’Inclusive education for all’ plays a critical role in reducing poverty, generating employment, and driving sustainable development. Collaborating with a multitude of different development partners (EU, KfW, GIZ, SDC, Sida, MFA Finland, SECO, Dandia, Norad, FCDO, ADB, AfDB, MCC/MCA, WB), we continuously work to generate and share knowledge as a value-driven company powered by a diverse team of committed professionals. Our core focus is to design, implement and manage projects and investments (including the procurement of and contract management for works, equipment and services) that foster opportunities for individuals to enhance their lives and to contribute to a more equal and sustainable world.
At NIRAS, we embrace the vision of quality and inclusive education as a driving force for positive change in line with SDGs 1, 4 and 8. Our commitment extends to project implementation that ensures these fundamental principles. Through our dedication to excellence and strategic implementation, jointly with our peers, clients and partners, we work to transform educational systems. We are empowering individuals to reach their full potential and equip them with 21st century skills and knowledge necessary to face complex challenges. We work to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous world, embodying the principle that education should be accessible to all, regardless of differences in background, gender, ethnicity, ability, or socio-economic status.
Active Projects
TVET+ Service Hubs
FUNDER:
Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW)
DURATION:
2021-2024
A Norwegian-Somali consortium developed a concept to build a network of "TVET+ Service Hubs" in Somalia. These hubs will act as vocational training centres, providing integrated services to the business sector while promoting quality and sustainable growth. With our expertise and experience in the TVET sector in East Africa, NIRAS has been appointed as Implementation Consultant to the project in order to advise and assist the consortium to succeed and achieve their objectives: trained youth find adequate employment and local businesses use the TVET+ hub's services. Developed in cooperation with KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ), the project is divided into two phases. NIRAS' core tasks are construction planning and design (together with a sub-consultant); construction supervision; procurement of training equipment for nine occupations; compliance with environmental and social standards; financial management; and administrative support and reporting.
Enhancing the Quality of Secondary School Education in Zanzibar (EQSSE-Z)
FUNDER:
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
DURATION:
2019-2024
The Enhancing the Quality of Secondary School Education in Zanzibar (EQSSE-Z) project supports the education sector by taking a holistic approach to improving the quality of ordinary-level secondary education in Zanzibar. The goal is strengthen teaching and learning in secondary schools through learner-centred pedagogy in the classroom and laboratory, greater availability of teacher-support services, improved learning environments, and greater community engagement in school-based monitoring. NIRAS is working with the Ministry of Education on strategies and curricula in math, science and English as well as ensuring classrooms are properly equipped for learner-centred teaching and learning. We are also promoting long-term sustainability of the project through the creation of a strengthened community-based monitoring system and institutionalised community participation mechanism.
Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA)
FUNDER:
KfW & the European Union
DURATION:
2018-2024
The Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) is an African Union Commission intervention implemented by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) with the support of the Federal Republic of Germany and the EU. SIFA’s goal is to provide employment opportunities and perspectives for the young population of Africa. It contributes to this via a Funding Facility supporting innovative approaches for improving the skills and employability – especially of youth, women, and vulnerable groups – in close cooperation with the private sector as an integral stakeholder. NIRAS administers the fund that finances and provides capacity building support to projects in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia. Selected through a competitive evaluation process, grant projects must directly engage the private sector by addressing labour market demand aligned to priority growth sectors that demonstrate regional impact, all with the perspective of improving quality-based employment-oriented skills development.
Kenyan-German Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative
FUNDER:
KfW & the EU
DURATION:
2020-2024
Education and training are fundamental to social transformation envisaged in the Kenya Vision 2030, a vehicle for accelerating transformation of the country into a rapidly industrialising middle-income nation. In this context, over five years ago, the Kenyan and German governments initiated the Kenyan-German Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative (KGTI) to boost youth employment through high-quality technical and vocational training for Kenyan youths. KGTI has many components implemented by different actors, one of which is focused on transforming three TVET institutes into Centres of Excellence (CoE). NIRAS takes the lead on this four-year €23-million pilot project (CoE for Cooperative Training), which involves school construction and procurement of equipment, training and scholarships as well as engagement of the private sector. The goal is to support Kenyan youth in successfully completing market-responsive training at these newly established CoE that specialise in cooperative vocational education.
Supporting TVET in Ethiopia
FUNDER:
Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
DURATION:
2012-ongoing
NIRAS Germany has a long and successful record of implementing projects in Ethiopia since 2012, funded by BMZ through KfW and GIZ. Ethiopia’s structural reform endeavours include priority areas such as education. TVET and higher education are seen as the basis for transformation to an industrial economy and for addressing unemployment, and NIRAS has been deeply involved in the TVET reform.
Building on these years of engagement, NIRAS Germany is currently engaged to bolster the Ethiopian TVET Sector through several projects. The first, "Organisational Support and Capacity Building Support for the Basket Financing Programme" focuses on enhancing relevance and promoting private sector development within the TVET sector. This involves active engagement between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLS) and private sector entities to improve the quality and labour market relevance of TVET services. The second, "Support of the Industrialisation Process" aims to enhance productivity in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors by equipping Agro-Industry Wide Training Centres (AIWTCs) within Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIPs). These centres will provide relevant and high-quality training for the workforce needed by private sector companies operating within and around the parks. The third, the project “Capacity Development in the Field of Training for Health Care Specialists and Technicians” was a very timely and critical intervention for the Ethiopian biomedical sector as it was launched only a few months before the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project comprises a €16.5 million grant support programme for the procurement of medical training equipment as well as developing more practice-relevant training systems for biomedical technicians in different regions of the country. Lastly, the "Support to the Ethiopian Refugee Programme," involves conducting needs assessments to identify opportunities for improving TVET services' availability and quality for refugees and Ethiopians in Addis Ababa. NIRAS will propose investment measures based on these assessments and assist MoLS in their implementation. Additionally, a TVET Challenge Fund will be established to promote entrepreneurship and provide business incubation services for TVET students.
Advisory Services to EU Education Programmes and Projects
FUNDER:
EU
DURATION:
2020-2025
NIRAS is delivering advisory services to the EU in the education sector around the globe. Our project is at the forefront of bolstering the EU's international cooperation in education, targeting improvements in effectiveness, accountability, and visibility. This strategic initiative supports DG INTPA, DG NEAR, EU Delegations, and education stakeholders across partner countries, catalysing reforms that unlock the full potential of educational systems worldwide. We provide expert guidance in the identification, formulation, monitoring, and evaluation of education projects and programmes, ensuring impactful implementations in EU partner countries. Additionally, we support to shape education policies and strategic frameworks by analysing emerging challenges and trends, and representing EU perspectives in global educational discussions. This comprehensive approach is key to advancing the Agenda 2030 education targets, particularly SDG4—Quality Education. Our efforts aim to enhance the EU's leadership in international education, increasing public awareness and demonstrating our commitment to transformative educational outcomes.
Other significant projects in recent years
Support to the Ethiopian TVET Sector - Lot 1: Organizational Support and Capacity Building Support for the Basket Financing Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,7M
DURATION: 2023-2028
Support to the Ethiopian TVET Sector - Lot 2: Support of the Industrialisation Process
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,9M
DURATION: 2023-2028
Support to the Ethiopian TVET Sector - Lot 3: Support to the Ethiopian Refugee Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,5M
DURATION: 2023-2028
Qualification and Labour Market (FORMAT) /Qualifizierung und Arbeitsmarkt
COUNTRY: Tunisia
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €509K
DURATION: 2022-2024
Capacity Development in the Field of Training for Health Care Specialists and Technicians
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,9M
DURATION: 2022-2025
Vocational Training and Youth Employment IV – Feasibility Study
COUNTRY: Togo
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €189K
DURATION: 2023
Support for Enhancing Equity and Inclusion in the General Education Quality Improvement Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: MFA Finland
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,5M
DURATION: 2018-2023
Integrated Training and Employment Partnerships with Public TVET Colleges & Industry in Addis Ababa and Gambella as Part of QEP
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €772K
DURATION: 2020-2022
A + F Experts: Investment Programme Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Phase III
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,5M
DURATION: 2016-2022
Implementation Support for Vocational Education and Agricultural Training Programme - Ethiopia Phase IV
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €5,5M
DURATION: 2017-2021
Development and Implementation of a National Strategy and Action Plan for Improving the Image and Social Perception of TVET in Egypt
COUNTRY: Egypt
CLIENT: EU
CONTRACT VALUE: €265K
DURATION: 2017-2021
Support of the National and Vocational Education and Training Strategy of the Government of Ethiopia – Phase III
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,6M
DURATION: 2014-2021
Integrated Technical Educational Cluster (ITEC)
COUNTRY: Egypt
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,5M
DURATION: 2014-2021
Green Innovation Centre, Country Module Ethiopia, A-TVET Component
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,4M
DURATION: 2017-2020
Promotion of Economy and Employment (Eco-Emploi)
COUNTRY: Rwanda
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,7M
DURATION: 2016-2019
Investment Programme Technical and Vocational Education and Training III Capacity Building Measures for TVET Institutes' Staff
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,4M
DURATION: 2016-2019
Investment Programme Technical and Vocational Education and Training II Capacity Building Measures for TVET Institutes Staff
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1M
DURATION: 2013-2015
Investment Programme “Technical and Vocational Education and Training” - Phase II
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,3M
DURATION: 2012-2018
Support to the Ethiopian TVET Sector - Lot 1: Organizational Support and Capacity Building Support for the Basket Financing Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,7M
DURATION: 2023-2028
Support to the Ethiopian TVET Sector - Lot 2: Support of the Industrialisation Process
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,9M
DURATION: 2023-2028
Support to the Ethiopian TVET Sector - Lot 3: Support to the Ethiopian Refugee Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,5M
DURATION: 2023-2028
Qualification and Labour Market (FORMAT) /Qualifizierung und Arbeitsmarkt
COUNTRY: Tunisia
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €509K
DURATION: 2022-2024
Capacity Development in the Field of Training for Health Care Specialists and Technicians
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,9M
DURATION: 2022-2024
Vocational Training and Youth Employment IV – Feasibility Study
COUNTRY: Togo
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €189K
DURATION: 2023
Support for Enhancing Equity and Inclusion in the General Education Quality Improvement Programme
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: MFA Finland
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,5M
DURATION: 2018-2023
Integrated Training and Employment Partnerships with Public TVET Colleges & Industry in Addis Ababa and Gambella as Part of QEP
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €772K
DURATION: 2020-2022
A + F Experts: Investment Programme Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Phase III
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,5M
DURATION: 2016-2022
Implementation Support for Vocational Education and Agricultural Training Programme - Ethiopia Phase IV
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €5,5M
DURATION: 2017-2021
Development and Implementation of a National Strategy and Action Plan for Improving the Image and Social Perception of TVET in Egypt
COUNTRY: Egypt
CLIENT: EU
CONTRACT VALUE: €265K
DURATION: 2017-2021
Support of the National and Vocational Education and Training Strategy of the Government of Ethiopia – Phase III
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,6M
DURATION: 2014-2021
Integrated Technical Educational Cluster (ITEC)
COUNTRY: Egypt
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,5M
DURATION: 2014-2021
Green Innovation Centre, Country Module Ethiopia, A-TVET Component
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €1,4M
DURATION: 2017-2020
Promotion of Economy and Employment (Eco-Emploi)
COUNTRY: Rwanda
CLIENT: GIZ
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,7M
DURATION: 2016-2019
Investment Programme Technical and Vocational Education and Training III Capacity Building Measures for TVET Institutes' Staff
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,4M
DURATION: 2016-2019
Investment Programme Technical and Vocational Education and Training II Capacity Building Measures for TVET Institutes Staff
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €1M
DURATION: 2013-2015
Investment Programme “Technical and Vocational Education and Training” - Phase II
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
CLIENT: KfW
CONTRACT VALUE: €2,3M
DURATION: 2012-2018