Research and Coordination Associate

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.

Since its inception in 2008, the Knowledge Project, which is a joint initiative between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, has sought to promote knowledge societies and policies as transformational means to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond. It does so through identifying knowledge and development gaps through its different knowledge products (knowledge reports, knowledge indices, foresight reports, tech tools, etc.).

2021 marked the beginning of a new phase of the Knowledge Project where main activities consisted of revising the Global Knowledge Index, revamping the knowledge4all portal and mobile application, producing the third and last edition of the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series, and organizing Knowtalks. Among the 2023’s main activities, the Knowledge Project team will start the pilot implementation of its newly launched Regional Skills Initiative. The latter aims at strengthening the transmission mechanism between skills development and poverty reduction by equipping talents in the region with core employability and soft skills, foundational digital skills and technical skills to increase their likelihoods in finding and retaining jobs.

The initial phase of this initiative; i.e. the pilot phase, targets around 5,500 Arab learners from eight Arab countries and is expected to last 16 months, starting in January 2023. This phase consists of conducting workshops to bring together public sector, private sector and educational institutions representatives in each of the targeted countries to discuss and update the skills gap analysis to tailor the offer to the priorities and challenges. Moreover, the project will start by pinning down the skills gap and planning for the future skills of the targeted groups and translate the identified needs of employers into skills that can be acquired through the proposed curricula. Applying thorough pre-selection and selection surveys, the learning content will be tailored to support the development of the right skills for the right people.

This UNV assignment is part of the Knowledge Project, which is increasingly relevant given the unprecedented changes and new realities faced by the world today. The promotion of knowledge and facilitation of support for its systems of production and transfer as a development priority constitute key aspects of this project.

To this end, the Knowledge Project is seeking the services of a Research and Coordination Associate whose duties will include conducting research and data collection on the skills and jobs landscape within the targeted countries, handling regular follow-ups with stakeholders and establishing sound coordination mechanisms. S/he will also handle the coordination of various aspects related to the post-launch phase, including setting up tracking and monitoring tools, as well as assisting in drawing lessons learned for the upcoming phase of the initiative.

Additional information:

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,068.5; • 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 the Project and Research Analyst and overall supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager, the National UN Volunteer Specialist will support in the following tasks and responsibilities: - Conduct desk research as required on the skills landscape in the region, including mapping of main stakeholders, existing skills initiatives and skills strategies, among others, namely in in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; - Prepare knowledge products, including background notes, surveys, skills matrix, briefs, fact sheets, written reports and presentations related to the labour and job landscapes in the Arab States region; - Follow-up on the progress of relevant activities and programs implemented, including logistic and operational support; - Collect data from national and international sources related to employment, skills and educational mismatch, extent of training, etc.; - Assist in liaising and forging partnerships with all relevant stakeholders including the government, private sector and other partners to ensure smooth implementation of project activities, and building/strengthening existing relationships; - Assist in reviewing and monitoring initiative activities including the onboarding and the engagement of learners by setting up robust tracking and monitoring tools; - Assist in tracking and monitoring learners and ensure that they are meeting their learning milestones; - Prepare technical content and choreography of consultations and workshops within the Regional skills Initiative; including maintenance of records of hosted activities; - Assist in developing communications material including project presentations, short scripts, invitation letters as required; - Perform other related tasks as necessary.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to the UN; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to the UN procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgment; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where an appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority;

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options, and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

economic research, upskilling and reskilling initiatives, or in the domain of employment/entrepreneurship, or other relevant programmes at the national and/or regional level • Excellent computer literacy skills (MS Office; Windows; Internet); • Excellent communications, report writing and analytical skills; • Fluency in Arabic, English and French, both oral and written; • Experience and knowledge of massive open online courses and/or education is an asset; • Previous UN experience is a plus; • Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need; • Knowledge of digital learning methods and ability to design and develop digital learning programmes; • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding; • 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; • Extensive experience working in the Arab States region is an asset; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in knowledge economy, skills development and employment, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship).

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.