Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, including Jordan since 1976, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Green Pathways & Inclusive Growth Portfolio integrates the solutions for environment protection, climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, economic green growth, innovation and gender mainstreaming throughout all of its programs and projects.

Context

This UNV assignment is part of UNDP Jordan’s Climate and Energy Portfolio, which supports national efforts to advance sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development pathways, in alignment with Jordan’s Vision for Economic Modernization, National Climate Change Policy (2022–2050), Jordan Energy Strategy Action Plan (2020 – 2030) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In light of ongoing energy supply challenges and increasing demand pressures, Jordan is actively pursuing energy diversification, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced resilience of its energy systems. Within this context, UNDP plays a catalytic role in supporting the Government of Jordan to accelerate the energy transition, mobilize climate finance, and strengthen institutional and policy frameworks. The UNV Energy Specialist will contribute to advancing energy transition, energy efficiency, and climate finance initiatives, including support to ongoing and pipeline programmes such as: 1. Sustainable Energy Investment Accelerator (SEIA), aimed at strengthening the investment environment and developing bankable clean energy projects 2. Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF), promoting sustainable cooling and energy efficiency solutions in Tourism sector 3. NDC 3.0 development and implementation, including integration of energy targets and mitigation measures 4. Public sector energy efficiency initiatives and the development of potential Super ESCO models to scale up energy efficiency investments The assignment will also contribute to the development of investment-ready project pipelines, support innovative financing mechanisms, and promote integrated solutions that link energy, climate, and economic development priorities. The UN Volunteer will support collaboration and coordination with key national counterparts, including: 1-Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) 2- Ministry of Environment (MoEnv) 3- Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) 4- Other relevant public institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and financial institutions The UN Volunteer will work under the supervision of the Team Leader of the Climate and Energy Portfolio, and in close coordination with UNDP project teams and national stakeholders. The role will contribute to strengthening partnerships, enhancing technical delivery, and ensuring alignment between national priorities and international climate commitments. National UN Specialist Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,145.08; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; and • Free access to different learning platforms.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader of the Climate and Energy Portfolio, the UNV Energy Specialist will perform the following functions: - Energy Transition & Technical Support 1- Conduct mapping and assessment of energy demand, consumption pattern and impacts of energy constraints across key sectors (e.g. water, industry, municipalities and public services). 2- Provide technical support to the design and implementation of energy transition and energy efficiency initiatives. 3- Support development of investment-ready energy project pipelines (renewable energy, energy efficiency, cooling, demand-side management) 4- Contribute to technical assessments, feasibility analyses, and sector diagnostics. - Climate Policy & NDC Support 1- Support alignment of energy interventions with national policies, including NDC 3.0 and long-term energy and climate strategies. 2- Contribute to policy analysis and advisory on energy transition and decarbonization pathways. 2- Assist in integrating energy priorities into national planning frameworks including the Economic Modernization Vision. - Climate Finance & Project Development 1- Support the design and implementation of climate finance initiatives (e.g., SEIA, EERF). 2-Contribute to preparation of concept notes, project documents (PIFs/ProDocs), and donor proposals. 3- Assist in identifying financing opportunities and engaging with development partners and financial institutions. - Stakeholder Coordination & Partnerships 1- Facilitate coordination with national stakeholders (MEMR, MoEnv, JREEEF, private sector, financial institutions). 2- Support organization of technical meetings, workshops, and consultations. 3- Strengthen partnerships and stakeholder engagement for energy and climate initiatives. - Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge Management 1- Support monitoring and reporting of project activities, ensuring timely delivery of outputs. 2- Contribute to preparation of progress reports, knowledge products, and communication materials. 3- Document lessons learned and best practices. - Cross-Cutting Priorities 1- Support integration of gender equality and social inclusion into energy programming 2- Promote digitalization and innovation where relevant - UNV Contribution (Volunteerism) 1- Promote volunteerism through active engagement with UNV initiatives 2- Contribute to knowledge sharing, documentation, and outreach activities

Competencies and values

I. Accountability II. Adaptability and flexibility III. Creativity IV. Planning and organizing V. Communication

Living conditions and remarks

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship). As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.