Biodiversity & Climate Change Technical Officer

Mission and objectives

The 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 – “Enhancing Biodiversity and Resilience in Aqaba’s Coastal Ecosystem” – 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.

Context

The 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 UNDP’s 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 project’s 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:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,102.08;

• Annual and learning leaves;

• Free Medical and life insurance; and

• Free access to different learning platforms.

Task description

Under the Direct Supervision of the Project Manager the UN Volunteer will support the following core tasks:

1. Project Coordination & Monitoring

• Assist in the coordination and follow-up of activity implementation across NBS, biodiversity monitoring, and governance components.

• Participate in the delivery of the project’s outcomes and activities in accordance with the project document and agreed work plan.

• Contribute to field monitoring and documentation of progress against outputs in the Results Framework and Work Plan.

2. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with local women’s associations, CBOs, youth networks, and ecotourism operators to ensure inclusive participation.

• Support citizen science and environmental education activities, including biodiversity festivals, nature walks, and reef adoption programs.

3. Technical & Operational Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support for consultations, training workshops, field missions, and knowledge product development.

• Assist in developing and submitting annual detailed work plans for the national implementation of the project and delivery of outputs.

• Assist with follow-up on Terms of Reference and deliverables of consultants.

• Provide administrative (e.g. meeting minutes taking) and Logistic support for the project team.

• Provide financial management support necessary for the implementation of the projects’ activities.

4. Data, Knowledge, and Visibility

• Assist in biodiversity data collection and visualization, contributing to the “State of the Coast” reporting and the Aqaba Science Park initiative, ensuring all data is validated and populated afterward in the Clearing House Mechanism.

• 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.

• Ensure the constant update of the project’s archiving system.

5. Gender and Youth Mainstreaming

• Help ensure integration of gender-responsive and youth-focused actions in all EmBRACE fieldwork and planning activities.

• 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.