Background

In line with its Country Programme Document CPD 2023-2027, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan is focused on climate action, resilience, eradicating poverty, gender equality, and responsible production and consumption. UNDP Jordan is committed to preserving the Kingdom’s environment, alleviate the strains of poverty through encouraging new and equal economic opportunities amongst all constituents of society, enhancing gender equality and female economic empowerment, addressing climate change, and promoting Made-in-Jordan innovative circular economy model. 

Under its Sustainable Green Pathways Pillar, UNDP helps its partners to build their capacity to integrate environmental considerations into development plans and strategies, establish effective partnerships, secure resources, implement programmes to support sustainable development pathways and build capacity to better manage the environment. Recognizing that addressing critical issues such as climate change and degradation of natural resources is a key element to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development, UNDP has been giving particular focus and attention to the coastal and marine ecosystem,  in different thematic areas and through a number of interventions e.g. Mainstreaming Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Supporting Ecosystem-based Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Developing the Aqaba Marine Reserve Nomination File, Drafting Aqaba Marine Reserve Bylaw, Collaborating with ASEZA for Supporting Aqaba Marine Reserve Management and Operations and Conservation and Restoration of Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba and sustainable blue Economy (SBE) in Aqaba.

As part of its adaptive management program in response to emerging projects’ priorities and conditions, UNDP seeks to recruit a part-time Projects` Coordination Specialist to represent the primary source of Technical Management and Support for Sustainable Green Pathways Pillar Projects’ Implementation in the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems under the supervision of the Team Leader of Sustainable Green Pathways Pillar and in collaboration with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority.

Scope of Work

Projects’ Coordination Specialist will provide technical backstopping and strategic guidance for the implementation of UNDP’s thematic projects in Coastal and Marine Ecosystems. He/She will guide, coordinate, and monitor implementation of the following flagship projects:

• Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reef Programme (GFCR)
• Enhancing Biodiversity and Resilience in Aqaba’s Coastal Ecosystem (EmBRACE)

The Specialist will ensure projects maintain a strategic direction, deliver high-quality outputs, and adopt an adaptive, learning-based management approach. He/She will also facilitate the introduction of international best practices, serving as a conduit for UNDP’s global knowledge network to enhance project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Coordination and Guidance

• Provide technical guidance and ensure integration across projects` components
• Ensure gender equality and livelihood dimensions are systematically integrated into technical activities.
• Coordinate and monitor the work of consultants and implementing partners, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and quality results.
• Draft Terms of Reference (ToRs) and provide technical inputs for project assignments.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including concept note development within the Green Pathways thematic areas.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Supervisor.

1.1 Specific Technical Tasks under the GFCR Programme

• Coordinate with the Ministry of Investment (PPP Unit) and other national and local institutions to finalize the landscape assessment for reef-positive investments.
• Support the preparation and validation of preliminary reef-positive investment opportunities, including consultations, market assessments, and surveys within the tourism, fisheries, and waste-management sectors.
• Facilitate regional collaboration between Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on coral-reef management and financing strategies.
•  Support the establishment of a regional communication platform (virtual and in-person) and organize at least two regional networking events/workshops (one in Aqaba and one in a neighboring country).
• Provide technical and advisory inputs to harmonize policies, monitoring systems, and financing mechanisms among partner countries.
• Coordinate with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) to establish the Centre for Sustainable Blue Economy Innovation (CSBEI), ensuring alignment with GFCR objectives and national blue economy priorities.

1.2 Specific Technical Tasks under the Embrace Programme

• Lead technical support on the regulatory and policy framework for ICZM.
• Provide technical guidance on Nature-based solutions pilots.
• Follow up and provide technical coordination with the experts preparing the Jordan Blue Economy Strategy and Eco-tourism strategy ensuring consistency with ASEZA’s vision, national frameworks, and regional cooperation efforts.

2. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

• Support in establishing and maintaining monitoring systems and internal databases to track project implementation and results.
• Support the preparation of regular progress reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance of technical and financial reporting with RBM indicators and disbursement targets.
• Promote knowledge sharing and learning, ensuring that projects actively contribute to UNDP’s regional and global knowledge platforms.
• Represent the projects and participate in meetings relevant to the mandate of the Green Pathways Pillar.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Liaise closely with ASEZA and other partners to ensure proper synergy and integration across project components.
• Foster trustful relationships with government, private sector, and community stakeholders to secure broad participation in implementation.
• Strengthen coordination with local implementing partners and ensure linkages with other relevant UNDP programs and interventions.
• Promote synergies with related marine ecosystem conservation projects within UNDP’s portfolio.

Ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with UNDP policies on impartiality, conflict of interest, and ethical standards.

Institutional Arrangement

The Projects’ Coordination Specialist will perform his/her duties under the direct supervision of Team Leader of the Sustainable Green Pathways Pillar / Green Pathways and Inclusive Growth Portfolio and in close collaboration with the Programme Analyst and the Project Managers of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reef Programme (GFCR) and the Enhancing Biodiversity and Resilience in Aqaba’s Coastal Ecosystem (EmBRACE) project. He/She will be based in Amman, with frequent visits to Aqaba for technical support, coordination, and monitoring of field activities.

The Projects’ Coordination Specialist will work closely with ASEZA and the members of the Project Management Units, providing technical guidance, coordination, and monitoring support to ensure effective implementation and integration of project activities. This is a part-time position, with an initial duration of six months and possibility of extension based on project requirements.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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