Deadline: 02-Apr-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) in Jordan is launching the Skills for Livelihood Opportunities (SLO) initiative to enhance self-reliance among refugees and vulnerable Jordanians. The program provides market-oriented vocational training and income-generation support, focusing on employability, transferable skills, and pathways to wage or self-employment. It prioritizes women, youth, and households with high vulnerability while promoting legal, safe, and sustainable economic inclusion.
Program Overview
The SLO initiative aims to strengthen economic inclusion, self-reliance, and livelihoods for refugees and vulnerable Jordanians by providing access to vocational and technical education aligned with local labour market needs. Key program objectives include:
-
Increasing access to safe and feasible income-generation opportunities.
-
Enhancing employability and vocational skills through accredited technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
-
Supporting pathways to wage and self-employment, including transferable skills relevant for potential voluntary return to Syria.
-
Fostering legal compliance and awareness of Jordanian labour market regulations for all participants.
Context and Need
Jordan hosts approximately 437,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, mostly living in host communities. Despite access to essential services, refugees and vulnerable Jordanians face:
-
Limited formal employment opportunities.
-
Rising costs of living and reduced humanitarian funding.
-
Mobility and childcare challenges for women.
-
Safety concerns and skills mismatches affecting youth employment.
-
Regulatory changes increasing work permit and social security costs, limiting formal employment access.
These challenges push many into informal employment, highlighting the need for market-relevant, transferable skills.
Program Implementation
Target Participants
-
600 participants across Amman, Irbid, Mafraq, and Zarqa governorates.
-
Selection based on household vulnerability, individual capacity, and readiness.
-
Prioritizes individuals who previously received WFP unconditional assistance.
Core Activities
-
Accredited vocational training in sectors aligned with labour market demand.
-
Employability skills development, including business, digital, and food systems training.
-
Tailored guidance on labour-market regulations and legal pathways for non-Jordanians.
-
Pilot cohorts with potential expansion based on results, funding, and capacity.
Support and Monitoring
-
Referral systems connecting participants with relevant services.
-
Follow-up and tracking mechanisms to monitor livelihood outcomes.
-
Service mapping and coordination with local partners to strengthen support networks.
-
Integration of sector-specific training, particularly in food systems, to enhance resilience and economic pathways.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants include:
-
Refugees registered in Jordan, including Syrians and other nationalities.
-
Vulnerable Jordanian households facing economic or social pressures.
-
Priority for women, youth, and previously assisted households.
-
Participants must demonstrate readiness and capacity for vocational training and employment.
How to Apply
-
Participants are selected via WFP assessment based on household vulnerability and individual readiness.
-
Candidates are enrolled in accredited vocational training programs in partnership with local training providers.
-
Participants receive employment guidance, skills coaching, and follow-up support to transition into wage or self-employment.
-
Progress and outcomes are monitored continuously, with structured reporting on employment and income-generation impact.
Key Considerations
-
Emphasize transferable skills for adaptability in both Jordan and Syria.
-
Training aligns with local labour market demands to maximize employability.
-
Legal compliance is enforced for all non-Jordanian participants.
-
Continuous monitoring and evaluation ensures the program adapts to participants’ needs and market trends.
FAQs
1. Who can participate in the SLO initiative?
Eligible participants include vulnerable Jordanian households and registered refugees, with priority for women, youth, and previously assisted households.
2. What types of training are provided?
The program offers accredited vocational training and employability skills, particularly in sectors like food systems, business, and technical trades.
3. How are participants selected?
Selection is based on household vulnerability, individual readiness, and prior engagement with WFP assistance programs.
4. Is support available for employment beyond training?
Yes, participants receive guidance on wage and self-employment, labour-market regulations, and access to referral services.
5. Can participants use skills if they return to Syria?
Yes, the program emphasizes transferable skills relevant for voluntary return and sustainable livelihoods in Syria.
6. How is impact measured?
The WFP monitors employment outcomes, income generation, and participant engagement, ensuring continuous program adaptation.
Conclusion
The Skills for Livelihood Opportunities (SLO) initiative empowers refugees and vulnerable Jordanians by enhancing vocational skills, employability, and self-reliance. Through tailored training, legal guidance, and coordinated support, the program fosters sustainable economic inclusion, strengthens household resilience, and builds pathways toward independence and future economic stability.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
