Activation Policies for the Poor in OIC Member States
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4. Cross Cutting Recommendations
There are clear differences in how activation measures are used in OIC Member States to alleviate
poverty. However, the research has identified key themes across the case studies. These themes
form the basis for cross cutting recommendations in the use of activation to alleviate poverty. These
are applicable to all Member States, although the implementation of them would vary according to
Member States’ socio-economic contexts. The cross cutting recommendations are presented below
according to the elements of the framework used to guide the study. It is advised that these are
considered by Member States in their future deliberations on the use of activation.
4.1 National policy objectives & delivery
A clear, integrated activation strategy with clear and measurable objectives is valuable in the context
of poverty alleviation.
Some Member States have recognised the link between employment and economic growth and have
integrated activation in their growth strategies, as in the case of Cameroon. The study has aimed to
show clear examples of activation measures improving the employability of the poor and the effect
of this on poverty alleviation. It is therefore recommended that Member States consider focusing on
activation as part of their national policy objectives. Where activation is integrated into development
and growth strategies, clear and measurable targets would be needed to ensure that progress can be
monitored against objectives. Achieving targets and implementing activation strategies would
require dedicated investment from Member States. This is more likely to be problematic for low
income Member States. However, investment and commitment from Member States could also
encourage other organisations to support Member States address capacity gaps.
Ministries and agencies across government should be encouraged to contribute to an activation
strategy under clear leadership and governance arrangements.
The study found that different government ministries and agencies within Member States are
responsible for activation measures, such as job creation within their particular remits. The
involvement of different ministries and agencies is important to ensure support across government
for an activation strategy and to encourage contributions to programmes. However, to oversee
cooperation and an effective use of resources, a lead ministry could be assigned responsibility for
overseeing the activation strategy.
4.2 Individual programme design & performance
The capacity of the PES could be increased, supporting both activation and the dissemination of
labour market information.
The study has shown that in different Member States, the PES delivers other activation measures as
well as job search support. For example, the PES may have the capacity to refer jobseekers to funded
training courses to improve their employability, or to offer support to would be entrepreneurs. The
insight the PES has into different areas of activation means it could be well suited to acting as a lead
institution for activation. In higher income Member States which have both a developed PES and
social safety net programmes, the status of the PES could be elevated through the use of
conditionality. In this instance, unemployed recipients of social assistance could be tasked with
engaging with the PES. Where Member States do not have a developed PES or social assistance,
consideration could be given to elevating the status of the PES by increasing the incentives for
jobseekers and employers to use it. Partnerships with other organisations delivering activation
measures could also be used to extend the outreach of the PES.