From Protection to Transformation: Understanding the Landscape of Formal Social Protection in Jordan

This paper provides a broad overview of the formal contributory and non-contributory programs provided formally by the Jordanian Government. The paper utilizes the Social Risk Management framework and the concept of Transformative Social protection to examine existing programs and reflect on social protection policy. Contextualized to the experience of Jordan and its socioeconomic realities, the paper presents a comprehensive gap analysis which stems from the mapping of social protection programs. The paper argues that the way forward for social protection policy and programming in Jordan should focus on recognizing and building upon the work that has been already done (especially the National Strategy for Social Protection), future roadmaps and plans of implementation processes and procedures must be coupled with clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure their implementation. Additionally, the paper argues that international assistance should take the form of sustainable technical assistance, fiscal training and support, as well as inter-agency coordination to ensure a holistic approach based on a national Jordanian vision through a joint focus on policy and programs.