Local recruitment: Water and Environment Engineer Officer

• Partner: UN-Habitat Jordan
• Job categories: Water Management
• Vacancy code: VA/2025/B5104/30515
• Department/office: MR, AMMMCO, Amman
• Duty station: Amman, Jordan
• Contract type: Local ICA Specialist
• Contract level: LICA Specialist-8
• Duration: 12 months
• Application period: 23-Jul-2025 to 30-Jul-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

 Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.  Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. In October 2016, at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – Habitat III – member states signed the New Urban Agenda. This is an action-oriented document which sets global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development rethinking the way we build, manage, and live-in cities. Through drawing together cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders, and urban actors including all levels of government as well as the private sector UN-Habitat is applying its technical expertise, normative work and capacity development to implement the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) and country offices (COs) consider environmental sustainability and climate change as a priority issue that cuts across all projects and programs with its counterparts and other UN partners to achieve SDG goals related to environment and climate change. Future support will be linked to national SDG prioritization, both horizontally and vertically, by defining environmental challenges and developing a planning methodology to build up climate change resilience especially at the subnational level as well as enhancing social cohesion and improving people’s livelihoods and wellbeing. Hence, UN-Habitat has ambitious plans to deliver environmental and climate change projects including the Adaptation Fund, Spanish Development Agency (AECID), and other agencies funded projects.

The Adaptation Fund (AF) sponsored project titled “Increasing the resilience of both displaced persons (DPs) and host communities to climate change-related water challenges in Jordan and Lebanon” aims to support the development of a comprehensive response framework to climate change combined with the Syrian crisis especially in an urban context. The project’s main aim is achieved through identifying effective approaches and best practices to build urban resilience, focused on actions that address water challenges and that benefit both DPs and host communities especially women and youth. The framework is not only developed for the project’s target areas, but also for areas with similar contexts. The project will focus on supporting a sustainable water management approach, by reducing water use of unsustainable sources by means of reducing water losses and increasing water use efficiency and by increasing water supply of sustainable sources via supporting water harvesting and promoting the use of non-conventional sustainable water resources. The approach also includes promoting innovative, low cost and sustainable techniques and establishing urban-rural linkages as water challenges also impact agriculture and livelihood security. The project identifies DPs as the most vulnerable group due to socio-economic challenges that could affect affordability to access water in the target areas. However, the project also recognizes increased tension between DPs and host communities and the needs of poor Lebanese and Jordanians. 

The AECID “Enhancing climate change resilience through water related interventions and non-conventional nature-based solutions in areas hosting displaced people in Jordan and Lebanon” project aim to use water related interventions and non-conventional nature-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting, reuse of treated wastewater and organic fertilizers, agrivoltaics farming and subsequent greening of public spaces, in order to increase the resilience of communities in Jarash and Irbid, Jordan and Zahle, Lebanon. Several tangible results will be accomplished for the development of climate change resilience and water sustainability in the project areas in Jordan and Lebanon. Overall, the action aims to directly benefit local farmers, students, families, and the population of the District of Zahle and indirectly improve water resilience by creating greener and more sustainable public spaces for larger populations in Irbid, Jerash, and Bekaa Governorate.

Environmental and water challenge: Issues in Jordan are to some extent similar to those in Lebanon. However, Jordan is an even more water scarce country. In fact, it is the second most water scarce country in the world. Water demand distinctly exceeds supply as the annual water availability per capita has declined significantly, from 3,600 m³ per capita in 1946 to only 145 m³ in 2008.  If supply remains constant, per capita domestic consumption is projected to fall to 90m³ per person per year by 2025, putting Jordan in the category of having an absolute water shortage that could constrain economic growth and potentially endanger public health.  Jordan requires about 1,400 MCM annually (2014) but has on average, only 848 MCM of freshwater supply available for various uses. Non-revenue water accounts for approximately 50% of total water consumption. In 2014, 229.3 million Cubic Meters (MCM) were lost, out of the 428.1 MCM delivered for municipal needs, the MoWI strategy includes the reduction of non-revenue water from 52% to 25% by 2025. The increased demand for water has caused over abstraction of water resources to reach 160 percent in 2014.  According to the Ministry of Water, of Jordan’s 12 groundwater basins, 10 are being pumped at a deficit. Overall, groundwater is being extracted at twice the rate that it is replenished. In 2017, 50.3 percent of the Jordanian population had 24 h/week of piped water supply or less and 49.7 percent of Jordanians were listed with higher than 24 supply/week. This trend will make some areas unliveable, reduce agriculture lands and put more pressure on already scarce water resources, potentially increasing displacement, the continuous risk of social unrest and conflicts and migration to host settlements already struggling to provide basic services.

Demographic challenge: With a total population of 10,558,717 in 2020, Jordan’s population has grown very rapidly, doubling more than ten times in 55 years. The largest increase took place during the last decade, especially because of the large influx of DPs since the Syrian Crisis started in 2011. This relatively high population growth rate puts pressure on government spending to deliver basic public services, and to stimulate economic development. Jordan registered an absolute poverty rate of 15.7 per cent for Jordanians only in 2018 while 78 per cent of the Syrian population is highly vulnerable, living below the Jordanian poverty rate 

The Senior Water and Environment Engineer will support the implementation of climate change and urban resilience programmes in in Jordan and support regional initiatives. This includes enhancing the capacity of municipal governments to manage urban risks, particularly those related to water scarcity and population growth due to displacement. The engineer will be involved in designing and implementing sustainable water resource management systems such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, greywater treatment and reuse, and efficient wastewater treatment for agricultural and domestic use. They will also contribute to the development of water-use efficient irrigation systems and closed-loop water systems through permaculture demonstrations. The role involves promoting the use of non-conventional water sources, including nature-based wastewater treatment solutions, and ensuring these systems are contextually appropriate and replicable. Additionally, the engineer will support community engagement efforts by building the capacity of displaced persons and host communities to operate and maintain these systems. They will also contribute to knowledge management and policy development by documenting best practices, supporting the creation of regional models for urban resilience, and participating in awareness-raising and dissemination activities. The position is based in Amman and reports to the Programme Managers and the Head of Programme at UN-Habitat Jordan.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

 Functional Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Jordan Programme, the Senior Water & Environment Engineer will be assigned to UN-Habitat Amman Office and be responsible for the following duties:

• Contribute to the planning, design, and management of all infrastructure projects, including water and WASH-related activities, undertaken by the UN-Habitat country office.
• Take lead on the development/review of technical documentation (scope of work, drawings, specs, BoQs, etc.) related to civil, water and WASH interventions and projects.
• Ensure that all civil, water and WASH projects and related activities are implemented in accordance with the developed specs, Terms of References (ToRs), and guidelines, and promptly report any deviations or concerns.
• Closely monitor the work of the contractor(s) during the implementation phase, ensuring high quality of executed works.
• Support the Project Coordinator in providing technical input to working documents, studies, and technical reports as required in the framework of project activities on the topics of climate resilience, transboundary water management and food security.
• Report and advise on all the lessons-learnt from implemented projects to inform the resilient and sustainable water management planning approaches.
• Contribute to National coordination processes, including coordination with partners, reporting, planning, and evaluation. 
• Participate in the project’s National Steering Committee meetings (to be held bi-annually) to provide experience and briefing on the technical aspects of activities.
• Support the Project Coordinator in drafting and/or draft necessary project documents, including work plans, procurement plans, spending plans, M&E plans, risk matrices, O&M plans, progress reports, etc., ensuring that the projects meet UN-Habitat’s standards and requirements.
• Coordinate and follow up on all procurement processes related to civil, water and WASH projects.
• Engage and maintain direct dialogue with project beneficiaries, stakeholders – including municipalities, water establishments (Ministry of Water and Irrigation/ Water Utilities), Regional Technical Offices, and UN agencies, among others.
• Participate in conducting trainings and awareness raising workshops for local beneficiaries as needed.
• Support in trainings and providing awareness/capacity building for local authorities and stakeholders in water management, resource use, contamination issues etc.
• Contribute to the knowledge management processes (knowledge acquisition, storage, distribution, and use).
• Support the National Project and Regional Project Coordinators, when required, in drafting progress and performance reports (periodic and annual) in compliance with Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) project guidelines and provide relevant data to the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Safeguards specialist officer of the project in UN-Habitat
• Conduct frequent site visits across the country to supervise civil engineer, water and WASH activities.
• Document in coordination with the Project Coordinator the lessons learned from executed projects – those related to the civil, water, and WASH activities – and in providing recommendations for replication and up-scaling of best practices.
• Undertake regular project reporting.
• Contribute to planning, designing, and implementing civil, water, and WASH related activities, based on field investigations and stakeholder consultations.
• Participate in developing tender documents for all water, wastewater and sanitation related projects.
• Actively represent UN-Habitat in WASH working group, UN task forces and collaboration forums, in close coordination with the Project Coordinator.
• Support in proposal writing, research and write-ups related to water, environment, and sanitation services.
• Take part of the regular projects reporting.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts, officers and technical staff in the relevant Secretariat Units and UN funds, programmes and other UN specialized agencies, representatives and officials in national and local governments, non-governmental organizations and consultants.
Results Expected: Timely and effective management of the programme administration activities in line with relevant rules and regulations. Effective working relationships developed and maintained. Adherence to policies and efficient use of resources.

 Competencies

Professionalism: 

Strong conceptual skills. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in the UN-Habitat focus areas of Urban Recovery, Urban Planning and Design, Housing and Slum Upgrading; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:  

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing: 

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

• First university degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering/ water & environment/wastewater and sanitation/WASH, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of two (2) years of working experience in the areas related to managing civil, water or WASH projects is required.

• English and Arabic are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required.

• Experience in project management or support is desirable
• Experience working in international development and/or humanitarian sector is desirable, especially in the United Nations System is desirable
• Good knowledge of municipal work and systems is desirable.
• Experience in working with communities, community-based organizations and local authorities is desirable.
• Certificates or Training or Courses in climate change adaptation is desirable.
• Good understanding of climate change adaptation, sustainable/integrated water management or related and water challenges in the context of the impact of conflict and displacement in the region is desirable.

 Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: ICA
2. Contract level: Local ICA Specialist, level 8
3. Contract duration: 12 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 Certifications

Required Certifications

• Professional Classification Certificate, Jordan Engineers Association

Desired Certifications

• Certified Professional in Water Resources Engineering (CPWRE)
• Certified Water Efficiency Professional (CWEP™)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Training
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM®)
• FIDIC Contracts & Claims Certificate – JEA & FIDIC
• Project Management for Engineers – CMCS/Microsoft
• Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP®) – AEE