
Anas Saleh Mohammed, 23, a graduate of Electronics Engineering with a specialization in Communications from the University of Mosul, faced a competitive selection process when applying for an on-the-job training opportunity. Among many candidates, Anas was selected to undergo training with chosen companies.
“The experience was not easy at all, but I wanted to pursue it because it would enhance my field of specialization and provide me with a job opportunity with the company.”
During the training period, Anas took full advantage of every moment, attending all field assignments with Asiacell, which is one of the Telecom companies in Iraq that offers mobile phone services and Mobile Internet mainly in Iraq. His dedication and skills did not go unnoticed, and by the end of the training, Asiacell recognized his competence and offered him a full-time job.
"I am proud of myself and proud of my work and production. It was the happiest moment of my life."


Photos: Yahya Abdul Kareem/ UNDP Iraq
Securing a stable job in his field was a significant achievement and a dream come true for Anas, especially in Iraq, where job opportunities can be challenging. This accomplishment provided him with professional satisfaction and financial security. However, Anas's ambitions do not stop there. He aspires to continue his studies, advance in his career, and keep up with technological developments to enhance his income and career prospects, which have been growing since he started working at the company. Anas expressed his happiness at securing his job and his determination to achieve even greater success in the future.

Empowering Youth through Skills Development
We met with Huda, from Human Appeal - implemented by UNDP in partnership with Human Appeal and funded by the German government - highlighted the impact of the program in Mosul and the Nineveh Plains. Through on-the-job training, participants like Anas were linked to opportunities tailored to their skills, interests, and university specialization. Anas’ coordination with Asiacell led to an interview at the company’s headquarters, where his outstanding performance during the training resulted in a stable job.

About the Project
The ongoing conflicts in Iraq have severely affected social and economic stability, particularly following the ISIS crisis, which caused mass displacement. Since 2015, efforts have been made to restore basic services, enabling many residents to return home. UNDP’s Building Resilience through Employment Project (BREP) funded by the Government of Germany, through KFW, supports safe returns through economic empowerment and housing reconstruction, focusing on five liberated governorates: Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salah al-Din. The program creates jobs, enhances skills in construction and agriculture, and supports small and medium enterprises. To date, more than 5,500 young men and women have received training in various fields, paving the way for a brighter future in Iraq.