Local economic assessment and vulnerability mapping analysis with Enabel in Jordan

Summary

People 1st International on behalf of Enabel in Jordan conducted a comprehensive local economic assessment and vulnerability mapping analysis. This project study identified the economic sectors and relevant training opportunities that offer the greatest potential to facilitate employment and entrepreneurship to vulnerable Jordanian youth, women and Syrian refugees across six Jordanian governorates: Amman, Mafraq, Irbid, Tafilah, Karak, and Aqaba.

Background

The focus of the work involved identifying and addressing the high levels of unemployment, especially among vulnerable groups who faced various socio-economic barriers, limiting their access to decent employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The project mapped vulnerabilities and assessed local economic opportunities to create targeted interventions that would enhance employability and business creation in sectors with the highest potential for growth.

Our solutions

People 1st International conducted a multi-phased research study including a literature review to identify existing research and data as well as fieldwork to engage and interview relevant stakeholders. The analysis identified sectors of the local economy with the highest job creation potential, pinpointed technical and vocational education and training (TVET) opportunities, and evaluated the specific barriers faced by the target groups in entering the labour market.

Our team worked with local stakeholders EFE Jordan to gather data, conduct interviews and focus groups, this included:

• Interviews with 12 stakeholders including the Ministry of Labour and Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as UN agencies, international organisations and NGOs.
• Focus groups attended by 53 people from Amman, Irbid and Karak including: 31 women, 51 youth and 15 Syrian refugees.
• Online survey with 64 respondents from Mafraq and Aqaba

Outcome / impact:

The study provided critical insights into the sectors of the Jordanian economy identifying:

• 13 sectors where there are employment and/or entrepreneurial opportunities for the target groups.
• Skills and competences that require strengthening due to a mismatch between skills being sought and skills being taught.

Recommendations from the study included:

• Developing online careers content
• Providing selection centres and support
• Delivery of work readiness skills development training programmes
• Organisation of work placement opportunities for those without previous experience in the workplace
• Identifying, developing and delivering entry level training programmes to support jobseekers into entry level occupations
• Delivery of higher-level training programmes to support jobseekers into higher level skills occupations
• Development of entrepreneurship training programmes and support for jobseekers looking to establish their own businesses.

These recommendations and strategies support the alignment of TVET programmes with local economic needs and identifying ways to overcome specific barriers such as legal restrictions on Syrian refugees.