Aqaba Marine Reserve Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNDP Jordan's 2018-2022 country programme seeks to support national efforts in reaching a solution pathway that achieves the goal of a more inclusive and resilient nation which can effectively address the development challenges it is faced with, through its five programme pillars. Among these pillars is the Environment, Climate Change and DRR Portfolio that assist the country to integrate environmental concerns into national and sectoral plans and strategies; secure resources; and implement programs that advance inclusive, sustainable development, and strengthen livelihoods.

The Environment, Climate Change and DRR Portfolio’s support for environmental management and nationally owned sustainable development pathways includes the following areas: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; Sustainable Land Management and Desertification; Water and Marine Governance; Climate Change and Drought; Energy; Waste Management; Green Economy; and Disaster Risks Reduction. UNDP Jordan under its environment portfolio has commenced several projects to support Jordan boosting innovation to achieve sustainable development and deliver the global environmental benefits. Among these, particularly focusing on the coastal and marine ecosystem, are Mainstreaming Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Supporting Ecosystem based Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Developing the Aqaba Marine Reserve Nomination File and Drafting Aqaba Marine Reserve Bylaw, Collaborating with ASEZA for Supporting Aqaba Marine Reserve Management and Operations and most recently under preparation Developing a Program of Action for Conservation and Restoration of Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba reported to be globally distinguishably resilient to Climate Change Impact.

This UNV assignment will fall under Environment, Climate Change and DRR pillar/ Coastal and Marine Ecosystem conservation projects and will be supervised by the Projects’ Coordination Specialist.

National UN Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 896;
• Annual and learning leaves;
• Free Medical and life insurance; and
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Under the direct supervision of Projects Coordination Specialist, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for providing assistance in monitoring the implementation and supervision processes of the project’s components and assisting in needed technical and logistical areas. More specifically, He/she will carry out the following tasks:

• Assist in the coordination of the project activities with other involved governmental and non-governmental organizations under the supervision of the Project Coordinator; • Ensure that activities and outputs are carried out and achieved in accordance with UNDP Project Documents, Conditions of Contracts, Technical Specifications, Applicable Inter-national Standards, and Standard Project Management Procedures; • Be responsible for the logistical preparations, participate in and draft technical reports on data collection including data generation in the field, training sessions, public consultation events, workshops, meetings, and other activities pertaining to project work; • Assist in setting up, implementing, and managing a GIS referenced database; • Get engaged in developing complex computational queries between different tables in the database to assess attributes and interrelationships among different indicators; • Support in the preparation of project progress reports; • Support with the writing of press releases and speeches related to events organized by the project, and ensures adequate media coverage for such events and any other strategic issues/activities linked to projectsimplementation and assist in preparing communication/publicity materials e.g. posters, brochures, newsletters, etc.; • Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices derived from the projects activities; • Ensure total accuracy and the highest level of transparency in the management of the projectsfinancial resources in accordance with UNDP and national regulations and procedures; • Ensure consistency and integration among the various projects elements and related activities provided or funded by various sources; • Foster and establish links and synergy with other relevant programs within UNDP; • 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.

• Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Creativity • Knowledge Sharing • Working in Teams

relevant professional area; • Excellent interpersonal skills and; • culturally and socially sensitive; • ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; • Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; • Familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Location: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is strategically located in the Middle East covering a diversity of landscapes. Bound by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, the Red Sea to the south and the Palestinian National Authority to the west.

Weather: The weather in Jordan is not too extreme. Summer is dry, with temperatures regularly reaching 35 degrees centigrade. The winter is colder with temperatures often dropping to freezing point. Aqaba is hot and sunny from May to October with cool, pleasant evenings, whereas winters are rainy with occasional short snowfalls.

Safety and Security: Jordan is a relatively stable country. The potentials for internal or external armed conflict are considered very unlikely in the current political environment. Peaceful demonstrations, and sometimes road blockages, do occur in Jordan motivated by domestic factors such as unemployment, deprivation of resources and development or for regional issues such as solidarity with the Palestinian cause or with the Syrian crises. Most of these events are driven by civil society unions and Islamic parties. Domestic tribal civil unrest sometimes turning violent especially outside the main cities due to tribal dispute or socio-economic reasons. On all occasions law enforcement agencies usually manage to contain the situation. Road traffic accidents are the primary threat against UN personnel in Jordan. Poor road conditions and bad driving behaviors are the main reasons for the high rate for traffic accidents. Aqaba is a category A duty station with security level 1.

Transportation: Taxis are abundant and readily available in Aqaba. Public minibuses are the most common form of public transport. They normally only leave when full, so waiting times of an hour or more are inevitable, especially in rural areas. The larger air-con buses offer a speedy and reliable service, departing according to a fixed schedule.

Health Services: Medical facilities are generally very good, particularly in Aqaba where there are several modern, well-equipped public and private hospitals. Almost all doctors (and most pharmacists) speak English; many have studied abroad.

Language: The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken – especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled or have been educated abroad so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent.