JORDAN
Summary of Workshops on Digital Work
TOP CHALLENGES
● Training programs are not always relevant
● Lack of hands-on experience during training
● Some lose money when they start working online
● Cost of internet is high
● There can be restrictions on certain types of work
Co-Creating Solutions
Participants in the workshops came up with a variety of actionable solutions aimed to address various aspects of their needs in
entering and succeeding in the digital world. These solutions encompass training, support, resources, and awareness to empower
refugees in Jordan to effectively utilize online platforms for income generation.
A training hub, set up to offer courses on
digital marketing, social media, and business
development. The center could also provide
access to equipment and resources, such as
laptops, cameras, and editing software.
Participants also find in the center
skill-specific courses including real-life
practice, and advanced training to expand
participants' expertise beyond basic levels.
Such as learning how to identify target
clients and develop strategies to reach them,
and basic English courses tailored to
refugees enrolled in online work, plus
financial management training and pricing
products/services appropriately.
A legal clinic could be set up to provide
participants with information about business
licenses and permits, particularly for refugee
earners navigating legal processes. The clinic
could also help participants apply for loans
and grants, and offer financial support
targeted to purchasing necessary materials
and equipment.
Transportation from the training centers to a
bus station or to the caravan zone. This
would make it easier for refugees to get to
trainings if they live in remote areas of the
camp, especially for female learners.
A variety of timing for trainings to make it
easier for refugees to attend trainings that
fits their schedules. This was suggested by
female learners complaining about the
timings of trainings offered. Currently, the
morning shift is provided for female learners
and the evening shift is for male learners. By
offering different time options, female
learners won't have to skip school to attend
trainings or not sign up for trainings in order
to go to school on time. This would allow
refugees to get the most out of their
education and training opportunities.
OPPORTUNITIES
● Many refugees work together to overcome challenges
● Whatsapp groups are one channel used to sell
● eWallets are growing in Jordan and useful to those
who do business online
●
A mentorship program, created to pair
participants with experienced entrepreneurs.
The mentors could provide guidance on
business planning, marketing, and financial
management. This program would also serve
as a follow-up system to provide continuous
support after trainings and answer questions.
An online community that provides
participants with a safe space to learn and
grow, where learners and earners can share
resources, ask questions, and get support from
each other. The community could also be used
to connect participants with potential clients
and partners. One participant elaborated on
this ide
Digital workstations equipped with good
lighting, props, high-speed internet, and
uninterrupted electricity, for making videos and
editing them within the camp. This would allow
refugees to create professional-grade outputs for
their businesses.
Innovative payment options. The participants
were aware of the unattainability of changing
policies that limit refugees' access to personal
bank accounts and online payment options. One
solution they came up with is a way to offer their
customers the option of paying their electricity or
water bill on their behalf, topping up their mobile
data or WI-FI, or covering their transportation.
This could be done online through payment
solutions like eFAWATEERcom, a bill payment
service supported by the Central Bank of Jordan,
or transportation apps like Careem and Uber.
This way, earners can immediately make use of
their earnings to meet their basic needs without
having to first open a bank account or set up an
online payment method. It would also be a more
convenient and secure way to get paid for goods
and services, especially for orders overseas,
without having to worry about their earnings
being tracked
Recommendations
The below recommendations highlight some of the opportunities that UNHCR and its partners may develop further in Jordan as a
result of the learnings from the community-based workshops..

Building Awareness of Digital Work Opportunities

Create a database of digital skills and resources for refugees in Jordan. The database could be comprehensive and
up-to-date, listing all of the available training courses, workshops, and other resources for refugees who want to learn digital
skills and participate in the digital economy and make it easier for them to connect with employers and other opportunities.

Partner with community organizations such as mosques, schools, and community centers, to raise awareness about
digital work opportunities targeting refugee parents as they are more likely to trust information that comes from trusted
sources in their community. Using language that is clear and easy to understand, messaging needs to be tailored to their
specific needs and interests. For example, focusing on the benefits such as the ability to earn a living from home, and the
opportunity to learn new skills, while being sensitive to the cultural context, and keeping in mind that it may take time for
refugee parents to understand the benefits of digital work and to feel comfortable about participating in these opportunities.

Improving Training Programs

Develop training programs that are specifically designed for refugees. These programs should take into account the
unique challenges that refugees face, such as language barriers, lack of access to technology, and limited financial resources.
For example, programs could offer to provide laptops, longer access to high-speed internet, and waive fees for advanced
training. Additionally, programs should be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the refugees. For example, programs could
be available at different times of day, and be tailored to the specific skills and interests of the refugees.

Use trainings to address scams. This could be done by adding a scam awareness section to any basic program to raise
awareness about the different types of scams and how participants can protect themselves from them. Topics need to cover
how to increase awareness of the different types of scams and other digital risks, teach participants how to spot a scam and
empower them to protect themselves from fraud.

Add a training program on how to develop a portfolio. This can be addressed to participants showing interest in
transitioning from learning to earning and needing to showcase their work to find jobs. This program can cover the best
practices for creating a portfolio that is effective and persuasive, give participants the chance to get feedback from experts to
improve their portfolios, and offer the needed support for them to gain the confidence they need to present their portfolio to
potential employers or clients.

Strengthening the digital work ecosystem

Partner with the private sector and organizations to provide refugees with opportunities to gain experience and build
relationships. This will help refugees network and make connections that can lead to employment opportunities. For
example, businesses could offer refugees internships or apprenticeships. Organizations could connect refugees with mentors
or provide them with opportunities to volunteer. Businesses and organizations could provide refugees with feedback on their
work and help them to develop their skills.

Collaborate for skill development. UNHCR and its partners can collaborate with private-sector players to design and
deliver skill development programs that align with market demands. Engaging tech companies, digital agencies, and online
platforms to ensure training content is relevant and up-to-date on new trends. Private-sector involvement can also include
mentorship and internship opportunities, providing refugees with real-world experience and industry insights.

Supporting digital workers

Address the negative perception of female learners working on transitioning to earning in the digital field. This could
be done through awareness-raising campaigns, trainings, and workshops that challenge the stigma around women and
girls using online platforms for content creation by coming up with ways to create content that goes along with culture and
traditions. Additionally, providing support and resources to female earners who face harassment or exploitation online.

Offer financial assistance to refugees who are starting their own businesses. This will help refugees to cover the costs of
things like branding costs and social media marketing. For example, humanitarian and development organization could
continue providing refugees with grants or micro-loans to help them start their businesses but broaden the spectrum of
businesses to support and include non-traditional ones like graphic design services, translation, and coding.