Overview : The project “Mitigating the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on Jordanian vulnerable host communities” started in 2012 with the aim of responding to urgent needs of crisis-affected people in a timely and efficient manner, with emphasis on Jordanian host communities, while supporting them to increase their absorption capacity and mitigating any possible tension between Syrian refugees and hosting communities. The deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Syria has forced hundreds of thousands of Syrians to flee and seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Jordan. This large influx of population is placing a considerable burden on local Jordanian host communities that are already poor and their basic social and economic services. Crowding effects in the local market, in particular with regards to housing and labour, are widely reported in the Northern governorates.
The present crisis comes at difficult time for Jordan. Despite many efforts to engage in economic stabilization and liberalization, the country faces real economic and social challenges. Moreover, some resentment and a growing feeling of unfairness and exclusion are emerging. In view of the above, it is important to provide direct support to vulnerable Jordanians in host communities of the Northern governorates of Irbid, and Mafraq to help the Government of Jordan mitigate the impact of the Syrian crisis on them.
In addition, it is essential that the assistance provided in the current context complements, governmental development efforts, as highlighted in the Government of Jordan National Agenda 2006 – 2015, Governorates development plans, and related policies and strategies. The project strives to contribute to longer-term recovery and development, emphasizing continued resilience building through implementing quick wins to pave the way for a medium to long term gains. The project is guided by the UN post conflict policy on employment creation, income generation and reintegration three track approach.
UNDP recently completed a Municipal Needs Assessment, including participatory community meetings, in 36 municipalities of Mafraq and Irbid governorates. The study aims to arrive at a baseline situation analysis and participatory prioritization of needs. Given the huge burden placed on municipalities for services and basic infrastructure in the host communities of Jordan, UNDP is supporting local governance structures to provide adequate services through the provision of equipment and material, rehabilitation and upgrading of infrastructure, as well as assist municipalities in the implementation of their annual work plans that are developed in a participatory manner, addressing needs and gaps in terms of access to socio community services and infrastructure.
As the protracted and escalating nature of the crises becomes more apparent, with the passage of time issues of social cohesion will gain ascendency. Therefore, based on the experiences over the past five years, UNDP has packaged its best practices in the area of conflict prevention, community security and social cohesion to support a “Framework for Social Cohesion Programming”.
The scope of the above-mentioned document presents many opportunities to address the different aspects of social cohesion, to be tailored to the specific needs of each community. Through this approach UNDP seeks to conduct a Conflict Development Analyses (CDA), establish a community-led early warning mechanism and implement conflict resolution, dialogue and consensus building trainings through quick results project activities.
To apply, kindly read the procurement notice, scan and attach the required documents to the following email: yousef.abedrabboh@undp.org no later than 2nd of November 2014 |