BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ARCS Culture Solidali
ARCS is an international non-profit organization founded in Rome in 1985 by Arci, one of the most prominent national networks of the Italian Third Sector. ARCS’ mission is to promote social change, global citizenship education, peacebuilding, and intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, while strengthening democratic ownership. ARCS builds national and international partnerships based on equal dignity and respect for diversity.
ARCS has been active in the Middle East for over twenty years, implementing projects that improve access to employment and support local communities, refugees, and displaced people in both emergency and development settings. In Jordan, ARCS has operated since 2012, delivering programs mainly in the protection and livelihood sectors.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project Boro’om: Formal Employment Opportunities and Entrepreneurship Development in the Governorates of Mafraq and Aqaba, funded by Italian Agency For Development Cooperation AICS Amman, implemented by the Italian NGOs AVSI and ARCS, aims to enhance the resilience of local populations by supporting access to sustainable income opportunities in Mafraq and Aqaba.
Project Objectives:
- SO1: Foster access to immediate livelihood and formal employment opportunities through the promotion of an inclusive labor market aligned with protection and decent work standards.
- SO2: Support the creation and strengthening of entrepreneurial and self-employment activities that respond to the specific needs of local markets, promoting long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
SCOPE OF WORK
This component of the project supports Jordanian and Syrian refugee owners of home-based businesses (HBBs) and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to complete all documentation needed for legal registration and operation.
The project targets:
- 100 existing businesses in Mafraq (71 Jordanian, 29 Syrian);
- 20 startup businesses (10 in Mafraq and 10 in Aqaba, outside ASEZA authority—6 Syrian, 14 Jordanian).
All selected beneficiaries will be required to legalize their businesses and participate in legal awareness sessions facilitated by the selected service provider.
The awareness sessions will address:
- The importance of business legalization for both Jordanian and Syrian beneficiaries;
- Jordanian labor laws and the latest updates related to home-based businesses;
- Step-by-step guidance on the legalization process;
- Procedures at the Industry and Trade Directorate to obtain a commercial record;
- Guidance on obtaining municipal licenses.
In addition, the selected service provider will offer individual consultations and follow-up support throughout the licensing process. The consultancy will cover the full cost of licensing for all selected beneficiaries.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
ARCS is seeking a qualified consulting organization to implement the legalization component of the project in Mafraq and Aqaba starting May 2025.
ACTIVITIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED
- Conduct 12 group awareness sessions (11 in Mafraq and 1 in Aqaba) covering labor law, home business regulations, legalization procedures, and guidance on obtaining commercial records and municipal licenses.
- Provide individual consultations and follow-up support (as needed) until each beneficiary successfully obtains the required legal documents.
- Monitor and evaluate outcomes, providing detailed reports on beneficiaries’ progress and knowledge acquisition.
- Deliver signed attendance sheets (hard and soft copies in English) for all sessions.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
- Submit detailed reports to the ARCS Project Manager, including:
- Number of sessions conducted;
- Number of beneficiaries attending;
- Number of businesses successfully legalized;
- Ensure that all documentation (photos, attendance sheets, session materials) is submitted promptly and accurately;
- Provide additional documentation upon ARCS’ request.
TIMELINE
- Awareness sessions are expected to begin in May 2025, spanning approximately 6 weeks.
- The licensing process for each beneficiary will follow the awareness sessions and will be supported case-by-case through ongoing follow-up.
CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience in supporting HBB/MSE legalization and technical expertise in business registration;
- Strong knowledge of Jordanian national and local development policies and regulations;
- Prior experience working in Mafraq and Aqaba;
- Established connections with relevant local institutions and stakeholders;
- Fluency in Arabic and good command of English (spoken and written);
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
How to apply
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants must submit both a technical and financial offer.
Technical offer should include:
- The organization’s profile and relevant CVs;
- A motivation statement;
- Proposed action plan (maximum 6 weeks);
- Description of methodology for analysis and follow-up.
Financial offer should include:
- Consultant’s professional fees;
- Costs related to awareness sessions (venue, refreshments, stationery, etc.);
- All costs associated with obtaining required legal documents for the beneficiaries;
- Any additional costs that may arise during the implementation phase.
Deadline for submission:
Applications must be sent by April 19, 2025 to arcs.jordan@gmail.com
Subject line: Boro’om Project _ Legalization Component
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.