Quito, Ecuador – April 30, 2026 – In a significant stride towards fostering economic inclusion and empowering vulnerable populations, HIAS Ecuador, in collaboration with UNHCR, successfully hosted the job fair "Conectando Talentos con Oportunidades" (Connecting Talents with Opportunities) on March 20, 2026, in Quito. This pivotal event, a cornerstone of HIAS’s comprehensive employability initiative, aimed to directly link refugees, internally displaced persons, and local Ecuadorians facing employment challenges with prospective employers, thereby addressing a critical need for sustainable livelihoods in a nation grappling with significant humanitarian concerns.
The initiative comes at a time when Ecuador faces a complex humanitarian landscape. According to UNHCR data, the country hosts over 470,000 individuals in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 39,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Compounding this situation, escalating gang violence over the past two years has led to the internal displacement of over 300,000 Ecuadorians, further straining resources and exacerbating unemployment. HIAS, with its longstanding presence in Ecuador since 2003, has been a consistent partner in welcoming newcomers and promoting economic empowerment within host communities.
A Bridge to Opportunity: Addressing the Displaced Person’s Employment Dilemma
The transition to a new country presents a myriad of challenges, with securing stable employment often being one of the most daunting. For individuals forced to flee their homes, this struggle is amplified. Many arrive with lost or unrecognized certifications, forcing them to start their professional journeys anew. HIAS’s employability program is designed to bridge this gap, offering crucial support that extends beyond mere job placement.
Victoria, an applicant who benefited from the program, shared her initial difficulties in adapting to her new environment and finding work that matched her skills. "Adapting to a new country is not easy," she stated, "but thank God, after a long time and thanks to HIAS’s assistance, opportunities opened up for me to help my family and myself." Through personalized coaching and guidance from HIAS Ecuador, Victoria successfully navigated the complexities of the local job market and secured a position with S4 Learning, an education company in Quito.
Her experience highlights the multifaceted support offered by HIAS. "It has been an enriching experience; the training, counseling, and follow-up," Victoria elaborated. "All of this has allowed me to improve, without a doubt, learning more about labor laws, opportunities, and the rights we have as immigrant workers within a country." This comprehensive approach underscores HIAS’s commitment to not only finding jobs but also equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in their new professional lives.
Building a Skilled Workforce: The Employability Program in Action
The HIAS Ecuador employability program operates on a dual strategy: empowering job seekers and educating employers. The program meticulously works to close the demand-supply gap in the Ecuadorian labor market by mentoring refugees, asylum seekers, displaced individuals, and vulnerable local populations. The focus is on matching their existing skills and experiences with available job opportunities, ensuring a mutually beneficial integration.
Alexander Guamán, HIAS Ecuador’s Psychosocial Counselor in Quito, emphasized the program’s contribution to organizational strength. "It is an opportunity to strengthen talent and competitiveness in organizations," he remarked. "We are talking about the labor reintegration of highly capable people with top-level skills who bring a diversity of experiences, resilience, and a strong motivation to get ahead."
Participants undergo rigorous preparation, including training sessions led by economic empowerment specialists and psychologists. These sessions cover essential aspects of job searching, such as resume building, interview techniques, and understanding labor market dynamics specific to Ecuador. The program provides end-to-end guidance, supporting applicants throughout the entire hiring process.
Rosielis, another beneficiary, recounted her struggles despite possessing decades of work experience and a degree in Industrial Relations. Upon seeking safety in Ecuador, she faced age discrimination and lacked the local references crucial for establishing credibility. HIAS Ecuador provided her with job-specific training tailored to the Ecuadorian context and acted as a vital reference, ultimately leading to her employment as a pharmacy assistant in Machala.
"The information received in the different sessions was invaluable," Rosielis shared. "As a foreigner, you know how things work in your country, but not in your host country. The workshops were always very dynamic, and the support and guidance from the staff were timely throughout the entire process." Her testimonial underscores the practical and immediate impact of the program on individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
Employer Engagement: Cultivating Inclusive and Productive Workplaces
HIAS Ecuador recognizes that successful integration requires buy-in and active participation from employers. The organization actively engages with companies, providing training on the benefits of employing displaced individuals and assisting them in filling vacancies with a diverse and skilled workforce. This collaborative approach not only mitigates employee turnover for businesses but also stimulates economic growth within the broader community.
Carla Sofía Barrionuevo, Human Resources Leader at S4 Learning, the company that hired Victoria, highlighted the transformative effect of HIAS’s partnership. "HIAS has helped us to have more conscious and inclusive processes," she stated. "We have managed to implement concrete actions such as training, awareness, and hiring… Diversity is not a challenge; it is a great advantage." This perspective underscores a growing understanding among Ecuadorian businesses of the value that diversity brings to the workplace.
Maytee Muñoz Ulloa, a recruitment executive at Mia Pharmacies, which hired Rosielis, noted that HIAS streamlined their recruitment process. "Working with HIAS helped the company cut down on recruitment times as qualified candidates were already pre-screened and ready to work," she explained. Employees like Rosielis have proven instrumental in the organization’s success, particularly during a period of expansion.
"They bring commitment and resilience, along with a strong motivation to integrate and grow professionally," Maytee added. "They also enrich the organizational culture with a diversity of experiences and perspectives." This sentiment reflects a broader trend where companies are increasingly recognizing the unique contributions that individuals with diverse backgrounds can offer.
Broader Implications: Towards Sustainable Livelihoods and Social Cohesion
The overarching goal of the employability program is to ensure that newcomers gain access to safe and sustainable income, thereby protecting them from exploitation. Many displaced individuals are vulnerable to being taken advantage of due to a lack of familiarity with local laws and procedures. By reaching out to vulnerable refugees, migrants, and local Ecuadorians, HIAS is effectively paving a path toward financial security for a significant segment of the population.
Juan Romero, HIAS Ecuador’s Economic Empowerment Advisor, articulated the program’s profound impact. "These activities make it possible to close the existing gap for migrants and refugees to find decent work," he stated. "Through employment, people have been able to rebuild their lives and provide stability and peace of mind for their families." The ability to secure stable employment has enabled individuals like Victoria and Rosielis to not only provide for their families but also to feel a sense of belonging and support in their integration journeys.
Victoria concluded her reflections with a powerful testament to the program’s human-centered approach: "Throughout the process, I felt very accompanied, I was never alone," she said. "Honestly, it has been a very beautiful experience that has helped not only me but many people of different nationalities." This sentiment encapsulates the broader success of the initiative, which transcends individual job placements to foster a more inclusive and supportive society for all. The "Conectando Talentos con Oportunidades" job fair and the ongoing employability program are crucial steps in building a more resilient and equitable future for Ecuador, where talent is recognized and opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their origin.
