Activation Policies for the Poor in OIC Member States
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 Developing a pilot unit to monitor the programme and propose support strategies (laws,
regulations, rules etc)
 Ensuring perpetuation of the project by constituting the National Youth Integration Fund
The main policy objective was to introduce a payment by results model and operating models have
tended to follow a ‘grey box’ approach. Since the programmes began, contractually binding
minimum service standards have been developed and implemented. In addition, there are some
standardised provider approaches such as the number of calls made to attach a referral as well as
some consistency around assessment of clients and sustainment. A summary of the approaches used
in Saudi Arabia is set out below:
Delivery area Model
Engagement Customers are referred to providers – but as there are no sanctions for non
attendance providers have to sell JPC services to increase attachment rates and
attract customers. Attachment rates vary throughout JPCs but we estimate that
they average around 25% - much lower than programmes that have sanctions in
place for non engagement. In addition, only around half of these stay attached
after initial engagement.
Providers have also been able to go and find their own customers rather than
wait for referrals so have set up ‘walk in’ centres in shopping centres etc to
attract individuals (eligible individuals which meet a definition of unemployed)
to sign up to the programme. There is no consistency between providers or
requirement to do this or on the core opening hours of the JPC.
Assessment Minimum standards have been introduced that require an initial employability
assessment as well as the creation of a personal action plan that is reviewed
fortnightly.
Job brokerage The duration of the customer journey and the number of interventions provided
varies by provider and there is no prescription on how long this should be or
frequency.
Caseloads also vary significantly but there are minimum standards that have
been introduced regarding caseload size per adviser. HRDF is still evaluating
what exactly constitutes an optimum caseload.
Placement Providers contact employers for vacancies but also use channels such as the
online jobs portal to find and source vacancies. Job brokerage is a relatively new
concept to Saudi Arabia, creating significant opportunity to engage with
employers and secure vacancies.
Sustainment As set out below, payment terms vary by provider. As such, contractual
requirements of sustainment vary by provider.
Delivery centres are directly run and operated by the provider.
HRDF is aware of the limitations that differences can lead to (for example non standard customer
service, limitations in comparing performance data) but as the employment and skills market has
emerged this has allowed HRDF to learn from different approaches and for providers to have the
freedom to innovate.
Employment services are delivered throughout the Kingdom but there are more JPCs located in
regions with heavily populated cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah (Mecca). Volumes should be
expected to vary considerably across these regions relative to populations. For example, the