USAID-Foras Snapshot: Using Insights from Social Media to Work Smarter

In today’s digitally-connected society, it is possible for companies, nongovernmental organizations and government agencies alike to use social media and website analytics to gain unprecedented insight on their clientele. The Iraq Opportunities Project (USAID-Foras) is using data gleaned from its own online presence to learn more about its beneficiaries and help them to better achieve their goals. USAID-Foras has been able to reach out to Iraqi youth through Facebook, increasing awareness and access to tools and trainings that are currently available, such as the project’s jobs portal. USAID-Foras has completed a survey which showed that most respondents are currently looking for jobs in the Information Technology and Oil and Gas sectors. Currently, a second survey is underway which provides insight on current employee attitudes towards their jobs, helping USAID-Foras to better assist those who are employed, but who are considering a change of career.

The information provided by social media outlets is invaluable to the USAID-Foras project to better understand their clients and tailor their services accordingly. The USAID-Foras project is building linkages between job seekers and employers through training, community outreach, and a jobs portal designed to improve the efficiency of the labor market. The USAID-Foras Project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission to Iraq (USAID/Iraq), is an Associate Award under the FIELD-Support LWA, which aims to connect skilled job seekers with private sector employers, helping to alleviate unemployment and boost the Iraqi economy.