Quarterly Report 4: Regional Workforce Development Program

The program, led by FHI 360, aimed to improve workforce development in the region. Key administrative activities included finalizing start-up activities in Honduras and Guatemala, establishing the Jamaica office, and completing the Life of Agreement Strategic Plan. On the technical side, the program reached significant milestones with its crosscutting assessments. The labor market assessment (LMA) was concluded in Honduras and Guatemala, and background research for the LMA began in Jamaica. The institutional landscaping analysis (ILA) progressed in Guatemala and Honduras, and planning for the study of barriers to access and completion (SBAC) continued for both countries. The program also made advancements in other areas, including a book donation to Honduras and engagement with Georgetown University on Result 2 of the program. The sections below describe the activities and accomplishments in more detail and outline next steps and upcoming activities for Quarter 1 of Year 2. Regional Workforce Development Program activities in Honduras included hiring local consultants to work with program staff and international consultants to finish the LMA. In Jamaica, the Program Director developed a job description to hire an administrative associate for the Jamaica office, which will be filled next quarter. The Honduras team moved to a new office in July, offering better security and efficiency of resources, while the Guatemala team finished establishing their local office and worked with the FHI 360 FANTA team to establish common procedures and systems. The Jamaica office signed a lease for a convenient location on Phoenix Avenue, close to the U.S. Embassy, hotels, and other meeting points. FHI 360 conducted security assessments and IT reviews in the Honduras and Guatemala offices, indicating that both country offices have basic safety and security measures in place. FHI 360 IT manager Polchai Akenipitsari provided IT support and updated computer firewalls and antivirus software in Honduras and Guatemala. In August, FHI 360 submitted responses to USAID's comments and questions on the work plans and M&E plan. The program continued to meet with USAID missions, local stakeholders, and partner organizations in the three countries, making progress on the Initial Annual Work Plan (AWP). The report highlights the main activities and results from Quarter 4 of Year 1 and outlines next steps and upcoming activities for Quarter 1 of Year 2.