Cohesion Policy 2014 – 2020 European Social Fund

Cohesion Policy 2014 – 2020
European Social Fund (2014-2020)
Guidance Notes on the Call for Proposals under
Operational Programme II
Investing in human capital to create more opportunities and promote the wellbeing of society
Priority Axis 1
‘Investing in the employability and adaptability of human capital’
Priority Axis 3
‘Investing in people through Education, Training and Life Long Learning’
1
Contents
1.
Scope of the Guidelines ............................................................................................................ 3
2.
Background information on the ESF in 2014-2020 programming period ..................................... 3
3.
Context of the Call..................................................................................................................... 4
4.
The Application Process ............................................................................................................ 5
5.
General Test of Eligibility ........................................................................................................... 6
6.
Project Eligibility and Selection Criteria ...................................................................................... 7
7.
Support ................................................................................................................................... 20
2
1. Scope of the Guidelines
The scope of these guidelines is to provide assistance to potential Applicants interested in applying
for funding under Call 1 of Operational Programme II ‘Investing in human capital to create more
opportunities and promote the wellbeing of society’, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF),
through the 2014-2020 Structural Funds Programming Period.
In Malta, the ESF falls under the responsibility of the Managing Authority (MA), which is the Planning
and Priorities Co-ordination Division (PPCD) within the Ministry for European Affairs and the
Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto (MEAIM).
Potential Applicants are encouraged to read through these Guidance Notes and the relevant
1
sections of Operational Programme II in order to avoid submitting ineligible applications.
The Managing Authority will be issuing a detailed guidance document to accompany these guidelines
in order to explain how to complete the online application form.
2. Background information on the ESF in 2014-2020 programming period
Following consultation among various levels of governance, representatives from interest groups, civil
society and local and regional representatives, Malta adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with the
European Commission, thus establishing the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and
Investment Funds in the country. This Partnership Agreement provides the overarching strategy
which delineates the main areas of intervention envisaged under the European Structural and
Investment Funds, while the various Operational Programmes, serve as a tool with which Malta can
turn the investment priorities and objectives set for each fund into concrete actions.
The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are made up of the below funds:





The European Regional Structural Fund;
The European Social Fund;
The Cohesion Fund;
The European Maritime and Fishery Fund;
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural;
The ESF is one of the five European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). From 2014, these
2
operate under a common framework and pursue complementary policy objectives.
Through the various Operational Programmes, Malta is breaking down for each fund the investment
priorities and objectives of the Partnership Agreements into concrete actions.
The ESF is Europe’s main tool for promoting employment and social inclusion. The main
objectives for the ESF in 2014-2020 are:
1
The document can be downloaded from:
https://eufunds.gov.mt/en/Operational%20Programmes/Programming%20Period%202014%20%202020/Operational%20Programme%20
2/Pages/Operational-Programme-II.aspx
2
During 2014-20 programming period, there is a single set of rules covering the EU's 5 structural and investment funds (ESIF):
which are European Regional Developmen Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), Cohesion Fund (CF), European
Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF). These are the main source of
investment at EU level to help Member States to restore and increase growth and ensure a job rich rec overy while ensuring
sustainable development, in line with the Europe 2020 objectives.
3

Getting people into jobs, including support to entrepreneurs with start-up funding and
companies who need to cope with restructuring or a lack of qualified workers as well as
helping young and old people to enter the labour market;

Social inclusion, addressing people in difficulty and those from disadvantaged groups to get
skills and jobs and have the same opportunities;

Better Education, financing initiatives to improve education and training and ensure young
people complete their education and get the skills that make them more competitive on the
job market. Reducing school drop-out is a priority here, along with improving vocational and
tertiary education opportunities;

Improve the quality of public administration and governance, supporting Member States’
efforts to create stronger public administration and encouraging their structural reforms by
giving them the necessary administrative and institutional capacities.
Operational Programme II ‘Investing in human capital to create more opportunities and promote the wellbeing
of Society ‘is built on five(5) Priority axes funded through ESF.
3. Context of the Call
Call 1, under Operational Programme II, is restricted to interventions undertaken by Ministries,
Government Departments, Central Government Authorities and the Public Sector Companies under
the following Priority Axes and Investment Priorities:
Priority Axis 1 - ‘Investing in the employability and adaptability of human capital’
 Investment Priority 8i - Accessing to employment for job seekers and inactive people,
including the long term unemployed and people far from the labour market, also through local
employment initiatives and support for labour mobility.
 Investment Priority 8ii - Sustainable integration into the labour market of young people (ESF),
in particular those not in employment, education or training, including young people at risk of
social exclusion and young people from marginalised communities, including through the
implementation of the Youth Guarantee.
Priority Axis 3 – ‘Investing in people through Education, Training and Life Long Learning’
-
Investment Priority 10ii –Improving the quality and efficiency of, and access to, tertiary and
equivalent education with a view to increasing participation and attainment levels, especially
for disadvantaged groups.
-
Investment Priority 10iii - Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups in
formal, non formal and informal settings, upgrading the knowledge, skills and competences of
the workforce, and promoting flexible learning pathways including through career guidance
and validation of acquired competences.
Only proposals which are able to demonstrate their contribution to the above Investment
Priorities are eligible to apply under Call 1.
4
4. The Application Process
The Application Process together will be explained through the details guidelines which will be
uploaded by the Managing Authority at a later stage.


All applications must be completed online using the link next to the listed call on
www.eufunds.gov.mt. This link will be provided by the Managing Authority at a later stage.
The link will open a window to Authenticate with the system. New Applicants need to
register by pressing the link Don't have an account? Register now in the login screen as
shown below

The system will require the following information for registration:



Organisation Name

Postal Address

Post Code

Phone Number

Fax Number

Email Address

VAT Number (if any)

Username

Password

Confirm Password
Upon registration the potential Applicant will receive an email in the indicated Applicant’s
email-address, in order to activate the registration, by clicking on the link provided in the
email body.
The potential Applicant authenticate with the credentials provided during the registration
process.
NOTE: Only the person who has proceeded with the registration as described above can
access the online application form. Thus, the Organization should be aware that who has
registered to SFD 2014-20 is representing the Entity.

All applications must be submitted to the Managing Authority online via Structural Fund
Database (SFD) 2014-2020 by 11th September 2015 at noon.
5

The deadline for submitting the application will not be amended to cater for last minute
contingencies, such as disruptions to the internet connection or to the electricity grid. In this
regard, it is advisable to:
-
Not wait for the last day to submit the application form;
‘Save’ your work every 15-20 minutes.
The IT system will not allow for any amendment after the formal submission.




Saving work does not imply that the application is submitted. In order to submit the
application the potential Applicant needs to confirm the application. Once confirmed the
system will generate an acknowledgement email together with the application reference
number.
All applications must be completed in full and endorsed by the Project Leader, the Head of
the organization and the Permanent Secretary
ONLY online applications correctly submitted will be taken into consideration for the
assessment.
Online proposals are individually assessed by the MA and selected by the Project Selection
Committee (PSC) through the IT system against a set of eligibility and selection criteria
which are approved by the Monitoring Committee for the European Social Fund that
oversees the implementation of the OP and that will be explained in the sections below.
5. General Test of Eligibility
a. Eligible Applicants
Ministries, Government Departments, Central Government Authorities and the Public Sector
Companies are eligible to apply subject to the approval of their respective Permanent Secretaries.
It should be noted that private individuals and undertakings (as per definition in Chapter 386, Article
2(1)3 as well as organisations having an economic/commercial nature are NOT the target groups of
this call for proposal.
b. Eligible Activities
Eligible activities should fit within the Investment Priorities under the different Priority Axis and must
be in line with Article 3 of the ESF Regulation (1304/2013). The activities funded by ESF ‘shall
promote high levels of employment and job quality, improve access to the labour market, support the
geographical and occupational mobility of workers and facilitate their adaptation to industrial change
and to changes in production systems needed for sustainable developments, encourage a high level
of education and training for all and support the transition between education and employment for
young people, combat poverty, enhance social inclusion, and promote gender equality, nondiscrimination and equal opportunities, thereby contributing to the priorities of the Union as regards
strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion4’.
Projects of an infrastructural nature (such as building of schools, building of training centres, etc) are
NOT eligible for ESF support.
3
Companies Act Chapter 386 Article 2 (1): "undertaking" means a body corporate or unincorporate which carries on a trade or
business".
4
Article 2 , paragraph 1, of the ESF Regulation N.1304/2013 of the European Parlament and of the Council of 17 December
2013 on the European Social Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006
6
It should be noted that this call is NOT open for project proposals involving State Aid.
Applicants should note that the involvement of state aid is not necessarily tied to the legal
status of the Applicant but to the nature of the activity. Applicants should clear their position
vis-à-vis state aid issues with the State Aid Monitoring Board or with experts of their choice.
6. Project Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Projects correctly submitted online will be evaluated and ranked by a Project Selection Committee
according to a set of eligibility and selection criteria. These criteria have been approved by the
Monitoring Committee in line with Article 110 of the Common Provision Regulation 1303/2013.
These criteria aim at ensuring that the projects being selected fit into the intervention logic outlined
under the OPII and can concretely contribute to the achievements of the objectives and results of the
Programme.
The criteria are divided in two categories: Eligibility criteria and Selection criteria.
Eligibility criteria are the essential criteria that all projects must meet in order to be admissible for a
further qualitative assessment. Such eligibility criteria are normally assessed technically, and consist
of a gateway assessment which ensures that all applications reach a minimum standard. Projects
which do not comply with the gateway eligibility criteria will not proceed to full appraisal and scoring.
Selection criteria are designed to assess the fit and contribution of project proposals with the OP
strategy, its target groups and its objectives. These may be further refined in calls for project
proposals to include criteria which are specific to one type of activity, area or target group.
To be considered for funding or to be placed on the reserve list, a project must pass all the
Eligibility Criteria and must also obtain a minimum of 50% of the total marks allocated to the
Selection Criteria.
7
The table below offers a snapshot of the eligibility and selection criteria approved under OPII
Eligibility Criteria
Selection
criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Selecti
on
criteria
Criterion
Assessment
Criterion
Assess
ment
Complete Application form
Yes/No
Contribution towards indicators
beyond minimum required
10
Project remit within mandate of
Beneficiary
Yes/No
Readiness
10
Project leader from beneficiary
organisation
Yes/No
Project Sustainability
10
Project implemented within the
Eligible Territory
Yes/No
Capacity of the organisation
10
Proof of
applicable
where
Yes/No
Quality of application form
10
Contribution towards Investment
Priorities (IPs)
Yes/No
Partnership
5
Proposal in line with the relevant
Specific Objective and Expected
results of the IP
Yes/No
Contribution to the development
needs
10
Contribution towards one indicator
Yes/No
co-financing
Potential of the project to contribute
to the achievement of the expected
results
Horizontal priorities Environmental
Sustainability
and
Equal
Opportunities
ESF Principles: Social Innovation &
Transnationality
15
10
10
6.1 Eligibility Criteria
The project must fulfil the following criteria to be eligible for further assessment:
a) Complete application form: The Applicant must present a complete Application Form, filled
in with all relevant details and documentation. No outline applications or incomplete
applications shall be considered. In addition, it is important for Applicants to ensure that all
sections of the Application Form are completed and all relevant supporting documents are
submitted.
8
b) Fits in with one of the Investment Priority: The project must fall within the scope of one of
the relevant Investment Priorities that are open for project proposals. The IPs which are
relevant under this Call are:
Priority Axis (PA)
→
PA 1
‘Investing in the employability
and adaptability of human capital’
→
Priority Axis (PA)
→
PA 3
‘Investing in people through
Education, Training and Life
Long Learning’
→
Investment Priority (IP)
IP 8i Accessing to employment for job seekers and inactive people,
including the long term unemployed and people far from the labour
market, also through local employment initiatives and support for
labour mobility.
IP 8ii Sustainable integration into the labour market of young people
(ESF), in particular those not in employment, education or training,
including young people at risk of social exclusion and young people
from marginalised communities, including through the implementation
of the Youth Guarantee.
Investment Priority (IP)
IP 10ii Improving the quality and efficiency of, and access to, tertiary
and equivalent education with a view to increasing participation and
attainment levels, especially for disadvantaged groups.
IP 10iii Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups
in formal, non formal and informal settings, upgrading the knowledge,
skills and competences of the workforce, and promoting flexible
learning pathways including through career guidance and validation of
acquired competences.
9
c) Contribute towards specific objectives and expected results: The project must contribute
towards one specific objective related to the selected Investment Priority and must show
that it is capable of reaching the relevant expected result. In this regard, the Specific
Objectives and Expected Results which are relevant under this call are the following:
PA
Investment Priority (IP)
→
IP 8i. Accessing to
employment for job
seekers and inactive
people, including the long
term unemployed and
people far from the labour
market, also through local
employment initiatives and
support for labour mobility.
1
3
→
→
Investment Priority (IP)
IP
8ii.
Sustainable
integration into the labour
market of young people
(ESF), in particular those
not
in
employment,
education
or
training,
including young people at
risk of social exclusion and
young
people
from
marginalised communities,
including
through
the
implementation
of
the
Youth Guarantee.
PA
→
→
Investment Priority (IP)
IP 10ii . Improving the quality
and efficiency of, and access
to, tertiary and equivalent
education with a view to
increasing participation and
attainment levels, especially
for disadvantages groups
IP 10iii . Enhancing equal
access to lifelong learning for
all age groups in formal, non
formal and informal settings,
upgrading the knowledge,
→
→
Specific Objective (SO)
1.Improve the employment levels
and the labour mobility through
incentives for employers and
support measures for
jobseekers/workers .
2.Enhancing the employability of
older workers in the labour
market
3. Improving the labour market
participation of women through
financial support for the care of
dependents in order to facilitate
retention and return of women
into the labour market as well as
campaigns.
4. Increase the prevalence of
self-employment and
entrepreneurship as an
alternative form of employment
through financial incentives and
other non-financial support
Specific Objective (SO)
Smoothing the transition of
youth from education to
employment.
Specific Objective (SO)
Facilitating access to tertiary
education through grants and
other forms of assistance and
actions to improve the quality
of tertiary education
programmes with the aim of
increasing participation and
attainment levels at the tertiary
level.
Upgrading the knowledge,
skills and competences of the
workforce through increased
participation in Lifelong
Learning (LLL) including Post
10
→
→
Expected Result (ER)
1.Enhanced employment
opportunities for job
seekers/workers with a
view to improve
employment prospects
2.Increased participation of
older workers in the labour
market
→
3. Increase the participation
of women in the labour
market by reducing existing
barriers.
→
4. Steering individuals to
consider business
ownership as an alternative
form of occupation
Expected Result (ER)
→
Reducing youth
unemployment levels and
NEET rates by facilitating
access to further learning
and employment.
Expected Result (ER)
→
Increased number of
participants pursuing and
succeeding within the
tertiary tier of education
→
Increased participation in
LLL with a view to upgrade
competencies/qualifications/
skills of the workforce to
foster employability and
skills and competences of
the workforce, and promoting
flexible learning pathways
including through career
guidance and validation of
acquired competences
Doctoral Studies
adaptability as well as
increasing competiveness
of enterprises, and the
uptake of post-doctoral
research studies
The Applicant must ensure that the proposal will concretely contribute to the relevant SO and ER as
highlighted above.
For example, should the project address IP 8ii, as it will invest in providing support to job seekers and
inactive people in accessing to employment, , the Applicant must ensure that the project will
contribute to one of the four (4) relevant specific objective, such as, enhancing the employability of
older workers in the labour market. In this context, the project must concretely contribute to increase
the participation of older workers in the labour market.
In order to address the relevant Specific Objectives and Expected Results, a list of actions has been
identified under OPII. The Applicants should ensure that the relevant actions are implemented
accordingly.
Priority axis 1 - ‘Investing in the employability and adaptability of human capital’
IP 8i - Accessing to employment for job seekers and inactive people, including the long term
unemployed and people far from the labour market, also through local employment initiatives and
support for labour mobility.

SO: Improve the employment levels and the labour mobility through incentives for employers and
support measures for jobseekers/workers.
ACTION: Incentives for employment creation; Work Exposure measures; Support measures
for job mobility

SO: Enhancing the employability of older workers in the labour market
ACTION: Incentives for employers and support measures for jobseekers/workers

SO: Improving the labour market participation of women through financial support for the care
of dependents in order to facilitate retention and return of women into the labour market as
well as campaigns
ACTION: Financial support for the care of dependents for retention and return in employment;
Promoting family friendly measures

SO: Increase the prevalence of self-employment and entrepreneurship as an alternative form
of employment through financial incentives and other non-financial support
ACTION: Provision of financial incentives and support, including mentoring
Priority axis 1 - ‘Investing in the employability and adaptability of human capital’
IP 8ii - Sustainable integration into the labour market of young people (ESF), in particular those not in
employment, education or training, including young people at risk of social exclusion and young
people from marginalised communities, including through the implementation of the Youth Guarantee.

SO: Smoothing the transition of youth from education to employment.
ACTION: Youth Guarantees; Youth Employability
11
Priority axis 3 - ‘Investing in people through Education, Training and Life Long Learning’
IP 10ii - Improving the quality and efficiency of, and access to, tertiary and equivalent education with
a view to increasing participation and attainment levels, especially for disadvantages groups

SO: Facilitating access to tertiary education through grants and other forms of assistance and
actions to improve the quality of tertiary education programmes with the aim of increasing
participation and attainment levels at the tertiary level.
ACTION: Increasing participation in Tertiary Education; Enhancing the quality of Tertiary
Education including through capacity building measures to improve programme relevance
Priority axis 3 - ‘Investing in people through Education, Training and Life Long Learning’
IP 10iii - Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups in formal, non formal and
informal settings, upgrading the knowledge, skills and competences of the workforce, and promoting
flexible learning pathways including through career guidance and validation of acquired competences

SO: Upgrading the knowledge, skills and competences of the workforce through increased
participation in Lifelong Learning (LLL) including Post Doctoral Studies
ACTION: Post Doctorial Studies; Training Aid; Second Chance in alternative paths and
learning; Training for life-long learning; Capacity building of LLL structures
d) Contribute towards indicators: The project must have clearly identifiable and measurable
targets that comply with at least one of the indicators set in the relevant Priority Axis /
Investment Priority of the Programme (output or result indicator) The Applicant must ensure
that the project will contribute to one of the indicators which are relevant in relation to the
selected Expected Result as per table below:
Priority axis 1
Investment Priority 8i
Expected Result: Enhanced employment opportunities for job seekers/workers with a view to
improve employment prospects.
Target
Output Indicator
Malta
Gozo
Target
Result Indicator
Total
O1. Persons supported
___
___
___
O2. Capacity building
measures for PES and
EURES support
services
___
___
___
R1. Participants in employment
upon leaving
R2. Increase in the number of
participants and employers
using PES and EURES
services
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
___
___
___
Priority axis 1
Investment Priority 8i
Expected Result: Increased participation of older workers in the labour market
Target
Output Indicator
Malta
O1. Participants above
54 years of age
___
Gozo
___
Target
Result Indicator
Total
___
R1. Participants in
employment upon leaving
12
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
Priority axis 1
Investment Priority 8i
Expected Result: Increase the participation of women in the labour market by reducing existing
barriers.
Target
Output Indicator
O1. Persons supported
through family friendly
measures, including
through financial
support
Target
Result Indicator
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
R1. Women in employment
upon leaving
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
Priority axis 1
Investment Priority 8i
Expected Result: Participants successfully developing a business plan and create an enterprise
Target
Output Indicator
O1. Persons
participating in
entrepreneurship
related measures
Target
Result Indicator
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
R1. Participants successfully
developing a business plan and
create an enterprise
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
Priority axis 1
Investment Priority 8ii
Expected Result: Reducing youth unemployment levels and NEET rates by facilitating access to
further learning and employment.
Target
Output Indicator
Malta
Gozo
Target
Result Indicator
Total
O1. Participants below
25 years
___
___
___
O2. Persons
participating in upskilling and re-training
programmes
___
___
___
R1. Unemployed participants
who are in education/training,
gaining a
qualification/certification or are
in employment, including self
employment, upon leaving
R2. Participants gaining a
qualification / certification in upskilling and re-training
programmes
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
Priority axis 3
Investment Priority 10ii
Expected Result: Increased number of participants pursuing and succeeding within the tertiary tier
of education
Output Indicator
Result Indicator
Target
13
Target
Malta
O1. Persons
participating in tertiary
education
O2. Persons within
tertiary education
institutions participating
in up-skilling and retraining measures
___
___
Gozo
___
___
Total
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
R1. Participants gaining a
qualification/certain upon
leaving
___
___
___
___
R2. Participants gaining a
qualification /certification upon
leaving in up-skilling and retraining programmes
___
___
___
Priority axis 3
Investment Priority 10iii
Expected Result: Increased number of participants pursuing and succeeding within the tertiary tier
of education
Target
Output Indicator
O1. Persons
participating in
training/support
measures
O2. Persons
participating in second
chance education
programmes
O3. Number of Post
Doctoral research and
fellowships
Target
Result Indicator
Malta
Gozo
Total
Malta
Gozo
Total
___
___
___
R1. Participants gaining a
qualification/certification upon
leaving
___
___
___
___
___
___
R2. Participants gaining a
qualification/certification upon
leaving
___
___
___
___
___
___
R3. Annual average number of
research hours as at 2020
___
___
___
In this regard, should the project aim at addressing PA 1, IP 8i, and at contributing to the expected
result ‘increased participation of older workers in the labour market’, the Applicant must ensure that
the project will concretely contributing to Output indicator ‘Participants above 54 years of age’ and/or
result indicator R1. Participants in employment upon leaving. No other indicators will be relevant for
that expected result.
e) Project remit within the mandate of the Beneficiary: Applicants must be publicly mandated
to carry out the task of the project. For example, For example, in Malta, education policy lies
within the remit of the Ministry for Education and Employment). Consequently, any other
project promoter applying for funds to change education policy will not be considered an
eligible Applicant, unless, the project promoter provides a clear justification as to why they will
be intervening in this context and obtain the endorsement of this justification by the agency
with the mandate, in this case, the Ministry for Education and Employment.
f)
Project Leader from Beneficiary Organisation: The project leader carries the overall
financial and legal responsibility for the implementation of the project on behalf of the
Beneficiary and hence, his/her direct association with the Beneficiary organization is
fundamental, especially to ensure that the grant will exclusively be used for the purpose
stipulated in the project proposal.
14
g) Proof of Co-financing (where applicable) In cases where Government is not co-financing
the project from the national budget, Applicants must submit, together with the application
form,:




A set of signed audited accounts of the last two financial years;
A joint declaration by the Mayor, Executive/Head and Treasury/Financial Controller of the
organisation, stating that the organisation commits to its cofinancing obligations and to the
financing of any ineligible costs.
In the case of Local Councils, the declaration under point 2 must be supported by a
statement from the Director of Local Government, confirming that co-financing is
available/likely to be met, citing also the basis for such confirmation; and
In the case of Local Councils, where it is clear that the audited accounts do not provide
evidence of availability of sufficient liquidity (cash or cash equivalent) to cover the cofinancing and ineligible costs, other sources of assurances, such as a bank guarantee 5
should be presented.
It is important to note that co-financing in kind is NOT eligible.
h) Project must be implemented within / for the direct benefit of the eligible territory: The
eligible territory for the Operational Programme is the whole territory of the Republic of Malta.
In cases of publicity / training abroad/marketing, actions may be aired or distributed outside
the territory if the benefit clearly targets the eligible territory.
Once the projects have passed the eligibility test, they will proceed with a project scoring system
based on a number of selection criteria.
6.2 Selection Criteria
a) Contribution to the development needs: The Applicant should demonstrate that the
proposed project is adequately addressing the relevant development needs as identified in the
OP. The Applicant should provide a clear description of how the intended project will do so by
means of an analysis of the current situation, thus outlining why there is a need for such a
project to be implemented. In this regard, marks will be assigned on how the project will make
a difference vis-a-vis the relevant OPII development need. The relevant development needs
under this call are the following:
Priority axis 1
Investment
Priority
IP 8i
Specific Objective
Development Need
Improve the employment levels and the
labour mobility through incentives for
employers and support measures for
jobseekers/workers.
Enhancing the employability of older
workers in the labour market
5
→
Low level of employment amongst
disadvantaged and disabled
persons
→
The need to enhance the mobility
of job seekers/workers
Lower employment rates for older
workers
All guarantees (including bank guarantees) should be clear and unequivocal that the co-financing will be provided should the
project be selected.
15
→
Improving the labour market participation of
women through financial support for the
care of dependents in order to facilitate
retention and return of women into the
labour market as well as campaigns.
Increase the prevalence of self-employment
and entrepreneurship as an alternative form
of employment through financial incentives
and other non-financial support
→
→
Overall female employment level
is low
Low rates for entrepreneurship
and self-employment
Priority axis 1
Investment
Priority
IP 8i
Specific Objective
Development Need
Sustainable integration into the labour
market of young people (ESF), in particular
those not in employment, education or
training, including young people at risk of
social exclusion and young people from
marginalised communities, including
through the implementation of Youth
Guarantee
→
High rate of youth who are not in
employment, education or training
(NEET)
→
A high incidence of youth
registering for employment with low
attainment level of education
Priority axis 3
Investment
Priority
IP 10ii
Specific Objective
Development Need
Facilitating access to tertiary education
through grants and other forms of
assistance and actions to improve the
quality of tertiary education programmes
with the aim of increasing participation and
attainment levels at the tertiary level
→
Low participation at tertiary level
including masters and post
graduate
→
The need to increase the
attractiveness and relevance of
tertiary education to increase the
attainment at tertiary level
Priority axis 3
Investment
Priority
IP 10iii
Specific Objective
Development Need
Upgrading the knowledge, skills and
competences of the workforce through
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→
Low participation rate in lifelong
learning and the need to stimulate
increased participation in Lifelong Learning
(LLL) including Post Doctoral Studies
innovation through post doctoral
studies
→
Need to adapt and upgrade the
skills of the workforce
→
Support enterprises to remain
competitive through training
→
Skill gaps and updating skills and
knowledge of professionals and
other persons working in the field
of LLL
b) Potential of the project to contribute to the achievement of the expected results:
Investments funded through ESI Funds need to be result-oriented - rather than only focusing
on the financial means - to ensure that the cohesion policy will significantly contribute to the
reduction in economic and social inequalities between Member States and to achieve the
strategic Europe 2020 goals. Having identified needs and a desired result does not yet mean
that the operation will fully achieve the objectives. Different factors can drive the intended
result towards or away from the desired change.
Thus, the Applicant should demonstrate that the proposal will fully achieve the desired results
and objectives. In this regard, different factors will be assessed, such as: the degree of
originality and innovative solutions proposed; the benefits of the investment beyond the
project’s lifecycle; coherence between the value of the investment and the project’s duration
with the proposed expected results. In addition, when the ex-ante conditionality applies, the
proposal’s alignment with existent national strategy, both in terms of objectives and in terms of
implementation6, will be assessed.
c) Further contribution towards indicators:
The project should demonstrate a clear
contribution to the relevant indicators (output/result) as outlined in the section above. In this
regard, the Applicant should ensure that the selected indicators are properly quantified so as
to make credible the envisaged target; show that a good method of verification and audit trail
is in place and that, especially when it comes to indicators addressing the performance
framework as highlighted below, the achievements are realistically planned to be achieved
before 2018.
Under this call, the indicators which will contribute to the performance framework are the following:
PA
IP
Output Indicator
1
8i
Persons supported
3
10ii
Persons participating in tertiary education
3
10iii
Persons participating in training/support measures
6
When the ex-ante conditionality applies the project should show how the planned work fits in with the national strategy/policy.
The project proposal must identify the name of the strategy, as well as the relative extract of the strategy that relates to the
project being proposed
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The Applicant should provide a clear explanation of how the targets for ‘outputs,’ and ‘results’ have
been calculated and the method of measurement that will be used as well as the year of
achievements. The Applicant should provide a short action plan as to corroborate the indicated date
for when the achievements will be registered and verified.
d) Project Sustainability: Projects need to demonstrate their sustainability after completion.
The project proponent must show how the benefits of the project will continue to be delivered
after grant support comes to an end. The Applicants should thus ensure that the longer-term
economic sustainability of the project is taken into account and appropriate measures are put
in place.
e) Readiness: Marks will be awarded for projects that are in an advanced state of readiness,
e.g. where Applicants have already prepared the tender dossier or launched the tender. In
cases where a feasibility study is required, marks will be given if this has been finalised or is
under implementation at the time of submission. The more advanced the project, the more
marks will be awarded. Evidence of such readiness should be provided.
f)
Capacity of the Organisation: The capacity to implement the project is part of the
commitment of the Applicant towards the project. Projects cannot depend on external
expertise or contracted managers. Capacity is assessed both in terms of adequate human
resources, as well as previous positive experience in the implementation of EU projects,
Structural Funds or similar. In fact, organisations that have had previous (positive) experience
in implementing Structural Fund projects (or similar) will be given additional marks.
Organisations must present an organigram of the units that will be involved in the
implementation of the project, especially in the day-to-day management and also state how
the project will be operated and maintained. Furthermore, the Legal Act on which the entity is
constituted may be requested by the PSC.
g) Quality of the Application Form: Marks will be awarded for exceptional quality, e.g. where
market research was carried out to prepare a budget breakdown, as well as for adequate
description of the main activities, and consistency. It should be noted that hastily prepared
applications are likely to be referred back or will fail to gain a positive recommendation during
the appraisal process. Contact persons are provided for certain sections of the applications. It
is the responsibility of the Applicant to seek advice from the experts (those identified or others
of the Applicant’s choice) to ensure the full comprehension of certain concepts, terminology
and processes.
h) Partnership – in view of Government’s aim to enforce the implementation of the partnership
principle at the project level, projects that are implemented between two or more partners will
gain additional points. If more than one organisation is involved in the implementation of the
project, additional points will be provided if the partnership is considered relevant by the
PSC. Government would also like to encourage partnership between public organisations
(including local councils) and other organisations (such as Voluntary Organizations).
i)
Horizontal Priorities: Marks will be awarded to Applicants which make an effort to integrate
effectively the horizontal priorities into the project. Low or no points will be awarded for run of
the mill statements.
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In this regard, it becomes crucial Applicants will seek guidance from NCPE and MSDEC at
design stage. Sustainable development and Equal Opportunities are identified in the Common
Provisions Regulation Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as horizontal principles that should be
incorporated into Cohesion Policy Programmes.
In terms of Equal Opportunities, projects must contribute to the attainment of the horizontal
priority of Equal Opportunities, in its broadest sense, including: the promotion of equality,
non discrimination and accessibility. The Project Section Committee will take into
consideration the fact that consultation that has been carried out with equality groups in
developing the project proposal and how the Beneficiary has incorporated the policy within the
project actions.
Projects must also contribute to the attainment of sustainable development. Sustainable
development covers economic growth, social cohesion and the protection of the environment,
which will be taken into account throughout the life of the supported activity. The economic
and social impacts of the projects are easily identified in various sections of the project
proposal and through other cross-cutting themes, hence, the need to assess environmental
sustainability, separately. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have considered
environmental issues at all stages of the design of the project, where possible. The Applicants
must demonstrate how the project has been structured to ensure that environmental issues
will be mainstreamed throughout the project’s aims and operation. The project proponent
must think of environmental sustainability on different platforms when describing the project’s
environmental impacts: Does it increase environmental awareness among participants? Does
it demonstrate environmental good practice in project operation as well as delivery (green
procurement)?
j)
ESF Principles: Projects fulfilling the ESF Principles of Social Innovation and Transnational
and Interregional Co-operation will gain additional marks in the selection process.
In terms of Social Innovation, projects contributing towards the principle of social innovation
should justify the social innovation element within the project; how this idea can be considered
as a new solution to solve persisting or new social needs; how this will contribute towards the
specific objective under which it is submitted.
As a minimum, for a social innovation project to qualify for additional points within the selection
process, it must meet the following eligibility criteria:
 It must contribute towards the specific objectives of the investment priority under
which the project is submitted;
 Incorporates the development and implementation of innovative solutions
addressing social needs;
 It is implemented in partnership with at least another interested stakeholder
Social innovation describes the entire process by which new responses to social needs are
developed in order to deliver better social outcomes. This process is composed of four main
elements:
 Identification of new/unmet/inadequately met social needs;
 Development of new solutions in response to these social needs;
 Evaluation of the effectiveness of new solutions in meeting social needs;
 Scaling up of effective social innovations
The project should address one or more of the above elements in order to gain marks.
With regards Transnationality, in line with the ESF regulation, Malta will support
transnational co-operation with the aim of promoting mutual learning, thereby increasing the
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effectiveness of policies supported by the ESF. Transnational cooperation shall involve
partners from at least two Member States. Only transnationality that adds value to the
principle of social innovation described above will benefit from additional points in the
selection process.
7. Support
The Managing Authority will publish a detailed guidance document explaining step by step the online
application process.
The Applicant is to note that in view of the fact that this is a competitive call, and in order to preserve
impartiality, the MA is unable to enter into correspondence with applicants over their Application.
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