23 February 2025, Tripoli, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), has launched Foras, meaning “opportunities” in Arabic, an innovative job-matching platform designed to connect job seekers with employers and support Libya’s labour market development.

This initiative is part of the UNDP’s broader efforts to establish Job Competency Centers across the country, with generous support from the European Union and the African Development Bank. The platform, presented today by HRDF, Foras, is a major step toward addressing unemployment challenges and equipping Libyans with improved and equitable access to job opportunities in an evolving labour market.

Developed through a structured, phased approach, the platform was designed and implemented to enhance workforce capabilities and connect job seekers with potential employers more efficiently.

Now fully operational, the Foras platform provides job seekers with free access to create personal profiles, showcasing their education, experience, and skills to attract potential employers. Employers can also post job vacancies free of charge, allowing candidates to explore and apply for available positions. Additionally, the platform connects with educational and vocational training institutions, enabling job seekers with skills aligned to market needs.

By offering a seamless, user-friendly Experience, Foras aims to:

• Connect job seekers with relevant opportunities.
• Provide employers with easy access to qualified talent.
• Ensure a streamlined process for applying, posting jobs, and recruiting.
• Facilitate data integration with social and professional networks for efficient sign-up, application, and candidate tracking.
• Enhance the job market ecosystem by providing tools and dashboards for comprehensive recruitment insights.

“The launch of Foras marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to strengthening Libya’s workforce and supporting its economic transformation,” said Dr Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative. “By bringing public and private stakeholders together, we are fostering an environment where businesses can grow, employment can expand, and communities can build a more prosperous future.”

"The European Union is proud to be a major partner in the FORAS platform. It will contribute to improving workers’ skills and matching offers and demand on the Libyan labour market, benefitting especially vulnerable groups like women and youth. This initiative is key to fostering economic diversification and growth. We will continue working closely with the Ministry of Labour and our international partners to support Libyan workers and companies through this and many other initiatives." added Mr Niccolo Maracchi, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Libya

"FORAS job competency platform aligns with the AfDB's Strategy for Youth in Africa, addressing the evolving needs of today's youth amid global changes in knowledge and technology. It aims to connect Libya's skilled young workforce with private sector opportunities for decent jobs and improved livelihoods, and we anticipate its successful operationalization across Libya," says Ms Gehane El Sokkary, Principal Socio-Economist, African Development Bank

Background 

Since 2017, UNDP has supported national and local institutions in their efforts to promote resilience and peacebuilding across Libya by fostering inclusive economic recovery and social cohesion strategies. At the municipal level, UNDP assists local authorities in conflict prevention and ensuring that interventions 'do no harm' and contribute to peaceful coexistence. In partnership with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Planning, and other line ministries and local authorities, UNDP promotes stabilization, resilience, local peacebuilding, and local economic recovery, alongside fostering accountable and inclusive governance systems in 65 municipalities across the country, benefiting more than 5 million people.