RFAs: Vocational Training for Marginalized Youth Project (Viet Nam)

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking proposals from national firms to deliver market-relevant vocational training and employment support for marginalized youth in Viet Nam under the RiseUp project. The assignment aims to help young people develop practical occupational skills that match labor market needs while creating stronger pathways from vocational training to employment.

About the RiseUp Project

The RiseUp project is implemented by UNDP to create more inclusive pathways from vocational education and training to employment for marginalized youth in Viet Nam. The project will work with national firms to deliver targeted interventions that prepare young people for employment and strengthen connections between training and the labor market. The approach focuses on practical skills, employment opportunities, and collaboration among training providers, employers, and other relevant stakeholders. Purpose of the Assignment The assignment aims to equip marginalized youth with occupational skills that are relevant to current market needs.

It seeks to:

- Deliver employment-oriented vocational training. - Develop practical occupational skills. - Improve youth readiness for the labor market. - Facilitate internships and apprenticeships. - Support job matching and recruitment. - Strengthen connections between training providers and employers. - Promote collaboration among relevant stakeholders. - Develop practical approaches for future skills-to-employment initiatives. Employment-Oriented Vocational Training Selected firms will be expected to deliver vocational training that responds to actual labor market requirements. The training should focus on practical occupational competencies that can improve participants’ readiness to enter employment. By aligning training with market needs, the project aims to reduce the gap between the skills young people acquire and the skills employers require. Internships and Apprenticeships The assignment includes facilitating structured internships and apprenticeships for participating youth. These opportunities are intended to provide practical workplace experience and help young people apply the skills gained through vocational training. Work-based learning can also help participants better understand employer expectations and develop greater readiness for employment. Job Matching and Recruitment Support The project will also support young people in moving from training into employment through job matching and recruitment activities. This can help connect trained youth with suitable employment opportunities while strengthening relationships between participating employers and training providers. Collaboration With Employers and Training Providers An important component of the assignment is collaboration among different stakeholders involved in the skills-to-employment pathway. The selected firm will support cooperation between: - Vocational training providers. - Employers. - Young people. - Other relevant stakeholders. This collaboration is intended to improve the connection between training programs and employment opportunities. Focus on Marginalized Youth The RiseUp project specifically focuses on marginalized youth in Viet Nam. The interventions should be designed around the needs of target beneficiary groups and should provide practical pathways that help participants gain relevant skills and access employment opportunities. Market-Relevant Skills The project emphasizes vocational training that reflects the needs of the labor market. Training interventions should therefore consider: - Current employment opportunities. - Occupational skill requirements. - Employer needs. - Practical workplace competencies. - Opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. - Job matching and recruitment pathways. The objective is to make vocational training more directly connected to employment outcomes. Outreach and Recruitment Locations The selected firm will propose specific locations for outreach and beneficiary recruitment. These locations will be determined in consultation with UNDP and should reflect: - The needs of target beneficiary groups. - Available employment opportunities. - Local conditions relevant to project implementation. The final outreach and recruitment locations will therefore be developed in consultation with UNDP. Project Locations The assignment will be carried out in Ha Noi and Hue, Viet Nam. Activities in these locations will focus on delivering vocational training and employment support to the project’s target youth beneficiaries. Implementation Period The assignment is scheduled to take place from October 2026 to December 2027. During this period, the selected national firm will be responsible for implementing the agreed activities in coordination with UNDP and relevant stakeholders. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is intended for national firms in Viet Nam capable of delivering vocational training and employment-related interventions for marginalized youth. Proposals should demonstrate the firm’s ability to implement market-relevant training and connect participants with employment opportunities. Expected Approach The selected firm is expected to develop an approach that connects different stages of the pathway from skills development to employment.

The intervention should combine:

- Vocational training. - Practical occupational skills development. - Internships and apprenticeships. - Job matching. - Recruitment support. - Employer engagement. - Collaboration with training providers. - Outreach and beneficiary recruitment. Generating Lessons for Future Initiatives In addition to supporting participating youth, the project seeks to generate practical approaches that can inform future skills-to-employment initiatives. Experience gained through the implementation of the assignment can help identify effective ways of connecting marginalized youth with relevant training and employment opportunities. Key F