Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 1- Office/Unit/Project Description:The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Programme in Jordan aims to enhance the nation's inclusivity and resilience to achieve its national priorities, aligned with the 2030 Agenda. The Jordan Country Office focuses on key priorities, including Governance and Peace, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Livelihoods, Environment, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Financing for Development, and SDG impact.
Regarding the significant challenge posed by Financing for Development, the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda emphasized the importance of holistic approaches to financing national strategies. In response, UNDP launched Financing for Development (FfD) portfolios which include initiatives in partnership with both governmental and private stakeholders to align public and private capital flows with national development priorities and to mobilize the necessary financing for large-scale development impacts.
In an effort to build a coherent sustainable finance architecture, UNDP leverages its technical expertise and convening power to support the deployment of an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) in Jordan. An INFF is a tool to help countries strengthen planning processes and overcome existing impediments to financing sustainable development at the country level. This government-led process unites government entities, the private sector, and development cooperation partners in devising a strategy to finance national development. To inform this strategy with data and analyses of the financing landscape, UNDP Jordan already conducted a Development Finance Assessment and complementary thematic studies. Building on these efforts, the country office is now deploying a FfD portfolio to further support the Government in developing an INFF roadmap anchored with the priorities of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV).
With its FfD portfolio, the country office is seeking to effectively leverage innovative financing and support investments into the green transition. UNDP Jordan is partnering with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) toward an area-based development programme to establish a Jordan Valley Green Economic Corridor. This ambitious initiative is designed to run for over seven years and encompasses a portfolio of development projects aligned with the key components of the EMV.
The Jordan Country Office is seeking to hire a Programme Specialist (Economist)- under the strategic guidance of the Resident Representative (RR) and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident - to lead the implementation of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) and contribute to further developing an FfD portfolio.
2- Scope of Work
The incumbent will undertake the following to ensure the success of the assignment:
1- Lead effective design and implementation of the Financing for Development (FfD) portfolio:
- Lead the operationalization of the INFF in close collaboration with Government partners, private stakeholders, and the international development partners.
- Identify programmatic opportunities and partnerships to develop the Financing for Development portfolio in line with the INFF Financing Strategy and UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD), and leveraging UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub offers.
- Compile, analyze and interpret economic and statistical data, conduct thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and prepare top quality analysis and reports to contribute to UNDP’s positioning as FfD leading adviser.
- Provide technical support as required throughout the implementation of the FfD project, including by conducting economic analyses, designing trainings and other activities, preparing terms of references, concept notes, and action plans, and conducting stakeholder consultations.
- Monitor the implementation of the FfD project and report on targets and indicators, including project results frameworks, CPD indicators, UNDP Strategic Plan Moonshots.
- Generate new ideas and approaches, consolidate best practices and propose effective ways of improving programmes and overcoming implementation challenges.
2- Develop strategic partnerships and ensure coordination with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders:
- Develop partnerships with government institutions, UN Agencies, IFIs, private sector, academia, civil society and development partners around the INFF implementation and FfD project.
- Produce periodic updates and briefs on country development situation and emerging development challenges for the country office, HQ, and relevant partners.
- Make top-quality contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Identify areas of cooperations, analyze donors' priorities, and support resource mobilization for the INFF and further projects to expand the FfD portfolio.
- Ensure capacity building of national partners, and organize briefings and trainings as needed.
- Identify potential organizations to engage within the targeted areas and contribute to building a network.
- Establish and maintain a network of partners and relevant stakeholders for general information sharing, and to remain up-to-date on issues relevant to the implementation of the INFF and FfD project.
3-Lead and promote knowledge management and information sharing on economic and financing topics across the country office:
- Identify and document best practices and lessons learned from INFF initiatives in Jordan and in other countries.
- Conduct and support research, dialogue, and policy reviews on financing for development.
- Manage commissioning and contracting of external researchers for the FfD project and ensure quality of final research products.
- Develop and share technical material relevant to the country office’s programmes: advocacy papers, policy notes and knowledge products.
- Contribute to advocacy and policy dialogue on FfD and to positioning of UNDP including through identifying appropriate partners, fora for dissemination and policy advocacy, and knowledge networks at regional and global levels.
Perform other duties within your functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office
4-Institutional Arrangement
The Incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative
5- 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
6- Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Thematic Area Name Definition Partnership management Emerging partnerships Ability to engage with emerging partners, develop and manage a strategy and develop approaches to developing and managing these new strategic partnerships
Business Direction and Strategy Systems 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
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility Digital innovations in adapting employment, livelihoods (incl. cash handouts) and provision of basic services
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility
Addressing the Adverse Drivers of Irregular Migration and Forced Displacement
2030 Agenda: Partnerships SDG Finance
Financing for Development and International Finance Policy
External Relations & Advocacy Private sector engagement Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector
Partnership management IFI partnership Knowledge and understanding of IFIs (strategies, approaches, processes and systems)
7- Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA
Min. Education requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent ) in Economics, Finance or related area is required. Or
A first -level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master’s Degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience Minimum of seven (07) years (with a master’s degree) or nine (09) years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in research, economic policy analysis and implementation or design, implementation, and monitoring of economic development projects is required.
Required skills - Experience and solid knowledge of result-based management and project implementation.
- Demonstrated experience analyzing and presenting economic data.
- Demonstrated experience in formulating policy recommendations.
- Experienced in the Project finance, especially for projects structured in complex environment.
- Experience in project preparation and/or in development of investment opportunities, especially for projects in developing countries.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section - Experience from previous UN assignments and/or multilateral and bi-lateral aid organizations would be an asset.
- Experience in investing in developing countries and understanding of emerging market environments, opportunities and barriers to investing is an asset.
- Proven track record of excellent analytical skills and writing skills is desired.
Required Language(s) Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Professional Certificates N/A 8. The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
- Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
- A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
- Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials
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Note: 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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UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
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