Background
In Jordan, the plastic sector plays a vital role in the country's economy, but it also leads to severe plastic pollution due to mismanagement. While in Jordan existing regulations address downstream aspects of plastic pollution, such as collection and recycling, there are currently no proposed upstream solutions to shift from Single Use Plastic (SUP) economy to a more sustainable approach in the Food&Beverage (F&B) sector. The Circular Solution to Plastic Pollution project aims therefore to implement upstream activities in four key areas, in compliance with the strategy set by the Global IP on circular solutions to plastic pollutions.
Improving Regulatory Framework to ban specific SUP categories, enacting standards to increase the percentage of recycled material in plastic containers and standardizing the concept of \"biodegradability.\" Promoting the shift to Sustainable Packaging: by encouraging the transition of the Food and Beverage sector toward sustainable packaging production, demonstrating also alternatives to SUPs in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, food stores etc. Developing Financial Support for SMEs in establishing sustainable packaging businesses Promoting consumer awareness and behavioral change towards sustainable consumption practices.The project will focus on cities in the Middle and Southern region of Jordan, including Amman, Zarqa, Russeifa, and Aqaba. It will foster innovativeness through the establishment of an incubation project for enterprises to develop sustainable solutions, , and will also explore innovativeness in green financing schemes, taking into account Islamic rules in developing financing facilities, and by adopting market analytics methodologies to promote the consumers’ shift toward reusable packaging.
The Solid waste management program consists of several project implemented in coordination with wide range of partners including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Local Administration, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Municipalitities in the South and Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority. The projects fall within the framework of the thematic areas of chemicals and waste and include the following projects:
Circular Solution to plastic pollution funded by theGlobal Environment Facility (GEF). Feasibility of PET recycling in Jordan Funded by the Plastic Partnerships under the Basel Convention. Environmentally Sound Management of Mercury-Containing Wastes and Reduce the Use of Mercury-Containing Products in Jordan Funded by UNEP. In addition to Mitigating Climate Change through Solid Waste Management in Southern Jordan funded by the Government of Canada.
Scope of Work
The project Associate will be responsible for the following tasks:
Under the overall guidance and supervision of Team Leader of Sustainable Green Pathways and Inclusive Growth Portfolio and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Associate will provide support for implementation of tasks associated with the day-to-day management and operation of the projects under the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program under the the sustainable Green Pathways and inclusive Growth portfolio. S/he will be responsible for operational projects management support functions.
The ultimate objective of the Program Assistant is to provide all necessary support (administrative, financial, and some technical) for the projects within the SWM programs. The Project Associate will support effective delivery of the activities within the SWM program by administering and executing processes and transactions and supporting day-to-day projects’ implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Associate will carry out the following tasks:
Assist the Project Manager in day-to-day management and oversight of projects` activities. Provide support for conducting data collection and review, compilation of background materials for use in reporting, discussions, and briefing sessions, prepare components of presentations and briefings. Drafts correspondence relating to assigned project areas; clarifies, follows up, responds to requests for information, ensuring proper communication and information exchange within the Program Team. Schedule workshops and meetings and arrange their logistics including events, missions and expert’s visits, prepare briefing kits and background materials. Prepare documentation for vendors and for Request for Payments, to ensure smooth financial operation of AWP activities. Ensure all projects documentation (progress reports, consulting and other technical reports, minutes of meetings, etc.) are properly maintained in hard and electronic copies in an efficient and readily accessible filing system, for when required. Provide administrative and logistical assistance. Support in budget planning and annual workplans (AWPs) development. Apply budget controls and review expenses compared to project documents, AWPs and available resources. Draft and type minutes of meetings and correspondence in English and/or Arabic. Follow-up on correspondence with relevant stakeholders, Implementing Partners, the Maintain up-to-date soft and hard filing systems. Support in the project tasks as the Secretariat for the Projects` Board (calling for meetings, preparing and distributing an agenda, steering discussions, write the minutes of meetings, follow-up on decisions, keep members informed on the progress, etc.). Draft consultant missions and coordinate all logistics. Bookkeeping for expenses . Monitor and report financial and fiscal management compliance with the UNDP regulations, project document and donor’s requirements, and support in project financial reports development. Follow up consultants and contractors’ contracts and deliverables. Monitor the progress of the different project activities including the development of “in-house “databases that documents all related information and provide concise progress reports on: work accomplished, main difficulties encountered, ..etc.; Contribute to the management of the Projects’ components financial resources including the preparation/updates of the projects` work and budget plans, record keeping, accounting, and reporting by the key Implementing Partners; share accountability. Ensure total accuracy and the highest level of transparency in the management of the Projects financial resources in accordance with UNDP and national regulations and procedures. Prepare all necessary financial reports to accompany the Projects quarterly and annual work plans and reports. In cooperation with relevant programme personnel build effective working relationships with the key partners at the local level (Local Government, community leaders, locals NGOs, the private sector, etc.).
Institutional Arrangement
The Project Associate will perform his/her tasks under the supervision of the Project Manager. He/she will be at the project office at MoEnv with a frequent presence at UNDP for relevant meetings and follow up, and will be working closely with MoEnv focal point and the members of the Project’s Management Unit.
The Project Associate will support the day-to-day management, coordination, and supervision of the implementation of the projects. The Project Associate will perform his/her tasks on a full-time daily basis for one year (with possibility of extension)
Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Partnerships Management Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Business management Monitoring & Evaluation Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Development Knowledge Facilitation Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange. Technical - Finance Budget management Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets Technical – _Procurement
Procurement
management
The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source
Required Skills and Experience Min. Education requirements
Secondary education is required,
OR
University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Business Administration, Finance, IT, Management, or any relevant related field will be given due consideration but it’s not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience Minimum of six years (with a high school degree) or three years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in project management and budgeting is required Required skillsSolid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet software.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Proven capacity to communicate fluently with different stakeholders (Government authorities, Development Partners, civil society, etc.).
Proven ability in work plan preparation
Proven ability in budget management
Good working knowledge of and demonstrated ability in project management.
Experience within UN agencies is desired
Relevant experience in administrative or project support roles.
Experience in supporting implementation of development or environmental projects.
Familiarity with donor-funded projects (e.g., UNDP, EU, GIZ).
Experience working with government counterparts or civil society organizations (advantageous).
Proven 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.
Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of diverse partners
Ability to organize events, meetings, and workshops.
Experience with project management tools and logsheets.
Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision;
Required Language(s) Proficient in both written and oral English and Arabic. Professional Certificates N/A
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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