UNICEF launches Jordan’s first Impact Sourcing platform

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Hanandeh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, UNICEF and Digital Opportunity Trust Jordan (DOT) launched today the Bridge, Outsource, Transform (B.O.T.) Impact Sourcing platform, connecting skilled freelancers from vulnerable communities with digital micro-employment opportunities.

B.O.T platform enhances vulnerable youth, especially young women livelihoods through enabling them to access micro tasking opportunities in the digital sector, this access is particularly relevant for vulnerable youth, whose access to the formal labor market is limited by their gender, location, and socio-economic status.

The programme design was informed by an in-depth analysis of the Jordanian Labor Market needs, and it equips young people, with basic and advanced digital skills trainings, so they are empowered to access different employment opportunities, whether freelancing, microworks, or full-time employment.

“We are proud to be part of launching the B.O.T. Platform, which is aligned with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship’s role, of enhancing youth's digital skills to prepare them for the labor market and provide them with freelance work opportunities.” Said Ahmad Hanandeh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship.

“The ministry is continuously working on the creation of initiatives and projects supporting both the youth and the private sector companies by providing the needed digital skills to the labor market, such as The Graduates Internship Program (GIP), The Youth, Technology and Jobs (YTJ) Project, The National Upskilling –ICT Programme.” He added.

“Ensuring access of young people to services and productive assets, that will better facilitate their transition to work is a priority in the UN 2030 youth strategy. UNICEF’s Digital Skills for A Better Future Programme addresses geographic, economic, and social factors to close the digital gap, facilitating access to meaningful employment opportunities, with a focus on women and people with disabilities.” said Tanya Chapuisat, Representative, UNICEF Jordan.

“DOT strives to provide the best support to the youth participating in the training programmes. Our programmes are based on skills required in the Jordanian labor market, that will enable participants to secure temporary job opportunities,” said Hamza Al-Shraideh, DOT Country Director, “The B.O.T platform provides a network for experienced youth to find temporary opportunities in the Jordanian job market and focuses on spreading awareness of the concept of freelancing and remote work.”

B.O.T. platform is part of UNICEF Digital Skills for A Better Future Programme, aimed to equip vulnerable youth, aged 17-24, with demand driven digital skills for better income generation opportunities, and a smooth transition into productive adulthood.

Since 2019, the Digital Skills for A Better Future Programme trained more than 3000 youth (70% females), across nine governorates.560 trainees were provided with work placement opportunities, and others found remote freelance opportunities through the B.O.T. digital platform, generating more than more than 9000 JD of income in 2021.

The B.O.T. platform is generously funded by the Prospects Partnership from the Government of the Netherlands.