Future Skills for PES Counsellors

Preview of findings from the forthcoming WAPES research paper

Evidence and practice from France and Slovenia

Digitalisation and AI are reshaping labour markets and the role of Public Employment Services. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, PES counsellors are expected to focus more on personalised guidance, collaboration, and the effective use of digital and AI-enabled tools.

This webinar presents early insights from the global WAPES survey and upcoming research paper on future skills for PES counsellors, conducted with the University of Derby and Manchester University and supported by Deloitte.

Participants will:

• Explore key emerging trends shaping future PES skills
• Learn from practice examples from France and Slovenia
• Gain provider insights on adapting workforce skills and service delivery in a digital labour market

Language
The event will be held in English, with interpretation available in French and Spanish.

Webinar Agenda

Ms Amandine Moignard

Executive Secretary of WAPES

Amandine Moignard is a specialist in international cooperation and public policy development, with a strong focus on public employment services. She holds a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Project Management from Madrid, following her studies in International Relations in Paris. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to effective and inclusive public action across diverse international contexts.

She began her career in development project management within a consultancy firm and FIAP, a Spanish public foundation promoting peer-to-peer technical cooperation among public administrations. She then spent two years in Bamako, Mali, working with an NGO focused on family planning.

Upon returning to Europe, Amandine joined France Médias Monde in Paris and later moved to Brussels to work with the EU-funded SOCIEUX+ programme, which fosters institutional peer cooperation. It was through this experience that she developed a keen interest in public employment services, leading her to join WAPES in June 2023 as Project Director.

Since November 2024, she has been serving as Executive Secretary of WAPES, where she contributes to strengthening global cooperation among public employment services and advancing inclusive employment and decent work policies.

Nicole Clobes

WAPES Consultant

Ms. Nicole Clobes is currently seconded to WAPES from the German Federal Employment Agency, where she has worked in both frontline and managerial roles since 2016. She is a certified intercultural trainer and educator, with extensive experience in international cooperation and capacity building in public employment services. Ms. Clobes has co-authored and led several major international publications, including the World of PES project in collaboration with Professor Alex Nunn, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the OECD. She holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. Her work focuses on intercultural collaboration, organisational identity, and innovation in public sector employment systems.

Alia Kamlani

Global Labour Market Activation Leader and Canadian Human and Social Services Leader, Deloitte

Short Biography: Alia Kamlani is Deloitte’s Global Labour Market Activation Leader, where she leads a cross-jurisdictional community of practice focused on labour market program transformation, innovation and leading practice exchange. She also leads Deloitte’s National Human and Social Services Practice in Canada, bringing 15+ years of experience working inside government and as an advisor to public sector organizations, working alongside senior executives and political leaders to develop business cases, engage stakeholders, develop strategic options, and project manage numerous strategic and large-scale human service transformations in Ontario and across North America. Personally committed to driving more equitable and inclusive program design through her work, Alia strives to support government to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations through her work in Canada and globally.

Pr. Tristram Hooley

Professor of Career Guidance, International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS), United Kingdom

Tristram Hooley is Professor of Guidance and Careers Education at the University of Derby. He is also a visiting professor at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences and Canterbury Christ Church University.

He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling, a Winston Churchill Fellow and a member of the board of directors of the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy. He has served as a special adviser to the House of Commons Education Committee in its inquiry into career guidance and has worked with numerous governments around the world on career guidance and counselling policies.

He is also the author of the blog Adventures in Career Development.

Dr. Alex Nunn

Senior Lecturer (Global Political Economy), University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Alex Nunn is a senior lecturer in global political economy at the University of Manchester. He has held several academic leadership positions, including Dean of Research at Leeds Trinity University, and was responsible for the REF submission in social policy at the University of Derby.

A member of the editorial board of Capital and Class, he specialises in the political economy of inequality, labour market policies, particularly through public employment services, and social inclusion.

Since 2015, his research has focused on the new dynamics of inequality, from the international level to local realities.

He has carried out work for major international institutions and contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including the reduction of poverty and inequality.

Abdelhak NACHIT

Director of Job and Career Management at DG HR-SR, France Travail

Mr. Abdelhak NACHIT is a manager with over 20 years experience. He started his career in the employment field at France Travail as an advisor by holding positions of advisor, local office manager and departmental director. He has a solid knowledge of the services’ offer towards users (jobseekers as well as enterprises) as well as a rich experience in building strategies and developing networks and partnership

His managerial experiences developed his interest for human resources management where he reached senior executive positions, as Deputy Regional Director in charge of Human Resources (DRA Social Performance) in the Grand Est region. Taking up the position was part of a complex context with the “fusion” of the regions Alsace, Champagne-Ardennes and Lorraine regions and thus an even stronger challenge from an HR prospective.

At national level, Abdelhak continues his commitment in the human resources component by occupying a position as Director of Job Management and Professional Paths at the HR-SR DG of France Travail since early 2024. He managed the creation of the new France Travail Academy, the digital training platform for France Travail and its network.

Blanka Rihter

Coordinator for Information Security and the Business Continuity Management System (ESS)

Blanka Rihter has been with the Employment Service of Slovenia since 2017. She is currently working in the Integrated Management System Department as a Coordinator for Information Security and the Business Continuity Management System. She also leads a working group focused on establishing an Artificial Intelligence Management System and on developing guidelines for the responsible, safe, and ethical use of AI at the ESS. Previously, she was active as a career counsellor for unemployed individuals with a migrant background, where she co-developed standardized career counselling services for this group, as well as training programs for career counsellors. She holds a degree in philosophy.

Blanka Rihter

Director Employment Services for Kingston Pembroke

Katy is an experienced employment services leader specializing in innovative, technology‑enabled workforce solutions across Ontario. As the role of Public Employment Services evolves, she focuses on building team capabilities in digital fluency, collaboration, and human‑centered service delivery. Known for her strategic approach to program design, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership, Katy has supported major initiatives such as EmployNext and is committed to advancing inclusive, future‑ready employment pathways.