Jordan nationals: Project Associate/Marine

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Aqaba, Jordan 🇯🇴

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.


UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All related candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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, alleviating 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. 

UNDP Jordan Environment, Climate Change, and DRR pillar has been supporting GoJ to fulfill its commitments towards International Environmental Conventions, including the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), and has launched many interventions in the Gulf of Aqaba to conserve Jordan`s unique biodiversity in landscapes and marine ecosystems. Support is primarily focused on enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the newly established Aqaba Marine Reserve and addressing direct drivers to protect habitats and species. Among these initiatives are improving the management and operation system of the new Aqaba Marine Reserve and Enhance the conservation of the Aqaba Marine Reserve by improving capacity for effective management.

The UNDP Jordan CO seeks to employ full-time Project Associate to coordinate the projects` site-based activities under the supervision of the Project Manager and in collaboration with the local partners.

Scope of Work

Overall, the Project Associate will perform the following duties:  

Management and Implementation of the project’s activities

  • Provide Support in the  implementation of the projects` activities in accordance with the projects` documents and UNDP’s procedures. 
  • Support the coordination of project activities with other involved governmental and non-governmental organizations under the supervision of the Projects Manager.
  • Development and implementation of the project’s annual work plans and support the process of quarterly and annual planning of projects` activities.
  • Coordinate, monitor, and close follow-up of the activities of all consultants assigned by the projects to ensure timely provision of inputs and achievement of outputs and deliverables.
  • Monitor the progress of the project’s activities, including the development of “in-house “databases that document all related information and provide concise progress reports on work accomplished, main difficulties encountered,  ..etc..
  • Assist in establishing a trusting relationship with all concerned groups, including relevant ministries and local NGOs.
  • Prepare Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors.
  • Provide technical input to project activities where appropriate.
  • Submit reports of relevant projects` progress to UNDP CO.
  • Work as a liaison with the local communities’ institutions.
  • Coordinate activities with projects partners including Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jorda (JREDS).
  • Integrate the projects` annual work plans into the partners` annual plans to ensure integration.
  • Ensure appropriate stakeholders participation in the projects` implementation through coordination with all concerned institutions.
  • Ensure total accuracy and the highest level of transparency in the management of the projects` financial resources in accordance with UNDP and national regulations and procedures.
  • Prepare all necessary financial reports to accompany Project quarterly and annual work plans and reports.
  • Ensure consistency and integration
  • Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor given the nature of the project that is part of the broader marine biodiversity program at UNDP Jordan

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Ensure visibility of the projects, including adherence to visibility standards and templates of the donor, UNDP and Government, as required;
  • Facilitate a learning and adaptive approach to projects` management and implementation by supporting the development and dissemination of lessons learned;
  • Liaise with ASEZA team to ensure proper synergy between the different components of the project;
  •  Ensure synergy and integration with all relevant projects/interventions implemented by UNDP, specifically in relation to marine ecosystem conservation;
  • Efficient facilitation and participation in meetings of relevance to the mandate of the Green Pathways and Inclusive Growth Pillar;
  • Support with the writing of press releases and speeches related to events organized by the project, and ensure adequate media coverage for such events and any other strategic issues/activities linked to projects` implementation and assist in preparing communication/publicity materials e.g. posters, brochures, newsletters, .etc.
  • Foster and establish links and synergy with other relevant programs within UNDP.
  • Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  • Ensure active participation in learning and knowledge sharing in gender analysis and gender mainstreaming;

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Associate shall report to the Projects Manager. He/She will perform his/her tasks on a full-time daily basis for one year and will be based in Aqaba at the UNDP office within Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority premises and periodic missions to the project sites. 

Competencies

Core 
Achieve Results:LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously:LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic AreaNameDefinition
Business Direction & StrategyStrategic ThinkingAbility to develop effective strategies and prioritied plans in line with UNDPs objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP 
Business DevelopmentKnowledge GenerationAbility to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Business ManagementMonitoringAbility to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
Business ManagementProject ManagementAbility to plan, organi]e, prioriti]e and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirementsCompletion of a secondary education is required, or A university degree in Environmental Science, marine science,  Biology, coastal zone management an equivalent filed will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.  
Min. years of relevant work experience A minimum of six (6) years (with secondary education degree) or three (3) years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in marine science, Environmental Science, Biology, coastal zone management, or any other related fields is required.
Required  skills Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.Proven experience working with relevant agencies in Jordan. 
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies sectionExperience/Familiarity with technical assistance projects and proven experience working with relevant agencies in JordanProven ability in budget management and work plan preparation.Demonstrable skills in computer applications for editing and presentation purposes – word processing, spread sheets, presentations, etc.Knowledge of Result-based management and experience in project management and implementation.Excellent Skills in technical writing, analytical writing, communication, interpersonal, data analysis, and reporting.Strong analytical skills, good interpersonal and team-building skills/experience.
Required Language(s) Proficient in both written and oral English and Arabic.
Professional CertificatesN/A

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

LANGUAGE REQUIRED

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