Project Coordinator

Amman

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Amman
  • Grade: Administrative support - NPSA-7, National Personnel Services Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2025-12-31

  • Office/Unit/Project Description:

The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Project (GGJAP) is one out of three projects under the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme’s (DAPP) which is funded and managed by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The GGJAP is part of DAPP’s programme for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship. UNDP will implement the GGJAP which sits regionally as part of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States’ Regional Youth Project Portfolio. 

GGJAP will be implemented in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia building on UNDP’s work and experience with implementing the SDG Accelerator for SMEs methodology which directly supports sustainable business development and commercial green growth in SMEs. The SDG Accelerator is a part of UNDP’s service offer UNDP Impact Venture Accelerators (IVA). The IVA is a practical approach to help businesses focus on delivering products/services, business models and business plans which contribute to the SDGs.  

The objective of the Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Project is to support established entrepreneurs and SMEs, of which a proportion will be youth-led, to accelerate green growth in their businesses and through this, support the local transition to a green and sustainable economy, and enable green jobs for youth.

Each year, in each of the four countries in mention, two 5-months Accelerators will be implemented, and each Accelerator will include a cohort of up to 25 carefully recruited SMEs. Each company in the Accelerator will develop one or more business plans for green growth also integrating relevant ways for the company to create jobs for youth, either as a result of the implementation of the business plan, as means to realize the business plan, or preferably both.  

Under the management and guidance of the UNDP Arab States Bureau’s Regional Youth Project Portfolio and the UNDP Nordic Represenattive Office, the Country Offices (CO) in the four participating countries will implement the Accelerators at the country level and leverage their longstanding local networks of relevant stakeholders across sectors (SMEs). The implementation will be done in close collaboration with local management consulting firms in each country (or regionally) who will assist the CO team in implementation and deliver strategic business development consulting on green growth and business instruments to grow business. The strategic business development consulting will consist of e.g., consulting on the development of business plans for new environmentally friendly products and services, through implementation of greener production or operational processes, and/or through the integration of selected standards that can enable some companies to get access to new markets.

Scope of Work:

Under the direct supervision of the Inclusive Growth and Sustainalbe Livelihoods Programme Analyst, the Project Coordinator is expected to perform the following duties:

Ensure effective coordination of the project:

  • Supports coordination with the Regional Youth Project Portfolio Team. 
  • Support facilitation of stakeholder engagement and dialogue with external partners relevant to the project implementation. 
  • Review the project’s tools and provide regular feedback on uptake and applicability. 
  • Support the activation, facilitation and management of the UNDP Jordan Green Growth Hub (Heart of Amman Hub) as a central place for the Job Green Growth Community – for interactive exchange, thematic dialogue, events, joint initiative, awareness raising, and youth engagement. The HOA premises will be activated as a hub for SMEs, youth and project partners to exchange knowledge, share experiences and best practices.
  • Support linking with UNDP Jordan programme initiatives on SDG Impact and Financing, Social Entrepreneurship and impact driven support to MSMEs. 
  • Support in the development of the relevant project TORs and tools to facilitate efficient implementation based on needs and hcanging requirements. 
  • Support the process of documentation on progress 
  • Assist in the formulation of budgets;
  • Formulation of procurement and HR plans; 
  • Identify and collect policy-related and other relevant information, documents and data, compile and analyze data for further use in project management.  
  • Support organization and coordination of meetings, training sessions, workshops, conferences, and project events and prepare reports and meeting minutes, as required 
  • Ensure full compliance of activities with UNDP rules, regulations, and policies.
  • Work closley with management and the communication’s team on designing visibility products for the project including videos and social media posts. 
  • Assist in the coordination of the procurement process of goods and services for the project’s activities, including acting as the liaison focal point with the service providers to ensure timely and quality delivery of goods and services.  
  • Effectively lead the planning and implementation of the assigned project, guide the financial management of the project and measure performance and report on its results and outcomes.

Duties and responsibilities within Output 1 (Accelerators - Output 1 Accelerators):

Established entrepreneurs and SMEs, of which at least 10% will be youth-led enterprises, will be supported with green growth business instruments and advisory through an intensive 5-months business development process called the Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator. The youth-led enterprises will follow the same process in the accelerators as the non-youth-led companies. The overall goal of Output 1 is to target companies enabled to grow their business and create green jobs for youth.

  • Support the implementation of two 5-month Accelerators each year between 2023-2027 in tandem (close collaboration) with management consultant firms: 
  • Support the recruitment process of SMEs to accelerators through inter-alia mapping, research and outreach activities 
  • Support on effective on the ground facilitation of green growth consulting services to individual SMEs in accelerator cohorts.
  • Coordinate closely with the management consultancy and ensure that the implementation of the accelerator is in line with UNDP standards Report to management on the relevance of the accelerator and the level of engagement of SMEs 
  • Conduct regular meetings with the project associates in the other 3 implementing countries to explore synergies and share learnings  
  • Together with the project management team, review and approve the profiles of the mentors and experts that will be providing mentorship and guidance to the SMEs  
  • Take part in fortnightly learning sessions with UNDP (Regional and Nordic offices) on SME progress, methodology/tools application and other items relevant to the project 
  • Support in collecting data and evidence on results from SMEs.
  • Support the coordination of youth that are part of youth4sustainability and their involvement in the accelerators and support to SMEs.
  • Support in feeding data, knowledge, information for the UNDP Arab States Regional Youth Platform (NextGenYouth Platform).
  • Support the project oversight and management of local accelerators, including the monitoring of the implementation of activities and the expenditure of funds, as well as supporting project coordination efforts with the management consultants: Prepare structured progress reporting reports for SME cohorts, conducting monitoring visits at SME premises, support in collecting country-level project data at a field level, collect data and material to be used in the development of communication material, participate in meetings and coordinate activities with local DAPP secretariats consisting of representatives of the projects in the overall Danish-Arab Partnership Programme’s Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program
  • Map and assess the readiness of small businesses established under the different UNDP programmes to participate in the project- be included in the SMEs Cohorts.
  • Assist in data collection and recording for M&E, including training workshops, pre- and post feedback assessments, beneficiary and public perception surveys, project evaluations, and related activities.

Duties and responsibilities within Output 2 – SME Finance:

Many of the target companies in the Accelerator are expected to need risk capital to realise their green growth business plans. UNDP will function as a connector between the target companies and relevant financial institutions providing capital to SMEs in and outside the region. Here, UNDP will also make use of the SDG Investor Maps, if available, to identify the supply and demand of investment appetite in the countries. Through the Accelerator, target companies that need finance will also be offered some coaching aiming to strengthen their ability to pitch green growth business plans to potential investors and capital providers. The overall goal of Output 2 is to ensure that green business solutions of target companies are accelerated by increased access to finance.

  • Support in mapping and related research activities on sustainable finance and risk finance providers in Jordan  and the region, relevant for the SMEs in the accelerators S 
  • Support in outreach efforts and in matchmaking SMEs with relevant investors and finance providers during pitch days and project events  
  • Work with management and the communication’s team on promoting the visibility of the project’s activities to all relevant partners and stakeholders 
  • Ensure related financial issues are tackled in a timely manner 
  • Support in identifying potential investors and attend investor meetings alongside management. Ensure sufficient coordination and linkges between accelerator and youth4sustainablity activities.

Duties and responsibilities within Output 3: Learning Modality:

In the MENA region, young entrepreneurs and businesses using digital platforms and technology and taking advantage of digital payment opportunities are on the rise. Output 3 will work to strengthen the capacity of entrepreneurs and SMEs to take advantage of these new digital growth opportunities which will be delivered through a targeted learning modality. The learning modality will comprise different learning assets including:

1)Digital learning on 2) sustainable business development and innovation, 2) Impact Management and Measurement (IMM); and 3) ecommerce.  The overall goal of Output 3 is for youth and companies to be capacitated to accelerate and manage green, sustainable growth.

  • Participate in design sessions and provide input relevant for local contexts with the team responsible for development of Learning Modality 
  • Review the suggested learning modules and provide feedback to management  
  • Support on outreach and facilitation of stakeholder dialogues with relevant networks and entities  
  • Support in embedding learning materials into relevant channels, curricula, and outlets of stakeholders to ensure wide uptake and use of the e-learning materials 
  • Support  on design and setup of Green Growth Community to ensure local relevance and convergence with the Jordan context.
  • Coordinate closely with the youth for sustainability focal point and ensure that the selected youth delegates engage with the SMEs regularly.
  • Work closely with the youth for sustianbility focal point and the youth advisors on developing potential green solutions for SMEs.
  • Support on onboarding SMEs alumni to the Green Growth Community.
  • Co-create and ideate on how best to use the Regional Youth Project Platform (NextGenYouth Platform) for creating a network, sharing knowledge, uploading assets, connecting youth job seekers.

Promote and facilitate networking and knowledge building, sharing and management within UNDP and stakeholders:

  • Lead the organizations of events under the supervision of the programme analyst including the pitch days, learning and networking events and closing ceremonies.  
  • to SMEs

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 incumbent will be working under the direct supervision of the UNDP Inclusive Growth and Sustainable livelihoods Programme Analyst and in close collaboration with the Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Livelihoods Pillar.

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 ​ 

 

Thematic Area: Business Management (Partnership management)

Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Thematic Area: Business Management (Communication)

Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. 

Thematic Area: Business Direction & Strategy  (Entrepreneurial Thinking)

Identify and seize opportunities to service and add value to clients, create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners, develop clear service offers responding to client needs in line with UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate. 

Thematic Area: Business Direction & Strategy (Business Acumen)

Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.

Thematic Area: Data (Data analysis)

Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making.

 

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA:

Min. Education requirements: 

  • A Completion of a secondary education is required. Or 
  • A university degree (bachelor’s degree)  in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or any other related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement. 

Min. years of relevant work experience:

A minimum of seven (7) years (with secondary education) or four (4)  years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in providing project management support and coordination is required. 

 Required skill:

  • Relevant years of demonstrable project/programme support experience.  
  • Experience working with multi-stakeholders including private sector, NGOs, and local communities.  
  • Prior experience in project implementation/ field coordination related to SME business support and or in the thematic areas of Green Economy, SDG Impact and Financing or Social Entrepreneurship. 
  • Experience working in SMEs. 
  • Experience working on projects funded by international donors.  
  • Demonstrable skills in computer applications for editing and presentation purposes - word processing, spread sheets, presentations, etc.

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

  • Advanced computer skills, including word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), and the ability to quickly learn new applications. 
  • Experience working with UNDP programme in Jordan 
  • Experience and knowledge of result-based management 
  • Proven experience working with relevant agencies in Jordan. 
  • Proven ability in work plan preparation. 
  • Proven ability in budget management.

Required Language(s):

Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required. 

Professional Certificates:

Not Applicable 

 

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. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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.

 

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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