Data Insights
Good decisions start with good data. We help organizations gather actionable insights—through research, on-the-ground assessments, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement—to inform strategy, improve programs, and drive systems change. Our approach is practical, cost-effective, and grounded in the latest evidence and real-world perspectives.
With experience leading research and assessment initiatives across many countries, Rachel Blum LLC offers expertise in gathering evidence and insight to support smarter strategy and program design. Services include:
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Labor Market & Sector Analysis: Labor market assessments | Sector and value chain analysis | Occupational profiles | Skills mapping | Market research
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Systems Analysis: Market systems analysis | Political economy analysis | Influence mapping | Stakeholder mapping | Gap analysis
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Research: Evidence reviews | Desk research | Action research | Primary data | Political economy analysis | Influence mapping
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Participatory & Inclusive Methods: Youth-led community mapping | Participatory stakeholder mapping | Participatory rapid appraisals | GEDSI analysis (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion)
Case Study:
Green Jobs Labor Market Assessment
Client: Education Development Center (EDC)
Service Area: Labor Market Research & Data Insights
As part of a global initiative to upskill 1 million youth for sustainable employment, Education Development Center (EDC) sought to better understand the emerging demand for green and blue economy jobs. They commissioned Rachel Blum LLC to lead a labor market research team to surface evidence that would shape strategy and inform program design.
Our Approach:
Rachel assembled and directed a team of researchers to analyze global demand trends, with a focus on identifying high-potential jobs for opportunity youth. The research prioritized accessibility and relevance — aiming to connect industry insights with the realities of young, entry-level job seekers in low- and middle-income countries.
The team conducted a multi-method market scan and identified growth trends in five key sectors:
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Renewable energy
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Green buildings
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Climate-smart agriculture and fisheries
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Sustainable tourism and hospitality
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Waste management
Among the deliverables, a heat map (below) illustrated youth-inclusiveness by sector and skill level, while an occupational catalogue that highlighted over 270 youth-accessible green and blue economy occupations, mapped to skill requirements. This evidence base became a practical tool to guide EDC's curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and future workforce initiatives.
The Result:
EDC integrated the findings into its global youth workforce strategy, using the research to define training priorities, frame grant proposals, and support program design. The insights also provided compelling evidence to engage donors and private-sector partners interested in supporting green job pathways for young people. Notably, the research informed the design and messaging of a side event at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which focused on youth-inclusive green workforce strategies.