Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

 Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

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, alleviate 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 is currently implementing a project to support and build a more Sustainable Blue Economy in Aqaba through Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and effective management of the first marine reserve in the country). The primary objective of the project is to establish a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) to address the current absence of a sustainable blue economy (SBE) framework. At present, overlapping and competing activities are placing increasing pressure on Aqaba’s fragile marine ecosystems. The MSP will serve as a strategic tool for conservation, restoration, and sustainable resource management, enhancing the resilience of Jordan’s marine environment.

By moving away from a “business-as-usual” approach, the project will promote sustainable investments that support community well-being and contribute directly to the GEF-8 Focal Area Biodiversity Strategy and GEF Core Indicators 5, 6, and 11. It will improve coral and seagrass management for enhanced carbon sequestration, safeguard wildlife habitats, and strengthen the local economy—benefiting approximately 188,160 residents of Aqaba, half of whom are women.

In alignment with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) targets 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 19, and 20, as well as SDG 14, the project will generate global environmental benefits for biodiversity and climate resilience. Key expected results include:
i) establishment of a formally mandated SBE institutional, policy, and legislative framework that enhances capacities and fosters private sector engagement;
ii) strengthened business partnerships supported by innovative financial incentive mechanisms;
iii) improved resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change and disasters; and
iv) development of a new research and monitoring agenda to track and evaluate project performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist / Team Lead of Sustainable Green Pathways, the Project Manager is expected to perform the following responsibilities and duties:

Management and Implementation of the projects` activities

• Plan and oversee day-to-day management of the project, ensuring timely implementation of activities, efficient use of resources, and achievement of intended outputs and quality standards.
• Develop the project’s annual workplans and corresponding budgets, ensuring they reflect priorities, timelines, and available resources.
  • Lead execution and supervision of project components, including drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs), preparing technical specifications, and supervising service providers responsible for activity implementation.
• Provide technical guidance and backstopping to ensure that all project interventions are effectively designed, implemented, and aligned with the project’s objectives.
• Coordinate closely with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR), and other relevant entities to ensure project activities are implemented in line with agreed outcomes, timeframes, and budgets.
• Manage project personnel, including full-time staff, consultants, and contractors, by coordinating recruitment, ensuring clarity of roles, and maintaining quality control of deliverables.
• Ensure sound financial management of the project by:
  • Aligning expenditures with approved project documents and budgets;
  • Maintaining proper accounting records and documentation;
  • Preparing accurate and timely financial reports;
  • Responding to donor or partner inquiries on financial matters;
  • Ensuring transparency, compliance with regulations, and audit readiness at all times.
• Monitor progress against intended outputs and quality indicators, identifying challenges and proposing corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare and submit project progress reports (interim and final) in coordination with UNDP, and organize review meetings, evaluation missions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to project teams and partners to strengthen implementation and promote capacity development.
• Support coordination and synergy with other ongoing initiatives in Aqaba to enhance impact and ensure alignment with broader sustainable development efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support smooth and effective project delivery.

Ensure strategic partnerships and communication and ensure the implementation of resource mobilization

• Coordination of project`s activities with other involved governmental and non-governmental organizations; 
• Working closely with CBOs, municipalities, and concerned partners;
• Coordination of project`s activities with other involved governmental and non-governmental organizations;
• Assist in establishing a trusting relationship with all concerned groups, including relevant ministries and local NGOs;
• Work as a liaison officer with the local communities institutions;
• Ensure appropriate stakeholder participation in the project implementation through coordination with all concerned institutions;
• Upon request of the Team Leader of Green Pathways and Inclusive Growth Portfolio, participate in the resource mobilization program and assist in drafting concept notes related to the pillar thematic areas.

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

• Ensure visibility of the project, including adherence to visibility standards and templates of the donor, UNDP and Government, as required;
• Facilitate a learning and adaptive approach to project 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;
• Represent and participate in meetings of relevance to the mandate of the Sustainable Green Pathways Pillar
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Ensure active participation in learning and knowledge sharing in gender analysis and gender mainstreaming;
• Assists with writing of press releases and speeches related to events organized by the project, and ensures an adequate media coverage for such events and any other strategic issues/activities linked to project implementation.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager reports to the Programme Specialist / Team Leader of the Green Pathways and Inclusive Growth portfolio - Sustainable Green Pathways pillar. He/She will oversee, monitor, and support the implementation of the project`s components, primarily by means of full-time involvement in the project`s strategic and day-to-day management at the central and site levels. The Project Manager will supervise the project team of NPSAs and UNVs.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
• People Management: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: 

• Business Direction & Strategy
  • Strategic Thinking       
    • Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks;
    • link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions;
    • learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
  • System Thinking          
    • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
• Business Development       
  • Knowledge Generation           
    • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. 
    • Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches.
    • Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
• Business Management
  • Project Management 
    • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• 2030 Agenda: Planet
  • Nature 
    • Environmental Governance: Blue Economy
  • Climate            
    • Climate Change Adaptation: Coastal Adaptation

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements         

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Coastal/Marine Environmental Sciences, Biology, natural resources management, Sustainability, or related fields , OR
• A first level University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above mentioned field with additional two years of qualifying work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Min. years of relevant work experience   

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience (with a master’s degree) Or  Seven (7) years (with a bachelor’s degree) in coastal zone management, environmental management, sustainability, and marine/coastal conservation or related field is required.

Required skills

• Experience in Result-based Programme development and management.
• Demonstrable skills in computer applications for editing and presentation purposes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.
• Proven experience in project/program management.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Proven knowledge in Coastal/Marine Environmental Sciences, Biology, natural resources management and sustainability.
• Excellent networking and partnering competencies and negotiating skills/experience.
• Excellent data analysis and reporting skills/experience.
• Proven ability in budget management
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a development organization, governmental institution, NGO, or private sector/consulting firm.
• Experience in the Results Based Management in projects related to Marine Environmental Sciences, Biology, natural resources management, Sustainability, or related fields.

Required Language(s)           

• Proficient in both written and oral English and Arabic.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.