Mission and objectivesThe primary role of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to two critical roles at the country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. UNDP is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development. The EmBRACE project โ โEnhancing Biodiversity and Resilience in Aqabaโs Coastal Ecosystemโ โ is a flagship initiative led by UNDP-Jordan in collaboration with ASEZA, with funding from Global Affairs Canada. It aims to enhance the resilience of marine and terrestrial biodiversity and the communities that depend on them through Nature-based Solutions (NBS), inclusive governance, and socioeconomic empowerment in Aqaba.
ContextThe UNDP Green Pathways & Inclusive Growth (GPIG) Portfolio supports environmental management and nationally owned sustainable development pathways, including mainstreaming environmental management into the national and local development processes. The UN Volunteer will work under the GPIG Portfolio and report to the EmBRACE Project Manager. S/he will work closely with ASEZA, local community groups, women/youth networks, NGOs, and technical consultants. The assignment is designed to provide full-time support to the planning, coordination, and delivery of EmBRACE activities, in line with the project's Results Framework and annual work plans. The Volunteer will be based in UNDPโs Aqaba Office, with regular field travel across terrestrial and marine project sites in Aqaba. The role supports operational, technical, and knowledge-sharing functions to accelerate impact, improve inclusion, and track gender-responsive results. The UN Volunteer is expected to support the day-to-day management, coordination, and supervision of the implementation of the EmBRACE project and will ensure effective and timely implementation of the projectโs work plan, as well as provide the administrative and technical assistance required for the Project Manager. Additional information: National UN Specialist Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: โข Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,102.08; โข Annual and learning leaves; โข Free Medical and life insurance; and โข 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
Task DescriptionUnder the Direct Supervision of the Project Manager the UN Volunteer will support the following core tasks: 1. Project Coordination & Monitoring โข Assist in the coordination and follow-up of activity implementation across NBS, biodiversity monitoring, and governance components. โข Participate in the delivery of the projectโs outcomes and activities in accordance with the project document and agreed work plan. โข Contribute to field monitoring and documentation of progress against outputs in the Results Framework and Work Plan. 2. Community & Stakeholder Engagement โข Liaise with local womenโs associations, CBOs, youth networks, and ecotourism operators to ensure inclusive participation. โข Support citizen science and environmental education activities, including biodiversity festivals, nature walks, and reef adoption programs. 3. Technical & Operational Support โข Provide logistical and administrative support for consultations, training workshops, field missions, and knowledge product development. โข Assist in developing and submitting annual detailed work plans for the national implementation of the project and delivery of outputs. โข Assist with follow-up on Terms of Reference and deliverables of consultants. โข Provide administrative (e.g. meeting minutes taking) and Logistic support for the project team. โข Provide financial management support necessary for the implementation of the projectsโ activities. 4. Data, Knowledge, and Visibility โข Assist in biodiversity data collection and visualization, contributing to the โState of the Coastโ reporting and the Aqaba Science Park initiative, ensuring all data is validated and populated afterward in the Clearing House Mechanism. โข Support communication and outreach actions, including photography, social media content, and visibility events aligned with GAC and UNDP branding, in consultation with the project team and communication officer. โข Ensure the constant update of the projectโs archiving system. 5. Gender and Youth Mainstreaming โข Help ensure integration of gender-responsive and youth-focused actions in all EmBRACE fieldwork and planning activities. โข Track inclusion indicators and document success stories that highlight the role of women and youth in conservation and resilience. 6. Perform any other duties assigned by Green Pathways & Inclusive Growth Portfolio.
Competencies and valuesโข Accountability โข Adaptability and flexibility โข Creativity โข Judgement and decision-making โข Planning and organising โข Professionalism โข Self-management
Living conditions and remarksAqaba, Jordanโs only coastal city, is a safe and vibrant destination located on the shores of the Red Sea. Known for its scenic beauty, coral reefs, and relaxed atmosphere, Aqaba is home to approximately 200,000 residents and offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and coastal charm. Services including banking, health care, transportation, and telecommunications are readily accessible. While Arabic is the official language, English is commonly spoken, especially in professional and tourism-related settings. Aqaba enjoys a good road network, and although public transportation is limited, taxis are widely available and affordable. The city features a growing number of restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, gyms, and beachfront resorts. Accommodation options vary from furnished apartments to hotels, which are generally more affordable than in Amman. There are no specific security concerns, and according to UNDSS, Aqaba is classified as a family duty station (category A hardship). The cityโs peaceful environment, natural attractions, and proximity to the Wadi Rum desert and Petra make it an attractive and livable location for national UN Volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and living needs. Health insurance coverage is provided for national UN Volunteers. 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.