The Shiraka Training Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is designed to strengthen bilateral relations between the Netherlands and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This professional development course focuses on social affairs and employment, offering civil servants from target countries a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge, share expertise, and build international networks.
Who Can Apply?
- Civil servants working in social affairs and employment.
- Applicants must be from one of the following target countries:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Yemen
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Morocco
- Oman
- Palestinian Territories
- Tunisia
- Required experience: 5 to 10 years of relevant professional work.
- Applicants must not have previously participated in another Shiraka training programme.
- Diversity is valued: women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Course Goals
The training programme is designed to help participants:
- Increase knowledge of theories and concepts in social affairs and employment policy.
- Improve practical skills such as:
- Change management
- Project management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Negotiation and presentation skills
- Managing cultural differences
- Gain insights into Dutch practices and compare them with MENA region approaches.
- Share knowledge and skills in their home countries.
- Develop a valuable network of peers across the MENA region and the Netherlands.
- Strengthen connections with Dutch institutions and stakeholders in the social affairs and employment sector.
Topics Covered
The course addresses a wide range of issues, including:
- Social affairs and employment in a socio-economic context.
- Employment and the informal sector.
- Inclusive labour markets.
- Multi-level governance in social affairs and employment.
- The role of local actors in employment policy.
- Youth unemployment and linking education to labour market needs.
- Labour rights and social dialogue.
- Developing Back Home Action Plans (BHAPs) to implement lessons learned.
Course Details
- Language: English (intermediate level recommended).
- Interpretation: Live interpretation available in Arabic and/or French.
- Participants: Limited to 25 people, selected based on application quality.
- Duration: 2 weeks (10 working days).
- Format: Combination of study visits, social activities, and blended learning (online + offline).
- Certificate: Issued upon successful completion.
Itinerary
- Part 1: 07 – 11 June 2026, Amman (Jordan).
- Part 2: 14 – 18 September 2026, The Hague (Netherlands).
- Alternative arrangements (such as online training) may be offered if travel restrictions apply.
Costs and Responsibilities
For All Participants
- Responsible for travel to the airport in their home country.
- Responsible for visa arrangements in their home country.
For Participants from OECD-DAC Countries
- Dutch government covers:
- International travel
- Accommodation
- Meals during training days
- Visa and insurance
- Tuition fees
- Local travel to international airports outside the home country must be self-funded.
For Participants from Non-OECD-DAC Countries
- Must cover their own international travel and visa costs.
- Dutch government covers accommodation, insurance, and tuition fees.
Cancellation Policy
- If a participant cancels within 4 weeks of the training start date, the organisation may claim costs from their employer.
Application Process
- Deadline: Sunday, 8 February 2026, 23:59 CET.
- Applications must be submitted online via the Shiraka training courses portal.
- Steps:
- Select the course: Social Affairs and Employment
- Click “apply.”
- Log in or create an account using the “register” button.
Study Visits
Participants will engage in study visits to institutions such as:
- The Netherlands Social and Economic Council (SER).
- The Netherlands Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
- The Jordanian National Commission for Women.
Back Home Action Plans (BHAPs)
Each participant will design a BHAP to implement lessons in their home country. Examples from past participants include:
- Empowering marginalized youth in rural areas through workshops and social dialogue.
- Addressing skills mismatch among female university graduates via job fairs and entrepreneurship training.
- Supporting rural workers in transitioning from informal to formal employment through coaching and workshops.
The Shiraka Training Programme on Social Affairs and Employment is more than a course, it is a transformative experience. By combining theory, practical skills, and international networking, it empowers civil servants to return home with actionable strategies, stronger professional ties, and renewed commitment to improving public services.
APPLY HERE.
