Project Associate/Marine - NPSA 6 - Aqaba - Jordan

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. 

Cross-functional & Technical competencies