=432) covering the entire economy in the target region, excluding the agro-food sector.
• Complemented survey findings with qualitative methods, including focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews, to capture current and emerging skills demand across priority sectors (construction, tourism, transport, and manufacturing).
• Collected additional insights on skill requirements influenced by technological advancements, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) developments, and climate change considerations.

3. Coordination on Skills Supply Assessment:

• Collaborated closely with an external consultant conducting a parallel study on the skills supply side. This coordination aimed to consolidate information on key gaps and challenges in addressing identified skill shortages, providing a comprehensive view of skills dynamics in the region.

4. Drafting the Regional Skills Needs Analysis Report:

• Developed a draft skills needs analysis report, presenting findings from the ESS and coordination with the skills supply study. This report included sector-specific skill requirements, occupation-specific skill gaps, and systemic challenges at policy and operational levels.
• Formulated actionable recommendations for addressing skills gaps within priority sectors and aligning skills development with future employment opportunities.

5. Technical Foresight Workshops:

• Organized and facilitated two-day Technical Foresight Workshops for each prioritized sector, engaging stakeholders to validate findings and gather additional information. The workshops aimed to develop sector-specific implementation plans for recommendations and assess emerging skill needs influenced by technological and environmental changes.

6. Skills Assessment for Agro-Food Sector:

• Conducted an in-depth skills assessment for the agro-food sector, capturing both current and anticipated skill needs in line with economic growth trends and climate adaptation requirements for this essential sector.

7. Finalization and Additional Consultations:

• Undertook additional consultations to refine and finalize the regional skills needs analysis report. Incorporated feedback from the ILO technical team and stakeholders to ensure the report addressed all identified skill challenges and opportunities comprehensively.
• Delivered a final report, including detailed documentation of the methodologies applied, ensuring high-quality English language editing for clarity and accessibility.