The EU4Youth sub-granting scheme, implemented by UNDP and UNICEF in Albania, supports the piloting of innovative and inclusive partnership models to strengthen the outreach and preparatory dimensions of the Youth Guarantee in Tirana, Shkodër, and Vlorë. The scheme focuses on improving access to Youth Guarantee services for vulnerable young people not in employment, education, or training (NEETs), particularly those who are hardest to reach.

A key objective of the sub-granting scheme is to establish and operationalize Local Partnership Networks across the three Youth Guarantee pilot areas. In line with the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, these cooperative networks bring together employment offices, municipal social and youth services, state social services, education institutions, Local Youth Councils, civil society organizations, and social partners. Working collaboratively, they will identify and engage NEETs, refer them to appropriate Youth Guarantee pathways, and support their preparation for employment, education, or training opportunities.

Through this initiative, local partnerships are supported to identify and engage NEET youth, deliver tailored pre-preparatory and preparatory employment services, and to extend Youth Guarantee support to underserved and remote communities through mobile service delivery models. All interventions are implemented in close coordination with local institutions and labour market actors, contributing to the testing and strengthening of local Youth Guarantee delivery systems.

The Call for Proposals under the EU4Youth sub-granting scheme is structured into three complementary Lots:
•    Lot I supports the establishment of Youth Guarantee local partnerships to reach out to NEETs and refer them to pre-preparatory or preparatory services.
•    Lot II focuses on establishing Youth Guarantee local partnerships to deliver pre-preparatory and preparatory services for vulnerable NEETs in Tirana, Shkodër, and Vlorë.
•    Lot III supports the deployment of mobile Youth Guarantee services to reach NEETs in communities without access to local public employment services.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, EU4Youth supports the piloting of the Youth Guarantee in Albania, in partnership with the National Agency for Employment and Skills and the National Youth Agency, under the coordination of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation.