Background

The UNDP country programme for Jordan delivers direct policy and technical support to provide effective solutions to the development challenges of exclusion and vulnerability. In partnership with the Government of Jordan and other developmental partners, UNDP promotes a resilience-based approach that ensures sustainability, coherence and complementarity of results in support of the 2030 Agenda and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In its programmes on Inclusive Participation and on Social Cohesion, UNDP develops effective mechanisms to promote inclusive, accountable, transparent institutions at all levels to ensure decision-making that is participatory, representative and responsive to the needs and priorities of citizens.  This work includes engagement with the Jordanian Parliament, governmental ministries, independent commissions, deconcentrated and decentralized bodies as well as enabling grassroots initiatives that provide opportunities for access to justice, rule of law, human rights, community security, and prevention of violent extremism.  Under a joint Team Leader, the work of the Inclusive Participation and the Social Cohesion Teams is closely integrated, ensuring crosscutting work on women and youth.

The Decentralization and Local Development Support Programme (DLDSP) is part of the Inclusive Participation and Social Cohesion Portfolio. It provides support to the Government of Jordan to effectively manage and guide the implementation of decentralization reform through the application of the Decentralization and Municipalities laws of 2015. The DLDSP seeks to achieve three results:

Result 1: The policy/ regulatory framework pertaining to decentralization has been adopted;

Result 2: Capacities of the Governorate-based structures in strategic planning, budget analysis and monitoring are strengthened;

Result 3: Participatory development plans have been properly elaborated in Governorates through strengthened dialogue with Non-State Actors and increased citizen’s participation (including identification of local productive projects to be established).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor of the DLDSP and in close coordination of the Team, the Intern will support the Inclusive Participation and Social Cohesion Teams with the following tasks:

Research and Analysis

Conduct of desk-based research and analysis, including: gathering and review of specialist reports and indices; monitoring and tracking of political and thematic developments, including news updates; preparation of briefings and concept notes. Specific tasks will include:

• Tracking the daily events of the Jordanian decentralization and local development process to prepare a database on activities of the local governance system.

Communications & Knowledge Sharing

Support and contribute to the internal and external communications of the teams including: social media content development; participation in team meetings and knowledge building events; preparation of content for knowledge materials; maintaining knowledge archive. Specific tasks will include:

• Preparing Local and National Factsheet/Case Studies to promote local governance and local development results and activities

Strategic Partnerships and Coordination

Support and contribute to engagement with key partners (including Local Development Directorates -LDD- from MoI, MOMA, Governorates and municipalities, civil society, UN agencies, donors, etc.) including: regular meetings with partners; mapping of partner activities; and participation in external events; working on proposals developments and researching new financing streams; support team integration and coordination. Specific tasks will include:

• Facilitating coordination and liaison with other national, local and international stakeholders
• Facilitating coordination and liaison with CSO and CBO

Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation

Support and contribute to the programme reports and M&E, including: note-taking of key meetings. data collection and analysis; archiving; drafting, editing and fact-checking reports; development of infographics; drafting and publication of resource materials. Specific tasks will include:

• Contributions to monthly progress reports
• Tracking and gathering of data on activities on local governance and local development

Programme development and implementation

Support and contribute to the development and implementation of new and/or existing programmes and projects, including project management, event management and administrative activities. Specific tasks will include:

• Facilitation of UNDP events on decentralization and local development

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Display cultural, gender, sexuality, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• A professional demeanor;
• Complete assignments in high quality and timely manner;
• Respond positively to feedback;
• Team worker who Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remain calm, in control, and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience