Aqaba Marine Reserve Ranger

Contract

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

Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) has been recently registered as a National Protected Area. The Reserve law has been endorsed and its Administrative Structure under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has been adopted. UNDP Jordan Country Office is assisting ASEZA in effective management and operations of AMR to achieve International Recognition. The assigned 5 Rangers through this UNV assignment will be intensively trained by doing to enhance the core team of the Reserve. To this effect, the 5 Rangers are expected to cover a wide spectrum of skills, education and capacities. They may rotate in different positions during the one-year contract they will be offered.

National UN Community Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA);
• 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 5 UN Community Volunteer will perform and build their capacities as follows:

• Participate in implementing, monitoring, reviewing, and updating AMR Management Planning; • Implement AMR’s zoning plan to meet its management conservation objectives; • Carry out AMR’s daily operations and conservation tasks; • Participate in developing operational plans: work plan implementation, activities, logistics, managing and maintaining tools and equipment, supplies and property etc.; • Participate in developing and monitoring budgets and financial plans; • Participate in managing procurement of goods and services and carry out accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting; • Participate in develop and implement recreation and tourism strategies, plans and identification of potential tourism and recreation products; • Participate in coordinating sustainable livelihoods activities with entrepreneurs, communities, private sector, and other resources users; • Participate in establishing, implementing, and monitoring safety standards and codes of conduct for AMR users; • Participate in stakeholders analyses for better understanding of how to negotiate community and resource use/associated livelihood needs and conservation methodologies; • Participate in socio-economic surveys and assessments: conduct community based socio­ economic, cultural and resources use surveys; • Facilitate and participate in socioeconomic and sustainable livelihoods information gathering, enabling community inputs in planning, decision making and management strategies. Specify management requirements for habitats and ecosystems; • Participate in identifying and implementing follow up on special measures for assisting protection, survival, or recovery of key species; • Participate in designing, joining, and reviewing biophysical surveys and monitoring activities and programs; • Participate in analyzing, interpreting and presenting survey and monitoring findings in relevant technical reports and presentations; • Participate in managing relevant data, datasets and spatial information through an established database and GIS system; • Support co¬ management/participatory management systems for protected areas and natural resources; • Analyze, interpret and present survey and monitoring data; • Participate in putting research plans, write and design awareness and education material, design interpretive or information exhibits, interpretation content and signage etc.; • Participate in, support and contribute to knowledge, attitude and practices surveys, organize workshops, seminars and meetings and support in preparing; • Participate and deliver technical presentations and technical reports/papers; • Represent the marine reserve at conferences, workshops, meetings ..etc.; • Implement site infrastructure design and maintenance including land sea trails, interpretation boards, camping/accommodations etc.; • Get acquainted with relevant legislations, conduct operational planning for enforcement operations, undertake surveillance and patrol activities and coordinate activities with law enforcement and regulating agencies.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

(Up to 2 years) relevant experience, fresh graduates with zero years of experience are eligible to apply and; • Excellent interpersonal skills; 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.

The applicants should give a proof of their residence in Aqaba.

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.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.