National Project Coordinator - Social Protection

Introduction

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is committed to promoting fair and productive work worldwide, focusing on enhancing social protection systems to achieve conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. In Jordan, the ILO actively supports the implementation of national social protection strategies through projects such as Estidama++ and Prospects. The Prospects partnership, funded by the Netherlands, seeks to address the socio-economic challenges posed by the protracted refugee crisis by integrating refugees into national systems and promoting sustainable economic opportunities. Estidama++ aims to extend social security coverage to vulnerable workers in the informal economy, including a significant focus on refugees, in response to Jordan’s ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical shifts. Funded by the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway, and the United Kingdom, this initiative plays a pivotal role in Jordan's broader Economic Modernization Vision by improving labour market integration and promoting formal employment. More information on the project’s scope, objectives, and ongoing initiatives can be accessed through the ILO’s dedicated project portals.

The National Project Coordinator - Social Protection position is designed to advance these objectives by leading the coordination and implementation of project activities within the ILO framework in Jordan. The role involves a strategic blend of policy development, legislative drafting, and hands-on project management to enhance social protection mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on social insurance and labour market activation.

This individual will act as a key liaison between the ILO, Social Security Corporation (SSC), and other national stakeholders, ensuring the seamless integration of international standards and practices into local systems. The coordinator is responsible for overseeing the design and execution of project initiatives, managing relationships with donors and governmental bodies, and contributing to policy discussions that shape the future of social protection in Jordan.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator in Jordan (NO-B) will take charge of the implementation of Estidama++ with the SSC and of Social Protection components of the PROSPECT and DWCS programmes as well as other social protection projects in the portfolio in Jordan.

Under general guidance of the Senior Social Protection specialist based in Beirut, and PROSPECTS project manager in Jordan, the National Project Coordinator will report to the Social Protection Specialist and Project Manager in Jordan. The National Project Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the Social Protection team in Jordan, as well as with ILO’s SOCPRO department in ILO Geneva; ILO-Regional Office for Arab States; relevant ROAS DWT specialists; and the staff of other ILO projects in Jordan to facilitate the highest technical integrity of the project outputs, as identified in respective project documents.

Description of Duties

The National Project Coordinator - Social Protection will be key in driving the successful implementation and strategic development of social protection initiatives, notably Estidama++ and Prospects. This role focuses on ensuring effective program delivery, providing technical advice, managing stakeholder relationships, and influencing social protection policies to enhance labour market integration for vulnerable groups in Jordan.

1. Oversee the timely Implementation of Estidama++ and Prospects Programming: This includes close monitoring of timelines, budget allocations, and project outputs and in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project document, donor requirements and work plan.

2. Provide technical and policy advice on Social Protection Initiatives: Offer expert guidance to the ILO office, national partners, and stakeholders on the implementation of social protection programs, particularly social insurance. This involves supporting capacity building, policy analysis, and legislative development to enhance the social protection framework in Jordan.

3. Strengthen Partnerships for Enhanced Project Execution: Collaborate with relevant departments at headquarters, regional offices, executing agencies, government offices, and other organizations to expedite project implementation and achieve targets. Coordinate efforts to identify synergies with other United Nations partners and projects under the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Jordan.

4. Engage in social dialogue initiatives to influence policy discussions and decision-making processes related to social protection. Work towards integrating project outcomes into broader economic and social policies to enhance their impact and sustainability.

5. Periodically report, monitor and facilitate the evaluation of all project’s components according to the project’s document and work plan. Prepare required technical progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation for submission to the ILO and the donor. Undertake field missions to ensure proper implementation and address any arising challenges.

Description of Duties (continued)

6. Provide administrative and programming support to ensure smooth project operations. This includes liaising with stakeholders, drafting terms of reference for consultants, and overseeing their work to ensure quality and timeliness.

7. Assist in the management and allocation of project resources. Prepare budget estimates, monitor expenditures, and recommend adjustments to align with project activities and goals.

8. Organize training programmes and awareness raising activities to improve understanding on Social Protection principles. Serve as a resource person, adapting training materials to the national context to build local capacity and share knowledge.

9. Ensure high-level communications to increase project’s visibility at the national and international levels. Enhance Public Engagement and Communication: Draft and translate essential project communications, including press releases, official correspondence, and public statements in local languages. Ensure that all communication materials accurately reflect project goals and progress.

10. Perform Additional Duties as Assigned: Take on extra responsibilities as directed by the supervisor to support the project’s objectives and respond to evolving project needs.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public administration, law, social sciences, development studies or a related field.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience at the national level in the field of social protection, and at least two years in social insurance. At least three years of experience in project management, supervision, administration, and implementation of projects.

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of social insurance, as well as economic developments, poverty reduction, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process in Jordan is an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of Arabic and English

Competencies

• Good knowledge about social and economic development, including labour and employment trends in Jordan.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote freedom of association and right to collective bargaining principles.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to train and guide personnel.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.