Course Details

Addressing Informality through Social Protection Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This specialized training course delves into the critical role of social protection in addressing the challenges of informality, a widespread issue affecting livelihoods, productivity, and social equity globally. Recognizing that a significant portion of the workforce operates outside formal regulatory frameworks, this program equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to design, implement, and evaluate innovative social protection interventions tailored to the unique needs of informal workers and their families. Participants will gain a deep understanding of policy approaches, financing mechanisms, and practical strategies for extending coverage and fostering transitions to formality. This course is ideal for policymakers, social protection practitioners, labor specialists, researchers, and development experts committed to building inclusive and equitable societies.

DURATION

5 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals working in social protection, labor, economic development, and related policy areas, including:

• Government officials and policymakers from ministries of labor, social welfare, finance, and planning.
• Program managers and technical staff from international development organizations, NGOs, and trade unions.
• Social protection practitioners and social workers engaged in program design and delivery.
• Researchers and academics focusing on the informal economy, labor markets, and social policy.
• Development practitioners and advocates interested in expanding social protection coverage.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the diverse characteristics and drivers of informality in various contexts.
• Identify the gaps in social protection coverage for informal workers and their families.
• Design innovative social protection programs tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of informal workers.
• Develop sustainable financing mechanisms for extending social protection to the informal economy.
• Advocate for policy reforms and integrated approaches to address informality through social protection.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding Informality and its Dimensions

• Define informality and its various forms across different sectors and geographies.
• Analyze the drivers and consequences of informality for individuals, households, and national economies.
• Discuss the characteristics of informal workers, including their diverse income sources and vulnerabilities.
• Explore the linkages between informality, poverty, and inequality.
• Examine global and regional trends in the informal economy.

Module 2: The Social Protection Gap for Informal Workers

• Identify the extent and nature of social protection coverage deficits among informal workers.
• Analyze the barriers preventing informal workers from accessing formal social security schemes.
• Discuss the specific risks faced by informal workers (e.g., old age, sickness, unemployment, maternity).
• Explore the consequences of limited social protection for informal workers' livelihoods and well-being.
• Understand the international legal frameworks and recommendations for extending social protection to the informal economy.

Module 3: Designing Tailored Social Protection Interventions for Informality

• Explore various approaches to extend social protection to informal workers (e.g., contributory, non-contributory, hybrid).
• Design adapted social insurance schemes, including flexible contribution mechanisms and benefit packages.
• Develop targeted social assistance programs that address the specific needs of informal workers.
• Discuss the role of public works programs and employment guarantee schemes for informal workers.
• Plan for accessible registration, contribution, and benefit delivery mechanisms for informal contexts.

Module 4: Financing Strategies for Extending Coverage

• Analyze different financing options for social protection for informal workers, including tax-based, contribution-based, and mixed models.
• Explore strategies for promoting voluntary contributions and increasing compliance.
• Discuss the role of government subsidies and cross-subsidies in expanding coverage.
• Examine innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships for informal sector social protection.
• Address issues of fiscal sustainability and long-term financial planning.

Module 5: Enabling Environments and Policy Reforms

• Identify key policy reforms needed to facilitate social protection extension to the informal economy.
• Discuss legislative and regulatory changes to promote formalization and social security affiliation.
• Explore the role of incentives and facilitative measures for informal businesses and workers.
• Analyze successful policy experiences in different countries and regions.
• Develop strategies for fostering political will and multi-stakeholder consensus for reforms.

Module 6: Promoting Transitions to Formality

• Understand how social protection can act as an enabler for transitions from informal to formal employment.
• Discuss strategies for linking social protection with formalization incentives and support services.
• Explore pathways for informal workers to access formal employment opportunities.
• Analyze the role of skills development and vocational training in supporting formalization.
• Examine the importance of rights-based approaches in promoting transitions to decent work.

Module 7: Data, Monitoring, and Evaluation in the Informal Economy

• Address challenges in collecting reliable data on informal workers and their social protection needs.
• Develop appropriate indicators for monitoring coverage and impact of social protection for informality.
• Utilize innovative data sources and methodologies (e.g., mobile data, geospatial analysis) for assessment.
• Apply evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of interventions in addressing informality.
• Establish learning platforms to share insights and adapt programs based on evidence.

Module 8: Partnerships, Innovation, and Future Directions

• Explore the crucial role of partnerships with workers' organizations, employers' associations, and civil society.
• Discuss the potential of digital technologies and mobile platforms to enhance social protection delivery for informal workers.
• Examine innovative models and pilot programs for expanding social protection to the informal economy.
• Advocate for the inclusion of informal workers' perspectives in policy design and implementation.
• Discuss global trends and future directions in addressing informality through comprehensive social protection systems.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com