USAID-FUNDED SPSS PROJECT MARKS THREE YEARS OF SUCCESS
Print
E-mail
09/03/2009
Yerevan, Armenia - On September 3, 2009, the USAID-funded Social Protection Systems Strengthening (SPSS) Project marked the successful completion of its three-year program in Armenia at a celebration held in Congress Hotel in Yerevan. Guest speakers at the event included First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Issues Araïk Petrosyan, USAID/Armenia Acting Mission Director John Seong, AECOM International representative Elly Preotle and SPSS Chief of Party Jane Daly. Following the remarks, project staff presented program accomplishments related to pension benefits, employment services, labor protection, social assistance and management information systems.
Designed as a comprehensive social-reform project, SPSS has helped the Government of Armenia advance pension reform, modernize employment services and their facilities, promote safe and healthy working conditions, decentralize social services, and support NGOs provide customized programs for people with disabilities. In his opening remarks John Seong noted that social protection is a critical link to economic growth and sustainable development. “In these times of global economic crisis, programs like SPSS are essential for building Armenia’s capacity to effectively respond to the increasing demand for social protection while targeting programs that could reduce unemployment,” he said.
Jane Daly noted the impact of SPSS in Armenia and acknowledged the high level of collaborative support the project received from the Armenian ministries of labor and social issues, finance and economy, the Pension System Reform Working Group, the State Employment Service Agency (SESA), local communities and NGOs.
SPSS and counterpart accomplishments include:
· 4 draft pension reform laws sent to the Armenian government, and amendments to 8 existing laws developed;
· Assessment of pension reform risks, costs and critical staff capacities;
· Introduction of 5 proactive employment programs within SESA;
· Renovation of the National Institute for Labor and Social Research
· Renovation of 3 model regional employment offices with self-service kiosks;
· Draft regulations on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for mining industry; explosive environment and petroleum/gas handling;
· Publication of two employer handbooks on occupational safety and health issues for State Labor Inspectorate;
· 13 grants to improve local social service to vulnerable people.
The SPSS project has been implemented by AECOM International Development (doing business as The Services Group) together with six sub-contractors, Armenian partners and counterparts.
