ILO’s EIIP launches Annual Contractor Training to strengthen sustainable infrastructure delivery in Lebanon

© ILO

Beirut, (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO), under its Employment Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP) in Lebanon, funded by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, held a large-scale training session for local contractors. This training aims to equip contractors with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement infrastructure projects in line with ILO’s Decent Work principles and sustainable development goals.

Held on 16 May 2025, the session brought together over 60 companies and 90 professionals from across Lebanon, all seeking to deepen their understanding of the EIIP methodology and the application of Local Resource-Based Technology (LRBT). The training is a mandatory annual prerequisite for contractors wishing to participate in future EIIP tenders—ensuring fair competition, informed participation, and alignment with programme standards.

Participants engaged in a full-day series of technical sessions covering core aspects of labour-based project implementation. The training opened with an introduction to the objectives of the EIIP, followed by a session on contract management, which provided contractors with key insights into contract administration under the programme’s framework.

A dedicated session on the application of LRBT explored how this approach can be effectively applied in various infrastructure settings, along with its limitations. This was followed by modules on calculating task rates, understanding productivity norms, and applying incentive schemes to improve labour efficiency and management.

The training also included in-depth guidance on developing Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and conducting Unit Rate Analyses for LRBT works, enabling contractors to strengthen their budgeting and planning capacity. 

Highlighting ILO’s comparative advantage and mandate, sessions were delivered focusing on occupational safety and health (OSH), decent work standards, employment monitoring, and inclusive workforce strategies—emphasizing the importance of integrating women and persons with disabilities in public works initiatives.

© ILO

A special session led by the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) and Green Plan focused on the integration of green components into infrastructure works. Participants were introduced to types of Green works activities including reforestation, agroforestry and agricultural infrastructure implemented under EIIP and how environmental principles can be embedded in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects. This component reinforced the programme’s broader objective of linking infrastructure development to climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.

The final session addressed labour recruitment and the development of comprehensive work plans to manage local teams efficiently, followed by an open discussion to address questions and share insights from the field.

By attending the training, contractors gained a stronger understanding of how to effectively plan, implement, and report on projects that create decent employment opportunities while preserving natural resources. While participation in the training does not guarantee contract awards, it ensures that all potential bidders are equally prepared to meet the programme’s requirements.

The ILO EIIP remains committed to capacity building and inclusive economic recovery in Lebanon. Through ongoing training and support, the programme continues to promote employment-intensive investments that empower communities and foster sustainable infrastructure development across the country.