Continuing our feedback sessions with Andreas Nyhlén, Supported Employment expert and CEO of Misa Kompetens, WiljaGruppen, discussing how each stage of our Changemaker-Based Supported Employment Model can be further strengthened through practical application.
Read background article on the Tool here → www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-our-new-open-source-tool
Once the local labor market is mapped, the next step of our model focuses on identifying potential Partner NGOs — organizations that already work with people with special needs, have established methods of engagement, and share an interest in facilitating the employment of their candidates.
There are three key aspects at the 2nd stage of our model, which was successfully piloted in Tashkent in 2023 in collaboration with the local NGO "Sharoit Plus":
🔹 NGO compliance with requirements
🔹 Collaboration with a Partner NGO
🔹 How to work if there is no partner NGO
Let’s take a closer look at them:
NGO compliance with requirements
To determine an NGO's readiness for collaboration and evaluate its alignment with the requirements, Raoul Foundation assesses potential partners using the Factor Model—another tool we will be sharing next year.
“I appreciate that the model sets clear expectations for Partner NGOs — defining essential requirements while also recognizing additional factors that can enhance collaboration.” — Andreas Nyhlén, Supported Employment expert and CEO of Misa Kompetens, WiljaGruppen
Here are the key requirements for Partner NGOs:
🔹 Work with the project’s target group — people with special needs;
🔹 Show interest in Supported Employment and readiness to collaborate;
🔹 Maintain strong ties with local authorities and community organizations;
🔹 Understand employers’ needs and ensure a stable flow of candidates;
🔹 Are capable of collecting and sharing candidate data within local data protection frameworks;
🔹 Help to identify tasks suitable for job carving — adapting roles to candidate abilities and employer needs.
Additionally, it’s a strong advantage if an NGO:
🔸 Offers psychosocial support services for candidates;
🔸 Possesses a meeting space for candidates and changemakers;
🔸 Can share information about the local labor market and potential partners.
How collaboration works with a Partner NGO?
At the initial stage, a clear connection must be established between the project initiator, the employer, and the Partner NGO, defining their interaction within the Supported Employment process.
Typically, the project initiator engages the anchor employer directly. When suitable, the NGO may assist by introducing local employers. The partnership agreement then outlines the NGO’s role and shared responsibilities. Beyond their role in identifying and supporting candidates, Partner NGOs may act as local navigators, connecting local authorities, and communities. The project initiator remains responsible for ensuring sustainable partnerships and quality standards across all regions.
Collaboration then proceeds in three stages:
1. Introduction to the project. Training NGO representatives on core principles and candidate profiles..
2. Candidate data exchange. Sharing structured candidate data with changemakers in compliance with data protection laws..
3. NGO participation in the project. An NGO representative joins changemakers' meetings to clarify candidate needs.
Can the model work without a Partner NGO?
Although the model typically involves an NGO, it can also operate without one. In such cases, candidates are recruited through changemakers’ outreach to local social organizations or open calls. While this approach excludes the NGO’s additional support functions, it remains viable for small-scale or pilot projects.
Read the full document here 👉 Changemaker-Based Supported Employment Model Description. Intro + Stage 1,2.
In the next stage, we’ll explore how project specialists — changemaker recruiters, changemaker coordinators, and project managers — drive the model forward by ensuring smooth operations and consistent quality.
Need the background? Read the summary article here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-our-new-open-source-tool
Read background article on the Tool here → www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-our-new-open-source-tool
Once the local labor market is mapped, the next step of our model focuses on identifying potential Partner NGOs — organizations that already work with people with special needs, have established methods of engagement, and share an interest in facilitating the employment of their candidates.
There are three key aspects at the 2nd stage of our model, which was successfully piloted in Tashkent in 2023 in collaboration with the local NGO "Sharoit Plus":
🔹 NGO compliance with requirements
🔹 Collaboration with a Partner NGO
🔹 How to work if there is no partner NGO
Let’s take a closer look at them:
NGO compliance with requirements
To determine an NGO's readiness for collaboration and evaluate its alignment with the requirements, Raoul Foundation assesses potential partners using the Factor Model—another tool we will be sharing next year.
“I appreciate that the model sets clear expectations for Partner NGOs — defining essential requirements while also recognizing additional factors that can enhance collaboration.” — Andreas Nyhlén, Supported Employment expert and CEO of Misa Kompetens, WiljaGruppen
Here are the key requirements for Partner NGOs:
🔹 Work with the project’s target group — people with special needs;
🔹 Show interest in Supported Employment and readiness to collaborate;
🔹 Maintain strong ties with local authorities and community organizations;
🔹 Understand employers’ needs and ensure a stable flow of candidates;
🔹 Are capable of collecting and sharing candidate data within local data protection frameworks;
🔹 Help to identify tasks suitable for job carving — adapting roles to candidate abilities and employer needs.
Additionally, it’s a strong advantage if an NGO:
🔸 Offers psychosocial support services for candidates;
🔸 Possesses a meeting space for candidates and changemakers;
🔸 Can share information about the local labor market and potential partners.
How collaboration works with a Partner NGO?
At the initial stage, a clear connection must be established between the project initiator, the employer, and the Partner NGO, defining their interaction within the Supported Employment process.
Typically, the project initiator engages the anchor employer directly. When suitable, the NGO may assist by introducing local employers. The partnership agreement then outlines the NGO’s role and shared responsibilities. Beyond their role in identifying and supporting candidates, Partner NGOs may act as local navigators, connecting local authorities, and communities. The project initiator remains responsible for ensuring sustainable partnerships and quality standards across all regions.
Collaboration then proceeds in three stages:
1. Introduction to the project. Training NGO representatives on core principles and candidate profiles..
2. Candidate data exchange. Sharing structured candidate data with changemakers in compliance with data protection laws..
3. NGO participation in the project. An NGO representative joins changemakers' meetings to clarify candidate needs.
Can the model work without a Partner NGO?
Although the model typically involves an NGO, it can also operate without one. In such cases, candidates are recruited through changemakers’ outreach to local social organizations or open calls. While this approach excludes the NGO’s additional support functions, it remains viable for small-scale or pilot projects.
Read the full document here 👉 Changemaker-Based Supported Employment Model Description. Intro + Stage 1,2.
In the next stage, we’ll explore how project specialists — changemaker recruiters, changemaker coordinators, and project managers — drive the model forward by ensuring smooth operations and consistent quality.
Need the background? Read the summary article here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-our-new-open-source-tool