Enterprise Outreach and Liaison Officer - Karak

AMAL Project – Jordan | ICU – Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria

Location: 1 position in Karak, with field work in the respective governorate.

Type of Employment: Full-time, fixed term – 4 months

Reports to: Field Coordinator.

Preamble

ICU – Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria – is an Italian International Non-Governmental Organization recognized by the European Commission and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established in 1966. ICU implements development co-operation projects in developing countries and fosters information and education on international solidarity issues. ICU has been active in Jordan since 1999.

The project

The project “AMAL – Improved Access to Work for vulnerable Syrian refugees and Jordanians in the governorates of Amman, Zarqa and Karak” (AID 013186/01/0) is implemented by ICU (applicant and overall coordinator) in partnership with Save the Children Jordan (SCJ) and Athar for Youth Development, and is financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

AMAL improves stable and lasting access to income for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians – with a focus on women, youth (18–35) and persons with disabilities – in the governorates of Amman, Zarqa and Karak. The project combines market-aligned vocational training (TVET), cash for training, paid internships and job matchmaking with grants and tailored support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the active engagement of public institutions, the private sector and community-based organizations to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Overall aim of the Action: Contribute to the economic empowerment and the strengthening of the resilience of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians in Jordan.

Specific objective: Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians – in particular women, youth and persons with disabilities – in the governorates of Amman, Zarqa and Karak obtain a stable income from employment or self-employment thanks to the development of market-aligned skills and the strengthening of MSMEs.

Expected results:

• R.1 Strengthened technical, practical and professional skills required by the local labor market among vulnerable Syrian refugees and Jordanians, with particular attention to youth, women and persons with disabilities.
• R.2 Promoted inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship, contributing to the strengthening of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• R.3 Strengthened activation and participation of the public sector, private sector and community associations to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Job Description

We are seeking a proactive Enterprise Outreach and Liaison Officer to identify, engage and support the selection of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that will benefit from the AMAL project. The selected MSMEs will access grants, Business and Human Rights training, financial, technical and legal accompaniment and green finance awareness sessions: the Officers’ outreach work will determine the quality and inclusiveness of this component.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Map and identify MSMEs in the target governorate that are potentially eligible for project support, with attention to enterprises owned or staffed by women, youth and persons with disabilities.
• Present the project’s grant scheme, conditions and accompanying services to interested enterprises in a clear and transparent manner.
• Support the collection and screening of applications and the verification of eligibility criteria.
• Support the enterprise selection process, including documentation, due diligence checks and the work of the selection committee.
• Act as liaison between selected businesses and the project team, facilitating communication and the planning of subsequent activities (grants, BHR training, accompaniment program).
• Coordinate with the counterpart Officer engaged by Athar in Zarqa to ensure a harmonized approach across the three governorates.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, contacts and screening outcomes.
• Contribute to reporting on the outreach and selection phase.
• Apply ICU’s transparency, accountability and do-no-harm principles in all interactions with enterprises.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Management or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in private sector engagement, business development services, outreach or similar roles.
• Good knowledge of the local business environment in Amman or Karak governorate.
• Experience with grant schemes or enterprise support programs is an advantage.
• Strong communication, negotiation and networking skills.
• Good computer literacy (MS Office, data entry).
• Fluency in Arabic and good working knowledge of English.