CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs

1. Programme: Innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable TCLF enterprises

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are jointly implementing a programme in Albania’s Textiles, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) sector. Entitled "Innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable TCLF enterprises", this programme is delivered in the context of the SIDA-funded project “Business Partnerships and Solutions for the SDGs” (Business4SDGs). The programme focuses on competitiveness, productivity, working conditions, resource efficiency and cleaner production in small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). 

The programme combines Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Training and the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) methodology. Through needs analysis, in-factory consulting, business coaching, valuation of products and technology, and the delivery of specialized technical training, the progrme improves productivity, working conditions and environmental sustainability in SMEs, with a view to helping them participate in regional and global supply chains. 

The programme relies on a pool of certified trainers that prepare and deliver tailored training and provide services based on the enterprise needs assessment. 

2. Cost of the programme 

The “Innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable TCLF enterprises” programme will be offered free of charge to selected companies in the TCLF sector.[1]

3. Certification

This program will be held during the period September 2024 - October 2025.

All companies that will participate in ILO-UNIDO programme and implement the recommendations will receive certificates.

The Certification Ceremony will be held in November 2025.

4. Eligibility criteria

• Companies involved in the production or processing of textiles and footwear that meet the following criteria:
• Registered and active in the National Business Center;
• Employ a minimum of 10 workers and a maximum of 300 workers;
• Provide all required information in the application form;
• Select at least one manager and two workers to form an Enterprise Improvement Team to implement the improvement project at the factory level;

• Agree to participate in/familiarize with all theoretical training sessions/materials and facilitate company visits.

  Priority will be given to:

• Companies engaged in textile and footwear production or processing that are members of ProExport Albania.
• Companies involved in textile and footwear production or processing that have established collective agreements.

5. Submission of applications

   The application form (in Albanian) can be downloaded here.

The application form must be submitted in pdf format (read only) to the e-mail address: kopani@ilo.org  and e.zhezha@unido.org , by 27th September 2024.

Applications submitted after the above date will not be considered.

6. Evaluation and selection of applications

The ILO-UNIDO Technical Team will evaluate each application and notify the selected enterprises by 15th of October.

7. Confidentiality of data

All data collected through the application form will be handled in accordance with IGDS 457, as well as the applicable legal framework in the Republic of Albania, particularly Law No. 9887, dated 10.03.2008, "On the Protection of Personal Data," and its relevant by-laws. Confidentiality agreements will be signed between the ILO-UNIDO technical teams and the enterprise representatives to ensure building mutual trust and support throughout the assessment and implementation of proposed measures.

[1] All costs for the implementation of the “Innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable TCLF enterprises” programme are covered through the project "Partnerships between Businesses and Solutions for the SDGs".