The Labour Market Observatory (LMO) is an innovative methodological and digital model developed by COSV to address structural labour market challenges in fragile and low-income contexts. It has been designed particularly for Lebanon and Syria, where reliable labour market data is limited and education systems often lack strong connections with the economic sector.

At the core of the LMO is the active involvement of students as trained youth researchers. By engaging young people in large-scale field data collection and research, the model generates actionable labour market intelligence while strengthening participants’ research skills, career awareness, and employability.

The LMO produces a set of knowledge tools—including interactive dashboards, analytical reports, and policy briefs—that support evidence-based training, programme design, and policy-making. Its research approach relies on extensive youth-led surveys and continuous collaboration with local stakeholders.

Building on the experience gained so far, COSV has outlined a four-year development roadmap to refine the methodology, enhance digital tools, and establish a scalable and sustainable governance model. This process involves partnerships with universities, TVET institutions, businesses, and youth organisations, positioning the LMO as an ecosystem-level instrument for skills development and improved youth–labour market linkages.

Explore the live dashboards to learn more about the evolving market skills gaps in each country:

• Market Skills Gap – Lebanon

• Market Skills Gap – Syria