Independent terminal evaluation. Job creation for youth and women through improvement of business environment and SMEs competitiveness (UNIDO project No. 160264)

Overview

The project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by UNIDO aimed at increasing Jordan’s private-sector contribution to job creation and at promoting the economic inclusion of youth and women by supporting the development of competitive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Outcome 1 achieved milestones like the establishment of the Jordan Industrial Intelligence Observatory, the development of the first ever Jordan Industrial Competitiveness Report (JICR), and the inclusion of Jordan in OECD’s TiVA database. Outcome 2 faced challenges in relation to the dissemination of developed value chain studies and planned capacity building initiative for selected SMEs. Other critical factors affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of the project were delays in funds disbursements, COVID-19 and a high staff turnover. Despite setbacks, the evaluation found the overall project implementation to be moderately satisfactory. Notably, the Industrial Intelligence Observatory and TiVA database additions contribute to potential long-term impact and sustainability.

Report Details