Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan is committed to advancing sustainable human development through inclusive economic growth, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and resilient institutions. Guided by its Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023–2027, UNDP supports the Government of Jordan in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting integrated solutions that strengthen environmental sustainability, accelerate green economic transformation, and enhance resilience to climate and environmental risks. UNDP upholds the highest standards of integrity, diversity, inclusion, and accountability, and is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects gender balance, equal opportunity, and respect for human rights.

Under its Sustainable Green Pathways Pillar, UNDP has established a growing portfolio of integrated initiatives in Aqaba that promote the transition towards a sustainable and resilient Blue Economy. Implemented in close partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), national institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners, these initiatives aim to conserve the Gulf of Aqaba's globally significant marine ecosystems while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development.

As part of its commitment to supporting Aqaba's transition towards a sustainable Blue Economy, UNDP recently supported the establishment of the Blue Economy Center for Innovation (BECI) in partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). While the Center is expected to be formally handed over to ASEZA later in 2026, UNDP remains committed to supporting BECI through a number of strategic and time-bound initiatives, expected to conclude by March 2027. These initiatives aim to operationalize the Center by developing its technical programme, institutional and operational mechanisms, standard operating procedures, blended finance platform, and pipeline of bankable blue and circular economy investment opportunities. They also include supporting the replenishment of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR) and leading the preparation and convening of the Second International Blue Economy Symposium, positioning Aqaba as a regional hub for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable blue investment.

Within this context, UNDP Jordan seeks to recruit a Blue Economy Specialist on a part-time basis (17 days) for a period of six months to provide strategic and technical support for the implementation of these catalytic initiatives. Working closely with UNDP, ASEZA, and key partners, the Blue Economy Specialist will contribute to strengthening BECI's programme and operational readiness by supporting the development of its technical programme, operational mechanisms, blended finance platform, and pipeline of investment-ready Blue Economy projects. The Blue Economy Specialist will also facilitate strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts, support the replenishment of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR), and lead the technical preparation and successful convening of the Second International Blue Economy Symposium, laying the foundation for the Center's long-term operation under ASEZA.

Scope of Work

Under the overall supervision of Aqaba Programme Specialist and in close coordination with the Comissioner of Environment and Public Safety at ASEZA, the Blue Economy Specialist will provide strategic and technical support to advance UNDP's and ASEZA’s Blue Economy portfolio in Aqaba through the operationalization of the Blue Economy Center for Innovation (BECI). The incumbent will contribute to strengthening BECI's technical programme, institutional and operational framework, blended finance mechanisms, and pipeline of bankable Blue Economy investment opportunities. The Blue Economy Specialist will also support strategic partnership development and resource mobilization, contribute to the replenishment of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR), and lead the technical preparation and coordination of the Second International Blue Economy Symposium, ensuring effective delivery of these catalytic initiatives and supporting the long-term sustainability of BECI under ASEZA.
This position is established to deliver time-bound technical outputs during the transition period preceding the handover of BECI to ASEZA and does not constitute an ongoing programme management function

Tasks and Responsibilities

A. Support the Operationalization of the Blue Economy Center for Innovation (BECI)

Provide strategic and technical support for the development and operationalization of BECI's technical programme and service portfolio.
Support the development of BECI's operational framework, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), governance arrangements, operational workflows, and partnership mechanisms.
Provide technical support to the development of practical mechanisms and operational modalities for the Blue Economy blended finance platform, including procedures for project identification, screening, investment readiness, and stakeholder engagement.
Support the establishment of collaboration mechanisms between BECI, government institutions, academia, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector.
Provide technical advice and recommendations to strengthen BECI as a regional platform for Blue Economy innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange.

B. Develop the Blue Economy Investment Pipeline and Support Resource Mobilization

Support UNDP in leadingthe identification, assessment, and development of a pipeline of bankable Blue Economy and circular economy investment concepts in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Support the preparation of concept notes, investment profiles, and strategic documentation to enhance investment readiness and resource mobilization.
Contribute to the design of blended finance approaches and strategic financing partnerships that leverage public, private, and development finance.
Support stakeholder engagement with financial institutions, impact investors, development partners, and the private sector to promote investment opportunities aligned with Jordan's Blue Economy priorities.

C. Support the Replenishment of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR)

Provide technical inputs to the preparation and refinement of programme concepts, technical documentation, and strategic proposals supporting the replenishment of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme.
Support the identification of innovative financing opportunities and strategic partnerships that strengthen the long-term sustainability of reef-positive investments.
Contribute to technical consultations, partner coordination, and knowledge products supporting programme development.

D. Lead the Technical Preparation and Coordination of the Second International Blue Economy Symposium

Support UNDP in leading the technical planning and coordination of the Second International Blue Economy Symposium in close collaboration with ASEZA, UNDP, and strategic partners.
Coordinate the preparation of the symposium concept, technical programme, thematic sessions, agenda, and background documentation.
Facilitate engagement with national and international speakers, technical partners, development agencies, research institutions, and the private sector.
Coordinate the preparation of technical materials, knowledge products, and symposium proceedings, including recommendations and follow-up actions.
Support the organization of preparatory meetings and ensure effective coordination throughout the planning and implementation process.

E. Partnership Development and Knowledge Management

Support strategic partnerships that promote innovation, sustainable Blue Economy development, and investment opportunities in Aqaba.
Prepare technical briefs, presentations, policy notes, and knowledge products related to Blue Economy initiatives.
Contribute to documenting lessons learned and good practices to strengthen programme visibility and future programming.
Perform other relevant technical assignments related to the Blue Economy portfolio as requested by the supervisor and within the scope and level of the position.

Institutional Arrangement

The Blue Economy Specialist will be recruited under a part-time (78%) National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA 11) for an initial period of six months and will be based in Aqaba, with travel within Jordan, as required.
The Blue Economy Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Aqaba Programme Specialist and in close coordination with the Commissioner of Environment and Public Safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) to ensure the effective implementation of UNDP's Blue Economy initiatives and alignment with ASEZA's strategic priorities for the Blue Economy Center for Innovation (BECI). The Commissioner of Environment and Public Safety at ASEZA will serve as the primary technical counterpart.
The Blue Economy Specialist will work closely with UNDP programme and operations teams, BECI, relevant government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations to facilitate the implementation of programme activities and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Direction & Strategy	Strategic Thinking	Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
32Business Direction & Strategy	System Thinking	Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
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
Business Development	Knowledge Generation	Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Business Management	Project Management	Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Management	Communication	Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
External Relations & Advocacy / Partnership management	Relationship Management	Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements	Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental economics, business administration, management, or any other related degree is required. Or A first -level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above mentioned field, with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of The Advanced University Degree.
Min. years of relevant Work experience	Minimum of seven(7) years of experience (with a master’s degree) or nine (9) years (with bachelor’s degree) in environmental management, environmental economics, coastal zone management, organizational transformation is required.
Required skills	Experience in project management of complex/large-scale projects. Experience in institutional capacity development and transformation. Demonstrable skills in computer applications for editing and presentation purposes - word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the competencies section	Experience in natural resources management and sustainability. Experience in blue economy planning Experience in fund-raising and proposal writing. Experience in designing or operationalizing innovation platforms, or business incubation programmes. Experience in organizing and coordinating high-level national or international conferences, forums, or multi-stakeholder events involving government, development partners, academia, and the private sector.
Required Language(s)	Fluency in both Arabic and English is required.

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.

Use of AI by candidates

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Blue Economy Specialist - NPSA 11 (Short Term / Part Time 78%) / 6 Months (Aqaba-Jordan)