1. An overview of Skills Development Facility (SDF) Implemented by Private Sector Foundation Uganda

2. Background Uganda Skills Development Project (USDP)
USD 100 Million Government of Uganda Project, funded by World Bank
Uganda Skills Development Project (USDP) is the Skilling Uganda strategy, the Government’s strategy for national BTVET development.
Purpose of USDP;
To support systemic reforms targeted at making the skills development system in the country more efficient and effective.
To create a scalable model for high quality and market - relevant vocational and technical training which can be replicated across different sectors.
To support the delivery of short-term training for workers in the formal and informal sectors

3. About the Skills Development Facility (SDF)
PSFU on behalf of the MoEFPED is managing the Matching grant Facility with the support of the PCU and a private sector dominated Grant Committee, including its fiduciary and safeguard aspects.
Amount ;USD 21.8 Million ( 18 M for Grants and 3.8 million operation costs)
Support: Practical and technical training activities not exceeding 6 months. Maximum duration to undertake any given activity cannot exceed 1 year
 Funding modalities: Cost sharing basis

4. SDF prioritized sectors
Manufacturing
Construction
Agriculture

5. Objectives of SDF
The SDF is implemented through a Grant Facility mechanism that is co- financed by the private sector through a matching grant contribution, and support training activities that lead to improved productivity and competitiveness in the formal and informal sectors.

6. GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
USDP Steering Committee
To ensure appropriate coordination and accountability.
Grants Committee
GC will ensure that the SDF becomes an efficient and acknowledged instrument for strengthening the skills and competence base of the Ugandan labor force,
SDF Management Unit
Head of Unit (Project Manager), three grant specialists, Project Accountant, Administrative Officer, Procurement officer, Clients relations officer, Accounts Assistant,
Technical Assistance support:
Due diligence / Technical consultants
Activity Monitoring & Results Measurement consultants
Independent Verification consultants

7. SDF Windows
Window 1: Skills shortages in the formal sector with focus on medium and large firms, including increased access to internships – USD 9 Million
Window 2: Skills shortages experienced by self- employed, workers and apprentices in the informal (jua kali) sector, master craftsmen, micro and small enterprises and members of cooperatives – USD 5 Million
Window 3: Support to development of new innovative skills training programs – USD 2 Million
Window 4: Support to systems for certification of skills and competencies acquired through informal and non-formal training – USD 2 Million

8. SDF Ineligible Activities
Seminars and conferences designed to stimulate discussions
Induction/orientation programmes (except only those relevant for SDF programmes)
Programmes specific to company procedures/policies
Training for spiritual, cultural and social enhancement, e.g. religious studies and appreciation of music
Professional-training programmes, involving the upgrading of personnel such as doctors, lawyers, accountants and architects
Postgraduate training programmes, involving the pursuance of higher education leading to the award of an advanced diploma, graduate diploma, degree or post degree qualification
Attachment of engineers and senior managers to advance their skills and knowledge in existing or new work areas.
The SDF will not provide funding for further development of the business of the members of the association, who have attended the training, but it would seek collaboration with projects that can offer such follow-up services upon completion of the training

9. Grant cycle Timeline Steps /activities/issues Responsible
At least 3 months before deadline for a call
Sensitization & preparations of applications
PSFU
At least 2 months prior to the deadline
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Deadline
Applicants, PSFU
Within 1 month after the deadline for applications
Pre-qualification of applications
Within 2 months after the deadline for applications
Verification and capacity assessment process
For projects up to US$10,000, the SDF Team may conduct this and the next step (Fast tracking of Small Grants).
PSFU, Technical Evaluation / Due Diligence Consultant
Within 3 months after the deadline for applications
Appraisal
PSFU, Technical Evaluation / Due Diligence consultant
Within 3½ months after the deadline for applications
Submission to Grant Committee
Within 4 months after the deadline for applications
Decision on applications
Grant Committee
Not later than 10 working days after the decision
Execution process.
Not later than 1 week after the decision
Orientation/training of grantees
Not later than 1 month after the decision
Signing of grant agreement
PSFU Executive Director
Continuously
Activity Monitoring & Results Measurement Consultant
PSFU / Activity Monitoring & Results Measurement consultant
Max. 12 months after grant effectiveness
Completion report .
Grantee/Activity Monitoring & Results Measurement consultant
Grant closure

10. Thank you Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU),
Plot 43, Nakasero Hill Road, Tel: [+256] ,
P.O Box 7683 Kampala, Uganda,
Website: