USAID/JORDAN LOCAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT ACTIVITY ASSOCIATE AWARD FY19 Q3 QUARTERLY REPORT
April 1, 2019 – June 30, 2019
This report was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by FHI 360.
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USAID/Jordan Local Enterprise Support Activity
FY19 Q3
QUARTERLY REPORT
APRIL 1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2019
Cooperative Agreement AID-278-LA-14-00001
Submitted July 31, 2019
DISCLAIMER
This annual report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of FHI 360 and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TRACKING TABLE // FY19-Q3 5 KEY ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTING TO INDICATORS 6 OVERVIEW OF TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES 10 GRANTS 20 CHALLENGES, LESSONS LEARNED AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS 22 NEXT QUARTER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 23 SUCCESS STORY 24 TRAINET 25 GIS DATA 26 DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE CLEARINGHOUSE (DEC) SUBMISSIONS 26 BUDGET INFORMATION 27 ANNEX 1: ENVIRONMENAL STATUS REPORT (FY19 Q3) 28 ANNEX II: STAFF IN/OUT COUNTRY 37
ACRONYMS
A2F Access to Finance ADA Aqaba Diving Association AMC Ahli Microfinance Company AMEP Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan AOR Agreement Officer Representative BDC Business Development Center BDS Business Development Services BEE Business Enabling Environment BSP Business Service Provider CAQA Center of Accreditation and Quality Assurance CBJ Central Bank of Jordan CBO Community-based Organization CBT Community-based Tourism CCD Companies Control Department CIPE Center for International Private Enterprise CMC Competence Management Consulting COP Chief of Party DCOP Deputy Chief of Party EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Mitigation Plan ERC Entrepreneurs’ Resource Center ESO Entrepreneurship Support Organization EU European Union FAA Fixed Amount Award FCA Finn Church Aid FHI 360 Family Health International 360 FI Financial Institutions FOG Fixed Obligation Grants FY Fiscal Year GAM Greater Amman Municipality
1 | USAID LENS – FY19 Q3 REPORT GDP Gross Domestic Product GOJ Government of Jordan HBB Home-based Business HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning ICMA International City/County Management Association ICT Information Communication Technologies INGO International Non-Governmental Organization IR Intermediate Result ISLG Informal Saving and Lending Group JEFE Jordan Education for Employment JFDA Jordan Food and Drug Administration JOHUD Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development JSTA Jordan Society of Tourism and Trade Agents JTGA Jordan Tourism Guides Association KPI Key Performance Indicator LDD Local Development Directorates LDU Local Development Units LED Local Economic Development LENS Jordan Local Enterprise Support Activity LOP Life of Project LTRC Land Transport Regulatory Commission M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MEDA Mennonite Economic Development Associates MENA Middle East and North Africa MFI Microfinance Institution MFW Microfund for Women MOA Ministry of Agriculture MOI Ministry of Interior MOMA Ministry of Municipal Affairs MOPIC Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation MOTA Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities MOU Memorandum of Understanding
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MSE Micro and Small Enterprises MSME Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises NGO Non-Governmental Organization NMB National Microfinance Bank PIL Project Implementation Letter PPP Public-Private Partnership RFA Request for Applications RFP Request for Proposals SME Small and Medium-sized Enterprises TA Technical Assistance TOT Training of Trainers TTI Trip to Innovation (aka Jordan Innovators Society) USAID U.S. Agency for International Development WEE Women’s Economic Empowerment
3 | USAID LENS – FY19 Q3 REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In FY19 Q3, the USAID LENS team oversaw the Home-Based Business (HBB) Facility’s work on the assessment and the setup of “Dar Al Nemeh” flagship store. The flagship store is intended to be a highly visible permanent location in West Amman. The store is intended to increase the awareness and visibility of the HBB Support Facility, and will demonstrate benefits, objectives, mechanism, and expected outcomes of such a support facility. During FY19 Q3, the team’s efforts were directed toward the completion of final technical assistance activities, and the implementation of the Access to Finance (A2F) Sustainability plan to ensure the USAID LENS project’s legacy through the Microfinance Network Tanmeyah. By the end of Q3, the USAID LENS A2F team completed the followings initiatives: Ethmar Islamic Microfinance product review, Microfund for Women (MFW) digitization strategy road map, marketing support to National Microfinance Bank, providing training materials for Tanmeyah and its MFIs, reviewing A2F deliverables implemented by the HBB Facility, and the close-out of A2F activities.
The USAID LENS Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) team implemented the second component of the Women in Non-Traditional Sectors (WNTS) Awareness and Marketing Campaign with a series of events for women and youth across 6 different governorates: Karak, Amman (Sahab), Irbid, Mafraq, Zarqa (Marqa) and Tafilah. In Q3, USAID LENS also shortlisted 7 applications for the Irbid Women Plumber’s grant opportunity and transferred their information to Naffa Law Firm (contracted by USAID LENS to support HBB registration).
During Q3, USAID LENS kicked off a partnership with international NGO Turquoise Mountain to support artisan traditional craft producers in Jordan to improve their economic status, increase revenue, and reach new markets. USAID LENS will support activities such as mapping of artisans, trainings, creating a design line in jewelry and homeware, and market research.
Phase II of the Home-Based Business Regulations Awareness Campaign was launched in Q3. Phase II of this campaign addresses the benefits and incentives of formalizing home-based businesses, as well as raising awareness around the type of business registration and licensing.
Following the launch of the Second Phase of the Adventure Guides Standards and Certification Program in April, USAID LENS focused on the implementation of Safety Management Systems for participating micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
During this quarter, USAID LENS closed out 18 grants and awarded 5 grants totaling 300,616 JOD (approx. 424,600 USD). The grants are aimed at the following: developing the capacity of a daycare center to become a regional training center for daycare providers; providing job opportunities for HBBs in local communities through call center services; supporting the market-readiness of two tourism-oriented MSEs; enhancing micro-franchise opportunities for businesses in Jordan; and expanding technical activities through an add-on grant to the first app for on-demand maintenance services in Jordan to provide more opportunities for MSEs in the maintenance sector.
The Operations team kicked off the closeout plan for the USAID LENS project, including physical closure of satellite offices (Tafileh by 31 March, Irbid by 31 May, and Aqaba by 30 June). The closeout plan includes processes for data and record retention, disconnection of services, claims of credit with various service providers, disposition plan for inventory items, requests of approval from USAID for items exceeding $5,000, bank and cash management, and notifications to local governmental entities through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. Applicable and due processes were made in time, with plans to continue throughout the next quarter.
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PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TRACKING TABLE // FY19-Q3 FY19-Q3 FY19 Life-of-Project (2) FY-to- FY FY FY LOP-2 LOP-2 LOP-2 LOP-2 Indicator (short form) Unit of Measure Actual Date Target Achievement Remaining Actual Target Achievement Remaining 1.1.1 MSEs Reached Number of MSEs 1,839* 6,488* 1,500 433%* 0 27,596* 11,500 240%* 0 1.1.2 Increased Revenue Number of MSEs 267 2,458 500 492% 0 4,342 8,000 54% 3,658 1.1.3 Jobs Created Full Time Equivalent 126 741 400 185% 0 2,285 3,400 67% 1,115 1.1.5 BSP with More Sales Number of BSPs 2 8 - n.a. - 51 35 146% 0
1.1.6 BSP with More Clients Number of BSPs 2 8 - n.a. - 56 35 160% 0 1.1.8 New Linkages Number of MSEs 188 2,989 250 1196% 0 11,158 2,750 406% 0 MSE New Linkages (%) Percentage of MSEs n.a. n.a. none undefined none 40% none n.a. none 1.1.3.3 Formalized Businesses Number of MSEs 79 547 100 547% 0 1,301 1,150 113% 0 1.1.1.1 Business Training Participants Number of Individuals 1,626 2,535 500 507% 0 21,956† 5,000 439% 0 1.1.1.2 Firms Receiving T.A. Number of Firms 1,358 2,120 500 424% 0 18,046† 5,000 361% 0 1.2.4.1 Vulnerable Persons Reach Number of Individuals 1,286 3,881 - n.a. - 6,614† - n.a. - 1.1.2.2 Women Financed Number of MSEs 303* 3,387 1,000 339%* 0 6,978* 2,000 349%* 0 1.1.2.1 Access to Credit # Firms & Individuals 5,156* 16,343* 1,000 1634%* 0 30,354* 6,700 453%* 0 1.1.2.3 Firms Accessing Credit Number of Firms 409* 4,239 1,000 424%* 0 8,667* 6,700 129%* 0
A2F 1.1.2.4 Volume of Loans US Dollars $7 mn $23 mn $6 mn 385% $0 $51 mn $13 mn 393% $0 1.1.2.5 New MFI Products Number 0 3 3 $6 mn 0 8 8 100% 0 1.1.2.6 Digital Financial Services Individuals 6,125 21,345 - n.a. - 47,617 1,000 4762% 0
4.3.1 Women & Girls Benefitting # of Women/Girls 1,276 1,520 - n.a. - 5,819 950 613% 0 4.3.2 Female Participants Number 3,688 12,593 - n.a. - 24,547 975 2518% 0 Female Participants (%) Percentage 76% 77% none n.a. none 77% none n.a. none Gender 4.2.1 Gender Policy Reform Number 0 0 - n.a. - 3 1 300% 0
1.1.3.2 B.E.E. Training Hours Person Hours 1,455 2,340 - n.a. - 41,195 17,856 231% 0 Municipal Procedures 0 0 LED 1.1.9 Number - n.a. - 3 3 100% 0 Simplified
1.1.7 Policy Work (Any Stage of Number 0 0 - n.a. - 9 3 300% 0 Development) Other 1.2.3.2 Community Grants Number of Grants 0 0 - n.a. - 59 50 118% 0 Cells marked with a dagger (†) are reported retroactively, having been adopted/redefined mid-project. “Life-of-Project (2)” refers to the amended life-of-project period ending in September 2019. Cells marked by an asterisk (*) are tentative and pending finalization.
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KEY ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTING TO INDICATORS In the third quarter of FY19, the USAID Local Enterprise Support Project continued to progress on its performance indicators, surpassing all but two of the amended life-of-project targets. During the period, the project reached an estimated 1,839 MSEs through grants, loan programs, and technical activities. 267 of MSEs reached in earlier periods reported increased revenues. Furthermore, a total 126 full-time equivalent jobs were created, through initiatives targeting employment as well as business formalization. The programs allowed an additional 188 businesses to form new linkages. The project also strengthened the business enabling environment by helping two business service providers increase their sales and clients.
The Access to Finance component continued to support access to credit and financial services: micro-finance institutions collectively disbursed seven million USD in loans during the quarter. This equated to 5,156 firms and individuals accessing credit with USG assistance during the quarter. An estimated 303 of those were women-owned firms. Finally, 6,125 individuals were reached through digital financial services supported by USAID LENS.
On the technical side, 1,358 firms received technical assistance during the quarter to improve their business performance, and 1,626 individuals completed USG funded business trainings. 1,286 individuals were reached in vulnerable areas who received a loan or technical assistance aimed at increasing access to productive economic resources.
1.1.1 Number of MSEs reached with MSE 1.1.3 Number of jobs created as a result of support services USG assistance
126 full-time equivalent (FTE) formal jobs were USAID LENS reached 1,839 MSEs during the created and exceeded the six-month quarter, comprising of: requirement. Notable contributions originate • 1,211 distinct MSEs attending trainings from: • 1,410 MSEs attending non-training • 104 jobs through HBB formalization events/programs • 9.5 jobs through Eco Hotels • 409 firms receiving a loan (estimated) • 5 jobs through Finn Church Aid Foundation • 2 jobs through Wadi Araba Cycling • 1.8 jobs through Competence Management Consulting (CMC) 1.1.2 Number of MSEs with more revenue • 1 job through Bedouin Footsteps
267 MSEs were captured in Q3 as having increased their revenue as a results of USAID LENS interventions, with notable contributions 1.1.5 Number of targeted BSPs with from the following activities: increasing sales • 160 MSEs through Competence Management Consulting (CMC) Eco Hotels and Finn Church Aid Foundation • 43 MSEs through Aoun reported increased sales through the LENS- • 39 MSEs through Finn Church Aid Foundation funded programs during the quarter. • 8 MSEs through Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) • 6 MSEs through Al-Qbeibah Food Industries 1.1.6 Number of targeted BSPs with more • 5 MSEs through EcoHotels clients • 5 MSEs through The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Development (PBC) Eco Hotels and Finn Church Aid Foundation reported new clients through the LENS-funded programs during the quarter.
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1.1.7 Number of laws, policies, strategies, PKF (66), and Shabab Al Ghad Center for plans, agreements, or regulations addressing community Development (60). private sector competitiveness in development stages of analysis, drafting and consultation, legislative review, approval or implementation as a result of USG assistance 1.1.2.1 Number of firms that have successfully accessed credit, private equity None this quarter. Several tourism-related policy (or both) and number of individuals who activities will be captured in the Q4 final report. obtain financing for productive economic purposes as a result of USG assistance 1.1.8 Percentage of MSEs assisted that 5,156 firms and individuals accessed credit during increased vertical linkages and horizontal the period with USG assistance (tentative, pending linkages finalization). These came from NMB (2,860), 188 MSEs reported increased linkages this FINCA (1,598), MfW (399), Tamweelcom (186), quarter, representing 40% of MSEs reached to AMC (66), EIM (27), VITAS (19). One loan was date. This includes: issued through the Tadamon Informal Saving and Lending Group. • 70 linkages through Competence Management Consulting (CMC) • 56 linkages through Aoun • 43 linkages through Finn Church Aid 1.1.2.3 Number of firms that have Foundation successfully accessed credit, private equity • 8 linkages through Shabab Al Ghad Center (or both) as a result of USG assistance for community Development - Aqaba • 4 linkages through Bloom Dead Sea An estimated 409 firms received a loan during the Products quarter as a result of USG assistance. 230 loans • 4 linkages through Eco Hotels were given to MSEs through NMB, 122 loans through FINCA, 33 loans through AMC, 20 loans through MfW, one loan through VITAS, one loan through Tamweelcom, and one loans through EIM. 1.1.1.1 Number of participants completing These are estimated from a telephone survey USG funded business training conducted by USAID LENS that makes a downward adjustment for loan recipients who did 1,626 individuals participated in business training not establish a business after receiving the during the period. Trainings varied in scope, business loan. covering topics such as the marketing strategies, legal and regulatory training, financial management, pricing, ICT, packaging, and financial literacy. The largest partners 1.1.2.5 Number of new products in MFI sector contributing to this indicator this quarter were resulting from USG assistance CMC (500), Microfund for Women (474), Jordan Education for Employment (135), Holy River for None this quarter. Digital Marketing Technology (114), Aoun (89), PKF (73), Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) (71), and Shabab Al Ghad 1.1.2.2 Number of woman-owned businesses Center for Community Development (65). financed 303 women-owned businesses were financed through loans and grants during the first two 1.1.1.2 Number of firms receiving USG-funded quarters. technical assistance for improving business • 302 MSEs through a loan (estimated, see performance comment in box 1.1.2.3) 1,358 firms received technical assistance for • one MSE through a grant (Nova Call Centre) improving business performance. These firms either received this assistance through partners such as CMC (520), Microfund for Women (406), Jordan Education for Employment (148), Holy River for Digital Marketing Technology (113), Finn Church Aid Foundation (81), Aoun (79),
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1.1.2.4 Volume of loans disbursed with USG NB: The project team did not receive details on assistance HBB registrations in time from the Companies Control Department (CCD) for inclusion in the $7.11mn of credit was extended during the present report. These should be minor and will quarter with USG assistance, including: be captured in FY19-Q4 (~15 registrations • $4,390,733 through NMB anticipated). • $1,883,700 through FINCA • $410,382 through MfW • $181,038 through Tamweelcom 1.2.3.2 Number of community grants issued • $130,894 through AMC that meet growth needs • $60,382 through VITAS • $51,120 through EIM None this fiscal quarter. • $1,201 through informal saving and lending groups 4.2.1 Number of legal instruments drafted, proposed or adopted with USG assistance 1.1.2.6 Number of MFI clients that use digital designed to promote gender equality or non- financial services supported by LENS discrimination against women or girls at the national or sub- national level 6,125 distinct individuals accessed digital No activities this fiscal quarter. financial services such as mobile loan repayment services. Users include: • 6,104 individuals and 10,642 transactions through Ahli Microfinance Company (AMC) 4.3.1 Number of women and girls benefitting • 21 individuals and 42 transactions through from new or improved USG-supported social Tamweelcom services 1,276 women benefitted from programs NB: The project team did not receive DFS organized by LENS and its partners during the transactions on time from NMB for inclusion in quarter. Reach of women came from partners the present report. including CMC (502), MfW (432), Jordan Education for Employment (217), Nova Call
Center Services (43), Aoun (27), Shabab Al Ghad (24), Rose al-Abdullah Training (20), 1.1.3.2 Person hours of training completed in Migrate Business Services (15), The Jordanian business enabling environment supported by Hashemite Fund for Human Development (PBC) USG assistance (11). The programs aimed to train women on 1,455 person-hours of training for 578 individuals topics such as marketing tools, legal and were completed by Nafaa Law Firm on the topic regulatory training, job matching, financial of HBB licensing and registration. management, ICT, and packaging.
1.1.3.3 Number of new formalized businesses 4.3.2 Percentage of female participants in among project beneficiaries USG-assisted programs designed to increase access to productive economic resources 79 businesses were formalized with USG assistance during the quarter. From these, 60 3,688 female participants were reached in were home-based. The provenance of these programs designed to increase access to P.E.R. results is broken down as follows: during the quarter, representing 76% of all such • 59 HBB registrations without direct support participants. 3,609 were reached through a loan, from a USAID LENS partner (through the 79 through a job. None were reached through a Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply) grant. • 19 through Nafaa Law Firm • 2 through Shabab Al Ghad Center for community Development - Aqaba • 2 directly by USAID LENS • 1 through CMC
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1.2.4.1 Number of vulnerable people with increased access to productive economic resources as a result of USG assistance 1,286 individuals were reached in vulnerable areas: 1,576 received a loan with USG assistance and 3 individuals received a grant. Support took place in municipalities such as Russeifa (504), Shoonah Westah (424), Al Agwar Al Janobiah (174), Ain Albasha (99), Dair Alla Al Jadeeda (27), and Ramtha Al Jadeeda (26).
1.1.9 Number of municipal regulations and administrative procedures that have been simplified as a result of USG assistance None this quarter.
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OVERVIEW OF TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES
MSE STRENGTHENING
HOME-BASED BUSINESSES Throughout FY19 Q3, USAID LENS continued its interventions and partnerships to support home- based businesses working in the food processing sector.
• Princess Basma Center (PBC) local investment facilitation grant: Grantee concluded all activities under the grant and achieved the following indicators: 11 MSEs with increased linkages, 7 MSEs with increased revenues, 5 jobs created and 11 women/girls benefitting from new or improved USG-supported social services.
• Hebat Al-Tabea grant: Grantee concluded all activities under the grant and achieved the following indicators: 17 MSEs with increased linkages, 15 MSEs with more revenues, 18 new jobs created, 18 new formalized businesses, and 18 women/girls benefitting from new or improved USG-supported social services.
• Bilforon grant: Despite the grantee’s and USAID LENS’ efforts to ensure the success of this project, unfortunately the decision was made to terminate the grant due to the grantee’s inability to formalize the 11 selected beneficiaries. This was because of external factors as reported by the grantee, mainly related to the fact that the Jordan Food and Drug Administration is making it too difficult for HBBs in the food processing sector to become licensed.
• JoPack grant: Under the 2nd phase of the grant awarded to JoPack under the title Appropriate Food Packaging Solutions for Traditional Food, the grantee completed all milestones under this grant, which resulted in supporting 51 artisanal food producers in Zarqa who are also beneficiaries of the Hebat Al-Tabea grant. This included supporting them with the designing, development and packaging of 71 selected food products made by these artisanal producers, as well as training sessions to increase their awareness on the importance of proper packaging and how access to new markets.
• Finn Church Aid grant: Grantee completed all deliverables under the grant with the aim of providing existing MSEs in dairy and food retail sectors (co-)owned by or employing Syrians with tools and opportunities for growth and development. The grant supported 50 Syrian and Jordanian beneficiaries in Mafraq and Zarqa governorates with intensive and highly specialized business services. Some MSEs were able establish business linkages with other private sector actors to receive support in key areas such as production and marketing. The grant also supported establishing horizontal links among the businesses, which is a necessary step toward closer win-win cooperation and setting up joint structures.
• Bloom Dead Sea Enterprises grant (Women’s E-Mall and Bazaar): USAID LENS extended this grant during FY19 Q3. An RFQ for Cosmetics Products Testing and Certification Services was issued on June 17, 2019. The technical committee met and final selection of the vendor is still in process.
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• Food Processing Home-based Businesses Development in Host Communities grant: Grantee concluded all project activities successfully in FY19 Q3. This grant is being implemented in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). According to M&E review, the grant achieved the following indicators: 178 linkages, 150 MSEs with increased revenues and creation of 110 jobs.
• Shabab Al-Ghad grant: The project is moving forward successfully toward achieving its objectives, where 12 projects began operating under legal entity to enable them to produce, market and sell their production legally. In addition, 35 product designs were developed and approved by USAID LENS, and all trainings were provided to the selected participants. However, the project could not formalize the agreed number of MSEs due to regulatory framework and other challenges faced by the beneficiaries. Therefore, the project and USAID LENS mutually agreed to amend the agreement, specifically the table of deliverables and M&E plan. The amendment is supposed to be fully approved by July 2019, and will also extend the project duration until the end of July 2019, so the project can report on all needed indicators.
• HBB Support Facility: − On April 5, 2019, the HBB Support Facility organized a public tasting event featuring products from home-based businesses at the Princess Taghrid Institute (PTI) in Amman. 17 HBBs participated in the event (5 from Ghour Janoubi and 12 from Zarqa) with a variety of products. The event was mostly marketed through social media and attracted about 310 visitors; most of whom purchased products from the HBBs. On average, each HBB sold their products to at least 10 visitors and created many linkages. Many visitors were interested in taking the business cards of the HBBs to make future orders and were enquiring about the possibility of having their orders being delivered to Amman.
− USAID LENS carried out a full assessment of the Princess Taghrid Institute functions and operations related to supporting food producing HBBs and proposed an operating model. The model consists of the proposed structure of HBB Support Facility within PTI organizational structure, staffing and training needs, and capacity building areas and activities, marketing strategies and operational and financial sustainability models.
− Meanwhile, the facility is carrying out a set of different activities to secure market linkages for HBBs. One of the main activities is setting up the flagship store Dar Nemeh, which is intended to sell HBB products in a permanent location in West Amman. In the upcoming weeks, PTI will work on setting up the store to be ready so that a soft opening can take place on August 9, 2019.
• HBB Sales Agents:
− During April 2019, sales agents contracted by USAID LENS to find market opportunities for HBBs submitted the end market analysis targeting Amman. The findings show great potential in the fast-casual restaurants and take-out occasional food preparation restraints are highly responsive.
− During May, the sales agents consultants conducted a workshop with HBBs. During this workshop, the sales agents gave HBBs guidance around end market requirements, reiterated safety and proper measures of packaging and labeling, as well as directed them on sales and marketing approaches.
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− In June 2019, the sales agents worked on building linkages with end markets. The linkage was through either signing contracts or sales logs developed. The number of committed HBBs have been reduced to less than 10 out of 30 as HBBs are giving personal reasons for obstacles or inabilities to produce in bulk or different seasons. The agents will document the findings and recommendation in a report and will conduct an orientation session for HBB Support Facility team highlighting main challenges and lessons learned and securing end market contracts.
• HBB Regulations Awareness Campaign: In May 2019, USAID LENS kicked-off Phase II of the campaign to raise awareness around HBB regulations. The campaign includes promoting HBB regulations and benefits of formalizing HBBs through different channels including social media, newspapers and outdoor ads. It will run until end of July 2019.
MEETINGS: In FY 19 Q3, the USAID LENS HBB and Policy teams met with World Bank Group mission to Jordan to brief them on the project work with HBBs, specifically for Syrians.
HBB team met with the Head of Program for the World Food Program (WFP) to discuss the project technical intervention with HBBs in order to better understand some of the details of our approach and project, and to hear our feedback on how we believe WFP could work in this area. This is part of the WFP Country Strategic Plan 2020 – 2022.
HBB team was asked to participate in a meeting with donor projects, organized by the PMU and hosted at the UNHCR HQ, to act as sector experts and advise on future activities to support HBBs, especially Syrians.
OTHER FOOD SECTOR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Extension of contract with Trademark (additional activities under the JFW promotional activities contract): Following on from the success of the Jordan Food Week (JFW) in 2018, the sustainability of the project is key to the overall economic and social impact of JFW to the local economy. USAID LENS has a contract with marketing and branding agency Trademark to establish Jordan Food Week as a leading platform for promoting Jordanian food and locally-produced artisanal food products. In Q3, USAID LENS extended their contract to include developing a strategy that would resolve the issue of too many brands/entities (which includes JFW once the USAID LENS project is no longer operational) under the umbrella of PTI with no clear structure or strategy. Trademark will therefore develop a strategy for a unified look and feel for the whole brand that makes it memorable for the target market.
ADVENTURE AND EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM Adventure Guides Standards and Certification Project: With the aim of establishing a safer environment for adventure tourism, USAID LENS and ATTA concluded the second phase of their Standards and Certification Project on Adventure Tourism in Jordan during FY19 Q3. The project’s scope of work involved 3 differed areas: Regulatory Support to MoTA, Standards for Adventure Guides and Companies, and a Certification Scheme for both persons and companies.
With the conclusion of this project, the project has succeeded in establishing a consensus on safety management for companies and guiding standards at the national level. This Consensus pinnacled
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with the establishment of a Standards Tourism Committee at Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) which initiated the adoption of the Adventure Tourism standards. The soon- to-be-adopted standards covered the following competences: Adventure Guide Universal Competencies Standard, Safety Management System Standard (for companies), Hiking and Trekking Standard, Climbing Standard, Cycling and mountain biking Standard, Canyoneering Standard and Caving Standard.
In parallel with the standardization activities, the project provided support to MoTA in drafting and publishing the Adventure Tourism Instructions under the Jordanian travel and tourism companies’ regulation no. 114 of the year 2016. To complement the issuance of the Legal Instructions, Adventure Tourism Activities Based Guidelines were developed according to best practices and will be published as soon as USAID LENS receives the final approvals from MoTA.
As for the certification scheme, which aims to put in place a local governance structure to oversee standard adherence and certification administration for adventure guides, inbound tour operators and service providers, the project identified JSMO as a projected certification body.
To ensure the sustainability of the project’s approach, USAID LENS and ATTA worked on training 47 Adventure Guides on Personal Competences and Trekking, of which 15 trainees were selected and further trained as trainers. Later, the ToTs conducted several trainings on Adventure Guides Competences in different parts of Jordan which resulted in the training of 51 more Jordanian Adventure Guides. The guides increased awareness of the importance of setting high standards in the adventure tourism industry encouraged Ammon College to use the project’s developed training curricula in their Guides’ courses.
The momentum and the capacity building resumed with the training of JSMO certification unit employees on ISO 17024 – certification of persons. The workshops entailed designing a roadmap for the implementation of ISO 17024 within JSMO. Following the training, the participants were able to identify which areas they needed more assistance, namely; certification procedure and scheme documents, the candidate handbook, the certification committee and the tests adoption.
On another level, the project worked on developing the inbound tour operators and service providers capacities to implement ISO 21101 Safety Management System in their operations. In this phase, the project targeted 7 companies and 20* operations on SMS knowledge and implementation. 3 leading trainees were identified and trained to be coaches on SMS within the Jordanian adventure tourism industry, noting that both JSMO and the companies were interested on having and SMS certification scheme within JSMO.
BUSINESS SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Start-up Guide Campaign: USAID LENS launched a campaign in FY19 Q3 to increase awareness about the Start-up Guide utilizing digital advertising and TV ad spots. The campaign achieved over 1,500 downloads for the Start-up Guide in a two-month period from May until end of June 2019.
Developing potential of MSEs in craft sector: USAID LENS supported Turquoise Mountain, an international organization dedicated to promoting and preserving heritage in developing countries, to develop the potential of the craft sector in Jordan by unlocking the skills of talents of Jordanians and other nationalities in the Kingdom. The overall objective is to create a directory of Jordanian and Syrian artisans and craft. In FY19 Q3, USAID LENS conducted interviews to hire a total of 9 consultants under the following capacities: Heritage Specialist, Jewelry Design Consultant, Jewelry
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Technical Consultant, Craft Sector-Mapping Project Management Consultant, Homewares Design Consultant, Webstore Development Consultant, Market Research Consultant, and Craft Sector Mapping Researcher (x2).
Establishing home-based call centers: Nova Call Center Services was awarded a grant on May 23, 2019 for a period of 2 months. The objective of this project is to create home-based call centers in 4 governorates (Amman, Zarqa, Balqa, and Madaba) to cater to local business owners by developing opportunities for women, youth and individuals with functional difficulties. The grant aims to build the capacity and improve the employability and skills of 60 participants, and create jobs for 25 call center agents and 5 sales representatives within the project period. By end of FY19 Q3, the grantee had evaluated and trained 60 potential candidates from a pool of competitively selected 150 applications. The call centers have been fully equipped and grantee has employed 25 call center agent candidates and 5 sales agent candidates.
Supporting Jordanian/ Syrian MSEs in craft sector: USAID LENS continued its grant implementation with Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) in FY19 Q3. The aim of this grant was to provide support to the Al Nahda Cultural Centre (NCC). With the provided support, NCC was able to offer a vocational/business support training location and a public handcrafts showroom with a kitchen which will serve as a restaurant and cultural cafe. Through the grant, NCC also worked on providing trainings and support to both Jordanian nationals and Syrian refugees to apply their unique talents and knowledge to kick-start new and develop existing MSEs that incorporate and publicly celebrate crafts and cuisine from pan-Arab cultural heritage. The grant will be completed in FY19 Q4.
Job creation grant: As part of the third phase of the job creation grant which was initiated with the Jordan Education for Employment (JEFE) in January 2019, JEFE successfully placed 106 employees (67 in Mafraq and 39 in Ma’an) in micro-businesses in Q3. The job placements were in different sectors, such as: food processing and restaurants, soap manufacturing, beauty centers, garments, handcrafts, retail, mechanics, recycling, and agricultural businesses. At the level of micro-businesses, the firms are typically able to hire only one new employee.
Financial literacy training for MSEs: USAID LENS completed the financial literacy training on schedule. The design of training included inputs obtained through interviews with key players in the financial environment of the MSEs such as JLGC (Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation), the CBJ (the Central Bank of Jordan), Tanmeyah (Jordan Microfinance Network), the JBA (Jordan Banks Association), Injaz, and Tamwili (a World Bank project). The training extended over a 5-day period for each of the 5 governorates, and training materials and training design were updated after each training based on the assessment conducted jointly by USAID LENS and the implementer, and access to the updates were ensured by online access for all training participants in all governorates. The number of applications received was 411, and the number of selected and approved participants were 156. The training exceeded the target number of participants of 100 MSEs and achieved 105 participants which 52 of them were in food processing, 26 in services, and 16 in manufacturing. The number of women that participated in the training was 87.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Investment Facilitation RFA: Three grants under this RFA (Qader Al Badiya for Dairy and Agro Investments, Princess Basma Production Kitchen and Darker than Black) were closed out during FY19 Q3 and all milestones reported. One remaining grant (Scoot for Home Delivery and Logistics) remains under implementation and will be completed in the next quarter.
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Revitalizing the salt industry in Azraq: USAID LENS received all deliverables related to a study on the revitalization of Azraq’s salt industry and complementing managed aquifer recharge. It presents the results of detailed landscape and resource assessments conducted in the area, reports on market and financial potential for the salt industry, outlines the suitable production model for Azraq salt, and introduces the social and environmental dimensions considered in development of this sustainable business. Key findings of the study are that Azraq’s aquifer will experience a high drop in fresh groundwater levels and high salinization of drinking and agricultural wells in the coming 20-30 years (depending on different climate change scenarios). To enhance fresh groundwater body, the study assessed the potential of managed aquifer recharge (MAR). Conservative estimations from the modelling of six suitable MAR sites at the outlets of main wadis entering the mudflat indicated potential gains in freshwater reserves of almost 14 MCM. As for the revitalization of salt production in Azraq, the study indicated viable business case and indicated that salt production will be beneficial to Azraq’s environment and economy, as it will reduce the proportion of saline water and release pressure placed on the freshwater body, as well as, generate income for the local community. The key social and economic objectives of the Azraq Salt project include: (a) creating opportunities for local employment with equal opportunities for women and young professionals, (b) expanding local entrepreneurship capability and activity, and (c) establishing capacity development.
Awareness Campaign for Municipal Staff and others on HBB Regulations: USAID LENS contracted Naffa Law firm to conduct an awareness campaign to train and raise awareness on the new procedures and benefits of registering and licensing HBBs. In April 2019, Nafaa Law Firm reported that they have successfully organized trainings in all 12 governorates, bringing them to a total of over 7,170 people trained. People trained were comprised of municipal staff, local NGOs, associations, and people who are interested in starting their business or who are working informally from home.
Legal services for HBBs to facilitate registration and licensing: During this quarter, USAID LENS contractor Naffa Law Firm reported challenges faced in the formalizing of HBBs especially in the food processing sector due to fees requested by the JFDA. Ramadan and Eid Holiday also delayed the ongoing process of the cases they are supporting. In Q3, Naffa Law Firm formalized 20 HBBs. This adds to a total number of 323 HBBs formalized through this initiative to date.
Virtual Offices (VO): USAID LENS developed a legal and institutional model for regulating the concept of “Virtual Offices” at the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). As part of the virtual offices policy reform interventions, USAID LENS conducted a consultation session with stakeholders to present the revised draft of the legal framework (bylaw) for the virtual office (VO) regulations. The Project provided an updated draft on the VO institutional and legal outline to GAM and MoITS which was later approved and will be presented to the Mayor of Amman. USAID LENS submitted the supporting material included to GAM in order to be used once the policy is approved by the mayor. The material included the following: Awareness session presentation (to be used when the new model is to be presented), Virtual Office Licensing customized form, Service provider Reporting form, Due diligence form, Final report.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
WOMEN IN NON-TRADITIONAL SECTORS USAID LENS WEE team began implementation of three key strategic activities to support women in the maintenance sector. These activities include:
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WNTS Taskforce Bayan Advisors delivered the final output from the Women in Non-Traditional Sectors Taskforce. The objective of the taskforce was to identify a model for an institutional umbrella, consisting of one or more entities, able to offer sustainable support for women working in the home and building maintenance trades. The Taskforce has proposed an encompassing model that provides market-driven vocational training opportunities, employment and business capacity skills, provides market linkages through partnering entities and ongoing mentorship. The Taskforce has proposed piloting the model over 5 years, with a staff of 9 personnel, under an existing national, not-for-profit entity, whether semi-governmental, governmental or NGO. The viability of the entity and its potential expansion will be assessed in the third year of operations.
Awareness and Marketing for Women in Non-Traditional Sectors In Q3, Lapis Communications began implementation of the WNTS Awareness and Marketing Campaign. The campaign, which will continue through July, consists of an online campaign and community-based awareness activities; these are running in parallel.
The online campaign is sharing stories of 10 USAID LENS beneficiaries in an array of trades. By end June, it had reached an audience of approximately 2 million, and is some of the most engaged content on USAID LENS social media channels. It has generated additional positive media exposure for several of the women portrayed. The online campaign so far has included two-part stories of the following:
• Alaa Abdul Razak, proprietor of Khashabiyat carpentry in Irbid • Kawthar Hloul is an electrician working in partnership with her husband in Tafilah • Balqis Bani Hani, proprietor of the Zahrat Auto Maintenance Garage in Irbid • Khawla Sheikh, Jordan’s first certified plumbing trainer who opened Al Nashmeyah Arms for Maintenance, a vocational training center to serve women • Mariam Mutlaq, a plumber whose plumbing career started after her children entered university • Plumbers Ola Ibrahim and Wijdan, life-long friends and business partners providing plumbing services from their home in Zarqa • Mayes Zorqan, who transitioned her home-based photography business Mayes Saqer Photography to the marketplace in downtown Tafilah
Lapis Communications implemented the second component of the WNTS Awareness and Marketing Campaign in June with a series of community awareness events for women and youth across 6 different governorates: Karak, Amman (Sahab), Irbid, Mafraq, Zarqa (Marqa) and Tafilah. The 12 events were held in collaboration with Juhod organization, and reached approximately 300 women and youth in total. The events were designed to deliver information opportunities for women in non-traditional jobs and provide a forum for discussion.
The awareness sessions also reflected a finding during the focus groups related to the perception of youth: youth, regardless of their sex, living much closer to Amman (in areas such as Sahab and Zarqa) have more rigid views and ideas regarding women, their gender roles and their general capabilities. Youth residing outside Amman and/or in more rural areas were more open to the idea of women working in new sectors. Regarding the capabilities of women, most girls across all youth sessions expressed the belief that men are more capable than women and tended to not trust a woman to do maintenance jobs, for example.
The feedback from the events indicates a strong need to engage more youth on the concepts of women working in non-traditional trades, and targeting the newer generation that will be leading the way forward to normalize women working in these sectors.
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Irbid Plumbers Business Capacity and Vocational Skills Upgrade: Twelve women from Irbid, Mafraq, Kafrain and Marka successfully completed theoretical and practical exams for basic HVAC. Exams were administered by the Center for Accreditation and Quality Assurance. HVAC training was provided by Al Nashmeyah Arms for Maintenance, a USAID LENS-supported vocational skills training center targeting women. The awarding of the HVAC certificates concludes the vocational skills upgrade activity, which was preceded by the delivery of advanced plumbing training, which resulted in all trainees being CAQA-certified at the level of skilled professional.
Irbid Plumbers Grant Opportunity: USAID LENS shortlisted 7 applications for the Irbid Women Plumber’s grant opportunity and transferred their information to Naffa Law Firm (contracted by USAID LENS to support HBB registration). Naffa has encountered resistance from Irbid Municipality in the licensing process and the project is currently collaborating with stakeholder to resolve the issue. The grant is a limited eligibility grant, open to women in Irbid and Mafraq who have successfully completed at least 2 of 3 USAID LENS training modules since January 2019: business skills training, advanced plumbing training and/or HVAC training. Participants are eligible to apply for tools and equipment required to utilize their skills on the market.
Aoun Grant and Partnership with Al Nashmeyah Arms for Maintenance: Aoun began implementing phase 2 grant in Q2, and by mid-Q3, 31 women had been onboarded to the Aoun platform and 15 had increased revenue through their participation on the platform. Aoun also signed 15 B2B contracts, including 2 with businesses that specifically require services provided by women. Aoun also submitted a request for funding for an add-on activity involving collaboration with Al Nashmeyah Arms for Maintenance to support Aoun’s development of its housecleaning service. By the end of June, this collaboration had resulted in the training of 26 women in housekeeping services within a customized training program designed by NAM for Aoun. Fifteen (15) women have been onboarded to the Aoun platform within this service line, bringing the number of women on the Aoun platform to 109. In June, Aoun generated JD 3,000 in sales from housecleaning alone; 950 of which was from monthly subscriptions. The service providers realized JD 418 in revenue. Aoun is now considering in-housing the service and hiring the women at a full-time salary.
Transportation solutions for WNTS: Ride-share service Careem informed USAID LENS that it will introduce a sponsorship program to support women working in the Al Nashmeyah Arms for Maintenance (NAM) network. Women working with NAM will benefit from a 25% discount on transportation when utilizing Careem to fulfill work orders (code: Nashmiyat). In June, Aoun also informed LENS that it had established a corporate account with Careem to facilitate the movement of women within its network. USAID LENS plans to share data on women in the maintenance sector with Careem to see if the initiative can be introduced in other geographies. Transportation is one of the most significant challenges for women in the maintenance sector. A lack of transportation affects their ability to accept work and to price their work competitively.
WNTS Startup Grantees: USAID LENS concluded a 6-month mentorship program targeting 9 USAID LENS Startup Grantees. Two were eliminated from the program after a demonstrated lack of commitment. However, the results from the remainder of the group were encouraging: 5 out of 7 have created at least 1 additional job; growth in revenue varies but all are able to cover their expenses; and all have expanded their marketing channels. As well, mentors recorded a dramatic shift in views towards the utilization of ICT for business purposes across 22 different criteria; USAID LENS targeted ICT training as a result of the MSE survey which showed that only 6% of MSEs utilize ICT in their business. Although the program emphasized the importance of record-keeping, only half of participants reported recording financial transactions, inventory, etc.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION Informal saving and lending groups (ISLGs)
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• Microfund for Women delivered training to 8 newly formed informal saving and lending practices: 35 women, board members and reporters of groups in Irbid, Zarqa and Tafilah participated in the program.
• During Q3, Migrate customized the ICT program for women in non-traditional sectors to support informal saving and lending practices to utilize ICT for group financial management and communication Twenty-six (26) women – all occupying key ISLG board positions – concluded ICT training with Migrate. All groups have received laptops, and USAID LENS has contracted Migrate to provide several rounds of follow up mentoring to ensure the groups are able to use the technology effectively.
• USAID LENS plans to contract an internationally certified trainer to deliver a ToT program and expects that the women completing it will become certified trainers in ISLGs. This project will be implemented in the last half of July and early August.
DFS capacity building for cooperatives In Q3, USAID LENS assessed USAID WIT Project’s mobile wallet loan repayment activity with cooperatives. USAID LENS is exploring the opportunity to build on the WIT project’s activity to support CBOs to become CICO agents in their communities. The assessment found that CBOs are well positioned to serve the low-income segment with financial services, and have the willingness and capacity to play a greater role. Based on the assessment, USAID LENS will conduct a limited study of borrowers/customers financial behavior and CBO’s experience to date in running agent operations including pricing and commission structure. The aim is to identity customers/borrower’s current financial behavior, awareness of DFS and the types of transactions that can be digitized. This will result into a generic business and financial projection model for the CBOs.
COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTATION USAID LENS contracted a consultant to support the WEE and M&E teams in an impact assessment of the informal saving and lending practice activity and to support the design of a CLA workshop around this activity. Focus groups with different groups and key informants began after the Eid al Fitr holiday in early June.
USAID LENS contracted another consultant to evaluate the extent to which ICT facilitates women’s economic participation and/or empowerment. The STTA evaluated the USAID LENS experience and compared this experience to other such initiatives beyond the project’s network.
ACCESS TO FINANCE EVALUATION OF ETHMAR ISLAMIC FINANCE PRODUCTS During FY19 Q3 USAID LENS prepared an assessment on Ethmar microfinance’s ability to design and rollout appropriate MSE Islamic financial products and services. The evaluation focused on client satisfaction, loan uptake, staff knowledge and experience in processing said loans, and documented lessons learned to enable Ethmar to identify key areas to improve and/or develop in order to successfully rollout these new Sharia-compliant products to the market.
BRANCHLESS BANKING AND DIGITIZATION SUPPORT TO MICROFUND FOR WOMEN (MFW) With a previous grant awarded in 2018, USAID LENS provided innovative digital financial service (DFS) solutions to MFW current and potential clients. The availability of tablets moved the Institution into branchless banking services, defined as the delivery of financial services outside
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conventional bank/MFI branches, using loan officers and relying on information and communications technologies (ICT) to transmit transaction details with tablets. In parallel with the testing of tablets, USAID LENS designed an additional TA project to recommend a digitization strategy and roadmap to support MFW’s operations. The roadmap was designed in early 2019 and presented to MFW in May 2019. The 3 years strategy development complements USAID LENS’ current financial support to MFW for the purchase of tablets and enable MFW to achieve its operational goals of: (1) gaining efficiencies in credit analysis and delivery, (2) improving data analysis and data-driven decision- making, and (3) maintaining a competitive edge in microfinance market. In the coming months (Q4- FY19) MFW will implement the new strategy based on the agreed roadmap to Digitization, helping the institution in improving the delivery of financial and non-financial services to vulnerable clients in the most efficient way.
NATIONAL MICROFINANCE BANK (NMB) MARKETING SUPPORT By the end of May 2019, USAID LENS and National Microfinance Bank completed a four-month project to develop and implement a new marketing strategy for NMB, develop marketing collaterals for 4 products and services (NMB app & mobile wallet, SME loan, Micro loans and Educational loans) required to drive forward sensitization and conduct marketing campaign activities to promote NMB’s products and services in an engaging and inspiring way to its potential clients. This intervention built upon and complemented our past work with NMB.
TANMEYAH TRAINING MATERIALS A comprehensive A2F Sustainability Strategy was prepared to ensure the USAID LENS project’s legacy, with the Microfinance Network Tanmeyah willing to absorb as many activities and functions as possible based on past and current USAID LENS support. The USAID LENS A2F team conducted a comprehensive inventory of all training materials, guidance documents and/or other information and resources relevant for the microfinance sector; all materials were curated, translated, and disseminated through Tanmeyah’s website and Information Sharing System making them widely available for the industry, embedding those assets in a sustainable apex institution. The full archive of training materials adds up to 170 resources (manuals, cheat sheets, excel tools). By making available the resources to the sector, Tanmeyah will further strengthen its position as a strategic financial inclusion player in Jordan and in the region.
A2F TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE EVENT During April 2019, USAID LENS held an event as part of the Access to Finance component’s sustainable transition to partners in the microfinance sector. It was an opportunity to highlight the meaningful contributions of USAID LENS’ partners in the microfinance sector, the achievement in increasing MSE access to finance towards the program’s overall goal of increased local economic opportunities for micro and small enterprises in Jordan and USAID LENS’ contribution to the Jordan National Financial Inclusion Strategy. USAID LENS’ partners included: Ahli Microfinance Company, Ethmar For Islamic Microfinance, FINCA Jordan, Microfund for Women, National Microfinance Bank, Tanmeyah Network, Tamweelcom and VITAS Jordan.
MEETING WITH EU TO DISCUSS COMMON SUPPORT TO TANMEYAH NETWORK On May 8, USAID LENS met with EU projects on Financial Inclusion. The EU was pleased with the results achieved by Tanmeyah and the MFIs in the past years thanks to the USAID LENS support at the micro and meso level, which was complementary to the support EU gave at a more macro level.
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The EU provided an update on the support provided to CBJ (regulatory and policy support) and DEF (strategic and operational review). The parties agreed on the importance for Tanmeyah to adjust and implement its sustainability plan for upcoming years and how the recent Tanmeyah Strategy, Info Sharing Database and set of training resources developed by USAID LENS will better position Tanmeyah as a strategic player in Jordan as well as in the region.
GRANTS
SOLICITATIONS UPDATE WEE Plumbers RFA; announced on May 16 and 7 applicants applied.
GRANTS APPROVED FOR AWARDING EXPERIENCE BARAKA FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMOUNT OF JOD 82,352.70 This grant is being awarded under the USAID LENS Unsolicited Grant Opportunity. Baraka will provide support on the business structure to two MSEs: Iraq Al Amir and Summaga. This support consists of revising their business models and creating business plans that ensure sustainability, assessing their expenses, revenue streams, performance etc. besides devising a remedy plan. Baraka will also work on increasing their market readiness and will also extend this support to two other entities besides Baraka, Iraq al Amir and Sunnmaga, which are: Al Numeira Environmental Association and Montreal Hotel (Shobak). Capacity Building trainings aim at upgrading and ensuring that the targeted entities marketing readiness and capacities enable them to offer a selection of experiences and that the provided services meets expectations.
NAJAH MOHAMMAD ALI AL NATOUR IKG FOR THE AMOUNT OF JOD 19,714.00 This grant is being awarded as small award exception. Due to the withdrawal of an institutional partner from the grant, the applicant no longer met the requirements of the Women’s Enabling Environment grant initially applied for. However, the applicant took the risk to proceed with the establishment of the daycare through a substantial personal investment, and the daycare is already providing services to 10 families in the area, with the potential to serve up to 13 more. The applicant is also positioning the daycare to become a regional training center for daycare providers in accordance with a standardized curriculum, which will contribute to raising the standard of daycare in the country – a key element of resolving the challenge of achieving appropriate day care for working families. The applicant also collaborates with the Ministry of Labor to raise awareness of the law regarding childcare and is an active participant in key women’s empowerment initiatives, such as the Jordan Pay Equity and Stand Up with Teachers initiatives to achieve equal pay for women and fairer working conditions for private sector teachers.
NOVA CALL CENTER SERVICES FOR THE AMOUNT OF JOD 105,974.50 This grant is being awarded under the USAID LENS Unsolicited Grant Opportunity. The main purpose of this grant is to allow Nova Call Center Services to use their expertise in addressing different challenges hindering women’s inclusion in the workforce. Through the launching the home- based call center project they will use their expertise in building the capacity of women and provide them with opportunities to work and operate from home to improve their economic status and generate additional income. The project will enable Nova to give women at home the flexibility to choose her logging hours based on her suitable timing without having to leave her house. This
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project will also connect firms with industry partners and customers, and service providers to help boost MSE competitiveness and access to new markets. The call center service agents will be trained to act as business representatives in local markets and will work as outsourced CRM (customer relationship management) support units, allowing businesses to focus on their core businesses. The communication between local businesses and their customers will be on a local level, since agents live in these areas and know the nature and local culture of customers, in addition to having the same local dialect, which will impact the communication level positively.
MIGRATE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR THE AMOUNT OF JOD 69,994.46 This grant is being awarded under the USAID LENS Unsolicited Grant Opportunity. USAID LENS has identified micro-franchising as a potential structure to accelerate and enhance the sustainability of micro enterprise development in Jordan. After launching a pilot micro-franchise pilot program which supported 3 existing businesses to tailor their franchisor and franchisee business models for micro level investment and operation, USAID LENS aims at expanding the program and to develop a business pipeline of potential qualified businesses for micro-franchising. The expansion project is seeking to approach companies from a range of industries across Jordan and to explore the potential to develop franchise models that incorporate different stages of the business value chain (retailers, suppliers, etc.). The objective of the grant is to over 11 weeks identify 10 potential businesses with business models that can be micro-franchised, and to develop high-level business and financial models for the top 5 firms.
ADD-ON TO THE FAA GRANT AGREEMENT OF AOUN AL-MOTAALEQA FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT L.L.C PHASE 2 TO BE AWARDED BY USAID LENS. USAID LENS grantee Aoun is requesting a 1-month cost extension with an increased budget of JOD 22,582.00. This amount will cover additional technical activities.
GRANT CLOSE OUT The following grants closed-out during the quarter:
1. Salah Ahmad Abdel Rahman Abu Qazan 2. Ecohotels JSC 3. Al Etizan -Aghwar Al Shamali 4. Holy River for Digital Marketing Technology Phase III (JOMIZ) 5. Jordan Education for Employment (JEFE) 6. Series for fast food 7. Jordanian European Logistics Management Solution (LIDEX) 8. Jordan innovators Society TTI 9. Rose alabdallah Est, for training & picnic supplies 10. Adel Ahmad Restaurant 11. Fadia Abu Khalifeh 12. Taghrid Momani for Jams 13. Heba Yousef for Pickles 14. Ahmad Hourani 15. Dhawahrah Factory 16. PBC Aqaba 17. Holy River for Digital Marketing Technology Phase I & II 18. Bait Al Ezz Restaurant
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CHALLENGES, LESSONS LEARNED AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS The USAID LENS team encountered some challenges during activity implementation in FY19 Q3:
MSE STRENGTHENING • JFDA fees preventing licensing of some HBBs: While providing legal services support to HBBs to ease the process of registration and licensing, USAID LENS found that HBBs encountered challenges when trying to license their businesses due to recent instructions issued by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), which require JFDA prior approval to be issued before the licensing process can take place. The costs of this process is a major issue for HBBs as they are required to pay upwards of 160 JD in fees to the JFDA in addition to registration and licensing costs and this constitutes a huge financial burden for them, which in turn is preventing them from being able to formalize their businesses. USAID LENS has briefed the GOJ HBB committee on this issue and requested measures to be taken to reduce and /or remove the unnecessary costs and time.
• HBB Regulations Awareness Campaign: USAID LENS faces issues with response time from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply when they were needed to approve campaign messaging, branding and some promotional materials. The approach USAID LENS took to resolve this issue was to send the Ministry an official letter requesting them to appoint a focal point at the Ministry to follow up and coordinate on related issues.
• HBB Market Readiness: Sales agents found issues with HBB market readiness, which means they are not ready to start selling to end markets. For example, there is no standardization of quality of products, with products from the same batch differing in quality. USAID LENS has found that HBB training alone is not enough to secure a change in behavior; they require regular meetings, close mentoring and coaching. Therefore, the sales agents have found that this requires a substantial investment in time and effort with even a small number of HBBs.
• HBB Facility Implementation and Coordination: The major challenge encountered during this quarter with regards to implementation of the HBB Facility is communications between USAID LENS team, Princess Taghrid Institute (PTI) team and Competence Management Consulting (CMC) team. CMC and PTI have a different concept, vision and approaches in setting up the facility. For example, PTI’s vision for the whole facility and related activities was to build its staff capacity, while CMC’s main concern was to achieve KPIs and targets. Hence USAID LENS set regular meetings with both parties to ensure all are on the same page, and remind each of their role and contribution to the facility. Another challenge was tied to HBB production. Most of the 50 HBBs products still do not meet the expectation and requirement of the market especially in terms of packaging attractiveness and quality/quantity consistency, which makes it hard for the Facility to sell their products directly to the end market.
• HBB Formalization: Registering and licensing procedures remain a big challenge for HBBs due to internal and external factors. Main internal factors were HBBs’ perception and lack of understanding of the importance of formalizing their businesses. Many assume that they will experience many financial burdens if they register their business. External factors also played a role, such as differences in licensing procedures and instructions per municipality, as well as fee discrepancies.
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ACCESS TO FINANCE • M&E challenges: most MFIs did not have an M&E team; staff was not used to M&E processes and tools, causing delays in USAID LENS implementation of activities with MFIs and a certain level of confusion in the collection of quarterly data from MFIs. To counter this, the USAID LENS A2F team started to facilitate the presentation of USAID LENS M&E templates to MFIs, and the collection of the required data/indicators on a quarterly basis. The need for additional support in understanding the template and methodology was acknowledged, and the A2F team provided follow-up. The A2F and M&E teams remained vigilant in ensuring that data is accurate and not being double counted. During the implementation of a USAID LENS telephone survey among MFI borrowers, USAID LENS came to realize that most of the borrowers reported by MFIs through quarterly reports to USAID were not truly business owners. As such, USAID LENS had evidence of a poor information management by MFIs in distinguishing individual lending vs firm lending. This can be caused by several reasons, currently under review by the USAID LENS M&E and A2F teams, which can be attributed to the following factors: disconnection between MFI HQ and branches, lack of incentive to properly fill loan contracts, moral hazards, limited due diligence among MFIs, and clerical errors.
POLICY • Awareness Campaign for Municipal Staff on HBB Regulations: The optimistic impression Naffa had previously had for training governmental staff on the HBBs regulatory framework has faded after piloting the project and facing the field struggles. The greatest challenges Naffa faced was receiving the approved lists of names for the trainees from MOMA, GAM, MoITS which hindered the process of planning the locations and dates for the training sessions in coordination with the lawyers and getting them approved by the HBB committee as they are the key stakeholders for this campaign.
NEXT QUARTER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
PROJECT LEVEL On July 16-17, the USAID Local Enterprise Support Project is planning an event based on the USAID Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) Framework. The event will explore the lessons learned of the project, discuss opportunities, challenges, and solutions proposed, and share and explain the systems, tools and resources developed to share the Project’s institutional memory and experiences with key development actors and practitioners so they may apply them in their programs.
MSE STRENGTHENING • Prepare the toolkit for the HBBs videos with collaboration with Communications team to be distributed among BSPs and beneficiaries. • Follow up on the official letter to the Minister of MoITS to hand over the start-up guide material and website to a nominated official from the ministry. • Contract the consultant to conduct the Bloom registration in the EU market.
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• Contract the consultants to conduct the activities under the Turquoise Mountain collaboration. • Close the HBBs Support Facility project activities.
ACCESS TO FINANCE • By end of July, the team will collect and review Q3-FY19 M&E data received from MFIs.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT • Naffa Law Firm expected to support another 20 HBBs to successfully formalize by July 15, 2019.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • Delivery of 3 workshops concerning WEE activities at USAID LENS CLA Event in July • Awarding of grants to Irbid plumbers • Conclusion of consumer/borrower financial behavior study for Cooperative DFS Utilization activity • Delivery of first draft of informal saving and lending activity impact assessment • Delivery of first draft of ICT4D impact assessment • Contracting local consultant to deliver ToT to 24 ISLG group leaders to achieve internationally recognized ToT certification • Development of concept paper to share with MFI ecosystem stakeholders on the integration of ISLGs into networks • Continuation of ICT skills mentorship for ISLG leaders • Women in Non-traditional Sectors networking and closing event
SUCCESS STORY SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN NON-TRADITIONAL SECTOR IRBID CREATES JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOURTEEN PEOPLE WITH USAID SUPPORT
Rania Abu Dawwas was a bright student with big ambitions who graduated from the agricultural engineering collage at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. During her third year, she attended a landscaping class and realized that she wanted to pursue a career in this field which in Jordan is very male-dominated. Rania’s passion for landscaping motivated her to share her experience and knowledge with others, therefore she started providing training courses for agricultural engineers. The demand for these trainings kept growing so much that Rania ended up designing five different training courses including a 3D and 2D engineering drawing course which was the first of its kind in Jordan.
In 2013, Rania opened a small florist business that also provided landscaping services. She used a loan from the Agricultural Engineering Association to pay for the expenses of setting up the business. Rania’s small business received a lot of attention locally and internationally; In 2013 she won the CitiBank Award for the newly established pioneering projects, in 2014 she was chosen to represent Jordan at the International Visitor Program in the United States. She also was a finalist at Fekrati Award in 2015, which was implemented by Tamweelcom – a Jordanian nonprofit microfinance institution that supports small businesses.
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As the number of plant nurseries grew in Irbid, Rania wanted to distinguish herself further and make her dream a reality by establishing a business that offers landscape design and training services. While Rania was taking a training course at a business accelerator in Amman, the trainer informed them about the small business startup grants that the USAID Local Enterprise Support Project (LENS) was offering for women in non-traditional sectors. Rania applied for the grant on the same day.
Having fulfilled the requirements, the USAID Local Enterprise Support Project awarded Rania the grant. Supporting women to establish and sustain businesses in non-traditional sectors can increase women’s income through self-employment in more profitable sectors but could also enhance the employment opportunities of other women and help Jordan towards it 2025 goal of 27% women participation in the workforce. This is especially true when it can be done in larger numbers.
The grant covered Rania’s office rental fees, bought her the equipment and furniture she needed, provided her with trainings and hired a marketing company to help her advertise her business. This all enabled her to launch her business and propelled her dream forward. The grant also helped her create job opportunities for four part-time employees, in addition to ten project-based employees that work on the different projects she implements through her new business.
Since Rania launched her business, she has worked for many clients designing private gardens, parks. Most recently, she designed the landscape for a roundabout in Irbid. Her client was the Greater Irbid Municipality, signifying that her business was starting to attract larger clients and gain more prominence in this competitive sector.
Rania hopes that her success can further motivate women in Jordan to take on jobs and start businesses in sectors that are considered non-traditional for women: “My main mission is to change people’s perspective on this profession and prove to everyone that a woman can succeed in any sector she wants.”
TRAINET As per ADS 253, USAID LENS reports data to TraiNet on a continual basis as programs close-out. As of July 24, 2019, 626 applicable training events have been reported.
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GIS DATA USAID LENS reported its latest GIS data via DevResults on July 1, 2019. 27,267 records were reported in the submission.
DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE CLEARINGHOUSE (DEC) SUBMISSIONS
Document Title Publication Date Submitted to Link Date DEC
USAID LENS April 30, 2019 July 30, 2019 USAID LENS QR FY19 Q2 Quarterly Report January-March 2019
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BUDGET INFORMATION
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ANNEX 1: ENVIRONMENAL STATUS REPORT (FY19 Q2) Title of Activity: USAID Local Enterprise Support (USAID LENS)
CS name/Country/Region: Jordan
Funding Period: FY2013 - FY2019
Status Report Prepared by: Name: Rasha Tomaira_____ Title __Environment Compliance Consultant
Date: July 18th 2019 (Q3)
Date of Previous Status Report: FY19 Q2 – Environmental Status Report, Date: April 16th 2019
A. Status of the IEE/Categorical Exclusion/EA or PEA
IEE Reference: Date of most recent IEE or Date of Categorical Exclusion (If all activities were CEs): ______
___X__ No revisions or modifications needed. IEE/CE or CE and all activities still applicable.
_____ Amended IEE submitted, based on attached report, summary, etc., (referencing the body).
_____ EA or PEA needs to be amended to cover additional or modified activities. [Note: If yes, immediately notify the MEO, REO (where one exists) or the BHR BEO. Amended EA or PEA submitted, based on______
B. Status of Fulfilling Conditions in the IEE, including Mitigative Measures and Monitoring
__X___ Environmental Status Report describing compliance measures taken is attached.
_____ For any condition that cannot be satisfied, a course of remedial action has been provided within an IEE Amendment. [Note: For conditions under an EA or PEA, consult the MEO, REO (where one exists) and/or BEO].
USAID APPROVAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS REPORT:
Clearance:
Mission Environmental Officer: ______Date: ______
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USAID LENS ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS REPORT (ESR)
In reference to “Environmental Compliance Factsheet and Initial Environmental Examination Threshold Decision” that was prepared for USAID Jordan Development Objective 1 projects (2012- 2017), that read “for Local Enterprise Support activity for sub-grants under the award should have environmental review to identify if the sub-grant will result in adverse environmental impact”, accordingly, LENS team reviewed and prepared IEEs for all sub-grant proposals to identify the potential impacts of all awarded grants. Some grants came under Categorical Exclusion (CE) as they are small scale micro businesses, MSEs or BSPs that are delivering certain services such as trainings, workshops, awareness campaigns, events and/or marketing related activities, etc. with no negative impact on the natural or physical environment. As a result, projects/grants recommended for CE are associated with a scope such as but not limited to the provision of: technical assistance, information transfer, studies, training, capacity building and coaching as well as awareness activities, pursuant to USAID’s Environmental Compliance Procedures: 22 CFR 216.2(c)(1) and (2).
Other grants came under Negative Determination (ND) with Conditions due to activities associated with procuring machines and equipment to grantees, potentially generating activities that need to be managed. This was determined based on USAID’s Environmental Compliance Procedures: 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii). Although under USAID LENS such activities are expected to have low to negligible potential impacts on the natural and physical environment; some still need special attention. Therefore, recommendations related to basic environmental protection, implementation of good housekeeping practices, waste management, as well as health & safety measures are proposed in IEEs for each of grant that is recommended for ND with Conditions, in order to minimize potential risks on the environment as well as health & safety.
IEE documents are attached to grant agreements as an annex to ensure grantees are aware about these recommendations/mitigations and follow the proposed conditions. This Environmental Status Report (ESR) summarizes the status of IEEs implementation and whether mitigation measures/recommendations specified in the IEE are being carried out.
Section A. Status of the IEE/Categorical Exclusion/EA or PEA
A1. Modified or New Activities:
Table 1 provides a summary of the newly signed grants during FY 19 Q3 along with their IEE threshold decision (Categorical Exclusion CE, Negative Determination with conditions ND) as determined by USAID LENS during the period (April 1st, 2019 to June 30th 2019). The name of grantee, grant title, type, and status are also provided. Grants recommended for ND with Conditions will be visited once again to assure their compliance to their IEE recommendations/conditions prior to their closing date. As the USAID LENS project close-out is approaching, only three grants were signed during Q3 as listed below.
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Table 1: List of grants signed during Q3 Period and their IEE Status
Grant Title Grant Start IEE Name of Grantee No. Sector Date Status Threshold Grantee Type Decision
1 Najah Girls and Boys MSE Women April 14th Implementation ND with Mohammad Daycare Economic 2019 Conditions Ali AlNatour Empowerment
2 Migrate Migrate Micro BSP Banking, Finance May 21st 2019 Implementation CE Business Franchise & Business Services Pipeline Services / Micro franchising
3 Nova Call Home-based MSE ICT / HBB May 23rd Implementation CE Center Call Center Support 2019 Services
Table 2 summarizes the environmentally closed grants during the FY 19 Q3 (April 1st, 2019 to June 30th 2019). Although previous ESR reports only reported grants that have been fully closed (i.e. environmentally closed and contractually closed per grant requirements); but as USAID LENS closeout is within the next couple of months, many grants recommended as ND with Conditions have been visited by the M&E team and checked for compliance with the IEE during FY19-Q3 and are therefore considered ‘closed environmentally’. We decided to list the grants that have been environmentally closed and/or fully closed during Q3 below to show the progress that have been made for the purpose of environmental compliance. All grants are anticipated to be fully closed-out prior to USAID LENS official close-out which will be reported by grants in due course.
The IEE threshold decision is included for each. The table shows the grants recommended for CE and grants recommended for ND with Conditions. Grants recommended for ND with Conditions were visited by the M&E Team with the support of the Environmental Compliance Consultant and checked against IEE conditions. The visit outcomes showed that the majority of grantees complied with proposed IEE recommendations and mitigation measures. Those who did not fully comply with IEE conditions were given further advice and additional time (non-cost extension) to implement the necessary corrective action; and shall be re-visited by the M&E team to ensure compliance and will be reported in the last Environmental Status Report.
Table 2: List of Closed grants during Q3 Period and their IEE Status
Grantee Grant Title Grantee Sector Grant Status IEE Decision Type
Etedal Ahmed Al Etedal Ahmed Al HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Khawaldeh - Project Khawaldeh - Project closed Conditions
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Grantee Grant Title Grantee Sector Grant Status IEE Decision Type
Aysha Ahmed Salim Aysha Ahmed Salim Al HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Al Khawaldeh – Khawaldeh - Project closed Conditions Project
Muznah Bakheet Muznah Bakheet ND with ND with Environmentally ND with AlMahafza Shop AlMahafza Shop Conditions Conditions closed Conditions
Finn Church Aid Training and Enterprise NGO/BSP Food Processing Environmentally CE for Foundation Development (TED) in closed trainings and support of Syrian coaching; & refugees retail and dairy ND with businesses. Conditions for procuring equipment
Siham Al Shdifat Siham Al Shdifat Shop HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with Shop for producing for producing Jamid HBB closed Conditions Jamid HBB
Abeer AlAdwan Abeer AlAdwan Shop HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with Shop for Pickles for Pickles HBB closed Conditions HBB
Fayzeh Hasan Al Fayzeh Hasan Al Shoul HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with Shoul Restaurant Restaurant closed Conditions
Dabia AlGhzawi Dabia AlGhzawi HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
Fatima Abuzenah Fatima Abuzenah HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
Rajaa Tabash Raja’ Tabash HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
Haya Zaal Haya Za’al HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
Asma AlBalawneh Asma Albalawneh HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
Muntaha Saleh Muntaha Saleh HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
Fatima AlShoubaki Fatima AlShoubaki HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with closed Conditions
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Grantee Grant Title Grantee Sector Grant Status IEE Decision Type
Amal al shalabi for Amal Al Shalabi for HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with jamid Jamid closed Conditions
Naela Attallah Al Naela Attallah HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with Hijazeen Shop AlHijazeen Shop closed Conditions
Dalal Atallah Al Dalal Atallah Alhijazeen HBB Food Processing Environmentally ND with hijazeen Shop Shop closed Conditions
Hebat Al-tabea for Extending the initiative MSE / BSP Food product Environmentally CE for Natural Products of HEBAT ALTABEA by development closed technical adding new products for HBBs/HBB assistance, through further Support coaching and recruitment training activities; & ND with Conditions for procuring equipment
Nashmeyeh Hands Nashmeyeh Hands for MSE Maintenance Environmentally ND with for Plumbing Plumbing Support closed Conditions
Manhal Al-Momani Manhal Al-Momani Shop MSE Maintenance Environmentally ND with Shop for Electric for Electric Devices Closed Conditions Devices Maintenance Maintenance
Shorouq Erikat and Shorouq Erikat Driving MSE Transportation Environmentally ND with Partner Company Center Closed Conditions
Amira Shdaifat Shop Amira Shdaifat Shop for MSE Maintenance / Environmentally ND with for Home Home Maintenance Plumbing Closed Conditions Maintenance Services Services
Zoara Incorporation Zoara Incorporation for BSP MSE Support / Environmentally ND with for Hotel Services hotel services support Food Processing Closed Conditions Support (Jordan Thyme Project)
Rima Al Slamat For Rima Al Slamat For Food HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Food Closed Conditions
Maryam Abu Maryam AbuQadoom HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Qadoom Kitchen Kitchen Closed Conditions
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Grantee Grant Title Grantee Sector Grant Status IEE Decision Type
Rahma Al Najadat Rahma Al Najadat HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Kitchen Kitchen Closed Conditions
Manal Salman Abu Manal Salman Abu HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Qudairi Kitchen Qudairi Kitchen Closed Conditions
Kholoud Alawneh Kholoud Alawneh HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Closed Conditions
Asia Tawalbeh Asia Tawalbeh HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Closed Conditions
Zain and Maria Zain and Maria Kitchen HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Kitchen Closed Conditions
Tilal Bireen for Tilal Bireen for Dairy HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Dairy Production Production Closed Conditions
Al Shamaa Charity Al Shamaa Charity HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Association for Association for Family Closed Conditions Family Care Care
Daoud Naser and Daoud Naser and HBB/PK Food Processing Environmentally ND with Partner Restaurant Partner Restaurant Closed Conditions
Qader Albadiyah for Qader Al badiyah for MSE Food Processing Fully Closed ND with Dairy and Agro Dairy and Agro / Dairy Conditions Investments Investments
Ghusoun Al toubat Ghusoun Al toubat HBB/PK Food Processing Fully Closed ND with Conditions
Heba Yousef for Heba Yousef for Pickles HBB/PK Food Processing Fully closed ND with Pickles Conditions
Taghrid Momani For Taghrid Momani For HBB/PK Food Processing Fully closed ND with Jams Jams Conditions
Fadia Abu Khalifeh Fadia Yousef Foundation HBB/PK Food Processing Fully closed ND with for Home Pastries Conditions
Eco hotels Upgrading and MSE Tourism Fully closed ND with developing services Conditions along the Dana-Petra segment of the Jordan Trail
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Grantee Grant Title Grantee Sector Grant Status IEE Decision Type
Holy River for eShraq Phase III BSP MSE Skills Fully Closed CE Digital Marketing Development & Technology (JOMIZ) Support
Petra Green Petra Green Community MSE Maintenance & Fully Closed CE for Community Enterprise Plumbing marketing and Enterprise branding activities and training; ND with Conditions for procurement of equipment
Jordan Education for MSE Job Creation BSP MSE Support / Fully Closed CE Employment Capacity Building
Rose Awad Al- Rose Abdullah Est. for MSE Tourism Fully Closed CE Abdullah Training and Picnic Supplies
Saif Aldeen Adel Saif Aldeen Adel Akkash MSE Food processing Fully Closed ND with Akkash Factory Factory / Frozen Food Conditions
Jordanian European LIDEX MSE Logistics/ Fully Closed CE Logistics transport Management services Solution Company
National Packaging Extending the Initiative BSP Food product Fully Closed CE for the Center JOPACK of JOPACK by Providing development training & Appropriate Food and capacity Packaging Solutions to packaging/HBB building New Beneficiaries Support activities. ND with Conditions due to procurement of packaging material
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Other Contracts:
An IEE was prepared for the Home-Based Businesses (HBBs) Support Facility Contract / Implemented by Primary contractor CMC and coalition partners PTI and Taoseal during Q3 as some activities were recommended for ND with Conditions due to potentially minor environmental and health risks such as: 1) food product microbiological testing; 2) PTI cold room set up; 3) Physical retail flagship store kitchen setup and food preparation/handling. However such activities were assessed with having a low impact; given that they are mitigated through following appropriate health, safety and hygiene practices during operations; as well as obtaining the required licenses from relevant authorities. USAID LENS M&E team and Environmental Compliance Consultant will conduct an environmental follow-up visit during Q4 to ensure that the Contractor is compliant with IEE terms and recommendations.
A2. Resolution of Deferrals:
No resolution of deferrals included in IEEs.
A3. Conditions:
All grants closed and under implementation were checked against their IEE’s conditions through field visits that were conducted by LENS team. No major issues were reported since grantees are following the conditions and all of them registered and licensed their businesses according to Jordanian regulations. All grant’s conditions that were documented in IEEs were still applicable and feasible; there wasn’t any need to review or amend these conditions.
A4. Amendments:
Based on the above, is an amended IEE needed?
___ Yes If yes, attach here. No_X__
If the previous documentation was a Categorical Exclusion Submission, is an amended Categorical Exclusion needed to deal with new Categorical Exclusions for new activities?
___ Yes If yes, attach here. No _X__ Not Applicable___
Is the Sponsor unable to meet recommendations and/or conditions that are part of an EA or PEA or does the Sponsor believe an EA or PEA needs to be amended to cover additional or modified activities?
___ Yes No____ Not Applicable X__
If yes, immediately notify the MEO, REO (where available) or the BHR BEO.
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Section B. Status of Fulfilling Conditions in the IEE, including Mitigative Measures and Monitoring
The three newly signed grants in FY19 Q3 are not considered to have significant negative impacts on the environment as two of them are recommended for Categorical Exclusion and one grant ‘Girls’ and Boys Daycare’ is recommended for Negative Determination with Conditions. In order to minimize the impact, the grantee must follow the best practices for similar businesses and the recommendations / mitigations proposed set-out in their respective IEEs.
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ANNEX II: STAFF IN/OUT COUNTRY
NAME ORGANIZATION DATE OF DATE OF SOW ARRIVAL DEPARTURE
Caroline Esther FHI 360 Mar 30, 2019 Apr 12, 2019 Participate in the LENS A2F Averch closeout event; contribute to initiative to reach women with more DFS through coops; technical quality assurance.
MD Jaheed Parvez FHI 360 Apr 6, 2019 Apr 25, 2019 Provide viable business model for coops to serve as cash-in, cash-out (CICO) agents that can provide more comprehensive DFS to their membership.
Philip Edward Psilos FHI 360 May 18, 2019 May 25, 2019 Collect information about technical decision-making and the CLA process, and document this in one or more reports that effectively summarize and highlight key findings, powerfully telling the story of CLA on LENS.
Keisha Thomas MEDA Jun 10, 2019 Jun 17, 2019 Hold final handover meeting with the MFI partners, final debrief with Rashad, pack belongings and return apartment key to landlord.
Margaret Burr FHI 360 Jun 18, 2019 Jul 5, 2019 Support closeout, plan Hendrickson sustainability actions, support subawards, finalize staff consultancy packages, tax and social security issues, and technical reporting.
Caroline Esther FHI 360 Jun 30, 2019 Jul 12, 2019 Participate in Impact by Design Averch event, support DFS for cooperatives assignment, collect and analyze A2F last round data, transfer technical content to Tanmeyah, compile quarterly report.
[End of USAID LENS FY19 Q3 Report]
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