Environmental and Social Management Framework (esmf)

Minutes of Public Awareness Events held

in frames of the "Azerbaijan Employment Support" project

The State Employment Service under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population held awareness-raising events in frames of the "Azerbaijan Employment Support" project, which will be implemented in accordance with the agreement signed between the World Bank and the Government of Azerbaijan. These awareness-raising events covered 5 regions of the country and involved totally 226 unemployed and jobseeker citizens, who were registered in the district (city) Employment Centers and currently aim to apply for self-employment programs. During the public discussions, the citizens got the opportunity to talk about their concerns about the project and found appropriate answers. The issues were clarified during public discussions as follows: the planned activities in the course of project implementation, organization of training and monitoring, distribution of assets and provision of appropriate consultations. 

At these meetings  “The Environmental and Social Management Framework”, “The Environmental and Social Responsibility Plan”, “The Human Resource Management Guidelines” and “The Stakeholder Interaction Plan” were presented and discussed. The citizens were informed about the support of project to self-employment, the responsibilities of those who are involved in the project and the World Bank standards for this project. At the same time, the purpose of the project (to help vulnerable citizens to provide their self-employment and gain access to the labor market, support entrepreneurship and create opportunities for independent income) was explained as well.

Public Discussions in Baku

A meeting with beneficiaries was held on January 10, 2020, in Baku. Anar Valiyev - head of Employment activities and unemployment insurance payment affairs sector of the State Employment Service, Kanan Baghirov - chief adviser of the same sector, Fatima Alakbarova - deputy head of Baku city Employment Office and registered 33 unemployed and jobseeker citizens of Baku city attended the meeting. During the meeting, Anar Valiyev answered the following questions of citizens:

1. Citizen - Zamina Ahmadova

Question: Should the citizen apply for the project basing on his/her residency or registration in a district?

Answer: In order to be eligible for participating in the self-employment program and getting assets, you have to apply to the district Employment Center based on your t registration distric. 

2. Citizen - Sevinj Aliyeva

Question: Will the project participant be provided with fabric and other necessary things along with the technical equipment for “sewing” business within the project?

Answer: No, the project does not provide additional accessories. You will only be given machinery and equipment for sewing. 

3. Citizen - Elshad Gasimov

Question: In the project can another member of my family apply for the business idea which I have applied for?

Answer: If you are involved in the project and provided with assets, another member (child, spouse) of your family can not be involved in the project at the same time. Another member of your family can apply for the program after your participation in the program expires (2 years later).

4. Citizen - Musayev Farid

Question: How will I pay my business tax and other fees when I will participate in the project?

Answer: You will be involved in training in frames of project and the trainers will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as information on tax payments and reporting.

5. Citizen - Mehdiyev Parviz

Question: If I have a small business, can I apply for this project and get additional support?

Answer: No, self-employment program is not meant to support such situations.

6. Citizen - Şahbazova Şahla