Background

The deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Syria has forced hundreds of thousands of Syrians to flee and seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Jordan. This large influx of population is placing a considerable burden on the already poor local Jordanian host and their basic social and economic services. Crowding effects in the local market, in particular with regards to housing and labour, are widely reported in the Northern governorates. The present crisis comes at difficult time for Jordan, despite many efforts to engage in economic stabilization and liberalization, the country faces real economic and social challenges. Moreover, some resentment and a growing feeling of unfairness and exclusion are emerging among the host communities. In view of the above, it is important that direct support be provided to vulnerable Jordanians in host communities of the Northern governorates of Irbid, and Mafraq to help the government of Jordan and local authorities, to mitigate the impact of the Syrian crisis on them. In addition, it is essential that the assistance provided in the current context complements, governmental development efforts, as highlighted in the Government of Jordan National Agenda 2006 – 2015, Governorates development plans, and related policies and strategies. The programme is designed to respond to urgent needs of crisis-affected people in a timely and efficient manner, with emphasis on Jordanians in host communities, to increase their absorption capacity and mitigating any possible tensions between Syrian refugees and hosting communities.

The project will also work towards validating the elements of social cohesion and address challenges resulting from the current fluid security dynamics that is affecting the structure of social fabric and capital at the national and regional levels. Trust, citizenship, human security, economic and social inequality, faith/confession, forced cohesion, historical aspects to social cohesion will all be addresses towards finding best programmatic interventions for UNDP and its counterpart in this regard.   

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure effective day to day management of planning and implementation of the Project; focusing on the following tasks:

 

  1. Coordinate the development of the project Annual Work Plan (AWP) and update it on quarterly basis;
  2. In close coordination and guidance from project manager, coordinate the mobilization and management of necessary input to achieve project outputs according to the AWP. This would include development of concept notes and Terms of Reference, recruitment of consultants, organization of workshops and conferences and production of manuals and knowledge products.
  3. In all function and activities, the Project Officer should ensure that gender is mainstreamed into every area of responsibility and/or project/research implementation, and ensure that project reports reflect that.
  4. Manage the day-by-day project operations and coordinate with the responsible parties at the  governorates targeted by the Project to ensure effective implementation of the project activities as described in the project document and work plan;

 

Provide monitoring of project implementation, with focus on the following tasks:

  1. Coordinate the preparation of project quarterly narrative and financial reports, annual progress reports, and the final review report;
  2. Control the expenditures and ensure adequate management of the resources provided for the project.
  3. Undertake all necessary financial arrangements, processes, requests for authorization, and payments in a view to ensure financial accountability;
  4. Prepare, monitor, and update in close consultation with UNDP Socio-Economic Analyst and the Project Manager the project logs (risks, issues and lessons learned logs);
  5. Arrange and coordinate the Project Board (PB) meetings and act as Secretariat of the PB;
  6. Report as appropriate to Project Board regarding the Project performance, administrative and financial issues.;

 

Provide administrative support to project implementation, including:

 

  1. Facilitate assignments of national and international consultants recruited by the project; and facilitate review and finalization of deliverables;
  2. Maintaining records of the project resources including project hard copy and electronic files and non-expendable assets;
  3. Drafting correspondence to national and international partners and stakeholders in relation to project implementation;
  4. Supporting logistical preparations for Project Board meetings;
  5. Supporting project closure process.

 

Ensure holding the values of UNDP which includes:

  1. UNDP’s Gender strategy
  2. Values enlisted in the UN charter

Competencies

  • Proven ability to work with a variety of people including government officials, international and national NGOs, local stakeholders, experts and consultants.
  • Excellent communication, presentation and facilitation skills.
  • A proven ability to manage budgets.
  • Good organizational and planning skills and a proven ability to adhere to deadlines.
  • A proven ability to provide financial and progress reports in accordance with reporting schedules.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor Degree in social science, business administration or any related field. Advanced degree is a plus.

 Experience:

6 years of working experience in the field of development, minority studies, civic engagement through socio-economy, reconciliation and mediation. Knowledge of UNDP rules and procedures is an asset.

 Language requirements:

Proficiency in English and Arabic Languages spoken and written.

Duration of Service

11 months. The contract is subject to renewal based on performance and availability of funds.

 

 

Computer skills:

Excellent computer and word processing skills.