Amman, Jordan – In January 2022, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Regional Development and Protection Programme for Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq (RDPP II) launched a research partnership aiming to support, through evidence-based research and analysis, the Government of Jordan and national constituents in addressing challenges facing youth employment through dialogue around policies and strategies for improving the livelihoods Syrians and Jordanians youth

Jordanian youth are facing multi-faceted challenges and opportunities that influence their livelihoods and future prospects. The protracted economic downturn resulted in detrimental labour market outcomes with adverse impact on youth. The situation was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, where in 2020, total youth (15-24) unemployment surpassed 45 percent, and around 53 percent for young women.

The research projects for the partnership employ research tools for arriving at an in-depth understanding of youth employment and livelihoods in Jordan and providing both qualitative and quantitative analysis of identified research questions.

In order to ensure that the research responds to the priorities identified by national partners, a multi-stakeholder project advisory committee (PAC) was formulated at the onset of the project. The committee plays an integral role in the design, implementation, validation, and dissemination of all research activities.

Members of PAC include key players involved in youth and employment including the Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission, the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, the Ministry of Labour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, and the Crown Prince Foundation.

This close coordination with the PAC meetings ensures that the outcomes of the project will inform the national policy dialogue around labour market reform and youth employment strategies.

On 22nd September, the Second meeting of PAC allowed for a discussion of four out of the five research papers. These are “Exports for Decent Youth Livelihoods and Labour Formalization in Jordan”, “Non standard Forms of Employment in Jordan and the Impact of COVID-19”, “Labour market transitions of young men and women in Jordan”, “Macroeconomic policies for job creation and livelihoods opportunities for vulnerable Syrians and Jordanians”.

Moving forward, as the research papers and outcomes come to fruition, they will be validated once more with the advisory committee. Overall, the meeting was successful in facilitating in-depth discussions regarding the research and how outcomes feed into government policies and strategies throughout the project’s lifetime or after its completion.