Consultant - National Assessment on the Economic Inclusion and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan

Deliverable 1: Inception Report & Methodology: Detailed methodology, research framework, data collection tools, mapping of key informants, and work plan (30 October 2026) Deliverable 2: Draft Assessment Report: Comprehensive draft covering background, demographic analysis, policy/legislative review, sectoral analysis (education, skills, employment, accessibility, etc.), intersectional analysis, and preliminary recommendations. (20 November 2026) Deliverable 3: Validation Workshop & Presentation: Facilitation of a validation session with key national stakeholders, OPDs, and institutional partners, including a presentation deck of main findings. (TBD 30 November 2026) Deliverable 4: Final Assessment Report: Fully edited, finalized assessment report incorporating all stakeholder inputs, alongside an executive summary and policy-oriented recommendations matrix. (31 December 2026)

UN-House, ESCWA

3 months

Background Jordan has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities through significant legislative, policy, and institutional reforms. As Jordan continues to advance its national development agenda, ensuring the economic inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities remains a critical national priority. Despite these positive strides, persons with disabilities continue to face persistent systemic, environmental, and institutional barriers to accessing and participating in the labor market. These challenges highlight the critical need for a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape, evaluating the effectiveness of existing interventions, mapping institutional gaps, and identifying the evolving priorities of persons with disabilities and relevant national stakeholders. This assessment report will serve as the foundational analytical output for the development of the National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan. Ultimately, the study aims to support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen national capacities to advance disability-inclusive economic development. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant’s tasks will include: • Desk Review & Contextual Mapping: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national legislation, strategies, policies, empirical studies, and national statistical datasets (e.g., prevalence, demographics, and labor market participation rates). Synthesize national evidence on the economic, social, legal, and institutional factors influencing disability inclusion in Jordan. • Sectoral & Vulnerability Analysis: Analyze the realization of rights and economic participation across key interconnected sectors: inclusive education, technical and vocational skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, social protection frameworks, physical and digital accessibility, health, independent living, and participation in public life. Apply an intersectional gender lens to examine the compounded barriers facing groups heightened vulnerability, with a primary focus on women and girls with disabilities. • Methodology Design & Qualitative Fieldwork: Design an inclusive, mixed-methods research methodology and data collection tools (e.g., Key Informant Interview guides, Focus Group Discussion protocols). Conduct primary qualitative consultations with key stakeholders, including relevant government ministries, national human rights institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), private sector entities, and civil society organizations. Facilitate inclusive Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with persons with diverse types of disabilities across different regions in Jordan. • Validation & Strategy Formulation: Draft a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment report detailing structural gaps, systemic barriers, and actionable opportunities. Formulate concrete, prioritized, and actionable recommendations to inform the upcoming National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Present preliminary findings at a national stakeholder validation workshop, incorporate feedback, and deliver the final polished assessment report.

A bachelor’s degree in development studies, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, other social sciences, or a disability-related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Proven work experience of at least 7 years related to social policy, social research, and disability inclusion in the Arab region is required.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and "knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.