International Donors Support for Education and Workforce Development in Lebanon

An organization active in education and workforce development sought donor funding to address skills gaps exacerbated by economic decline and emigration. The client required advisory support to position programs effectively within donor frameworks focused on employability and social impact.

Lebanon’s education and labor markets faced declining enrollment, outdated curricula, and limited alignment with market needs. Donors demanded clear outcomes, inclusion metrics, and sustainability plans. The client struggled to translate program objectives into donor-ready frameworks, limiting access to available funding.

A donor-aligned program structuring solution was delivered, translating education initiatives into measurable outcomes linked to employment and social inclusion. The solution strengthened the client’s credibility and funding readiness.

The approach included:

• Labor market and skills gap assessment
• Program design aligned with donor thematic priorities
• Definition of outcome indicators and monitoring tools
• Financial sustainability and scaling analysis
• Support for donor engagement and proposal development

Recommendations emphasized:

• Linking training programs directly to labor market demand
• Embedding employability and placement metrics
• Strengthening partnerships with local employers
• Enhancing monitoring and evaluation capabilities
• Planning for program scalability beyond donor funding

The engagement supported the mobilization of USD 8–12 million in donor funding over multiple cycles. Program effectiveness improved, with job placement rates increasing by 15–20%. Enhanced reporting capabilities reduced funding renewal risk and positioned the client as a credible long-term implementation partner.