The national employment office (ONEM) of the democratic republic of Congo (DRC) is a government agency responsible for managing employment policies and programs in the country. It was established in 1981. It is mandated to promote employment and vocational training, as well as to regulate the labor market by providing social protection to workers and employers.
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Mission and objectives
The ONEM’s mission is to promote employment, provide vocational training, and regulate the labor market. It has many objectives, which include:
- Creating employment opportunities for Congolese nationals.
- Developing and implementing policies that promote economic growth and job creation.
- Encouraging and supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Providing training programs that equip individuals with the skills to participate in the labor market.
- Promoting and enforcing labor standards and regulations that protect the rights of workers and employers.
Services provided by the organization
ONEM provides a range of services related to employment and labor market issues. Some of the key services offered by ONEM are as follows:
Employment services
ONEM offers employment services to job seekers by facilitating access to job vacancies, registering job seekers, and conducting skills assessments. The organization also guides the types of jobs available, the skills required, and the qualifications needed to secure employment.
Training and apprenticeships
ONEM provides training and apprenticeship programs to job seekers, aimed at improving their skills and employability. These programs cover a range of sectors and industries and are designed to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers.
Job placement
ONEM is responsible for job placement, which involves matching job seekers with suitable job vacancies. The organization works closely with employers to identify job vacancies and assess the skills and qualifications required for each job. ONEM then matches job seekers with the available vacancies based on their skills, qualifications, and preferences.
Employment counseling
ONEM provides employment counseling services to job seekers, aimed at helping them develop the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment. This may include providing advice on job search strategies, cv writing, interview techniques, and career development.
Labor market information
ONEM collects and disseminates labor market information, which includes data on job vacancies, wages, and employment trends. This information is used by job seekers, employers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about employment and labor market issues.
Unemployment benefits
ONEM provides unemployment benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking work. This support helps job seekers to cover their basic needs while they search for employment.
Social protection
ONEM also provides social protection services to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. These services include cash transfers, health care, and other forms of social assistance.
Cooperation with businesses
The organization cooperates with businesses in the following ways:
Providing financial assistance and support to employers for the recruitment and training of workers
ONEM provides financial assistance to employers who recruit and train workers through various programs. One such program is the national employment and vocational training fund (FONAPEF). This program provides grants to employers who recruit and train young people, women, and people with disabilities. The fund also covers the costs of apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training. To access this program, employers must submit a proposal outlining their training needs and objectives, and ONEM will review it to ensure it aligns with its policies and priorities.
Providing financial assistance and support to employees for professional training and retraining
ONEM offers several programs that provide financial assistance to employees for professional training and retraining. The vocational training program (PFA) is one such program that helps workers gain new skills and improve their qualifications. The program provides financial support for training courses, and ONEM can cover up to 90% of the training costs. To qualify for the program, employees must demonstrate a commitment to learning and improving their skills, and their employer must support their training goals.
Providing information and assistance to employers and employees on employment regulations
ONEM provides information and assistance to both employers and employees on labor laws and regulations. The agency publishes and disseminates various materials, such as brochures, guides, and newsletters, that explain labor laws and workers’ rights. ONEM also conducts workshops and training sessions to help employers and employees understand their rights and obligations. Additionally, ONEM has a counseling service that provides individualized assistance to both employers and employees who have questions or concerns about labor laws.
