Head of Division of the Green Digital Economy and Sustainability

Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship

Youth Technology and Jobs Project

Terms of Reference for:

Head of Division of the Green Digital

Economy and Sustainability

1. About the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) Project

The Government of Jordan (GoJ) has received financing from the World Bank to implement the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) project, which has become effective in April 2020 and will continue until February 2027. The YTJ project aims to improve digitally enabled income opportunities and expand digitized government services in Jordan. The Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) is the implementing agency of the YTJ project.

The project components are:

Component 1 – Support the supply of digital skills in Jordan

Sub-component 1.1:  Support private sector-led digital skills development.  Support the establishment of the National Skills Council for Information and Communication Technology (NSC- ICT), as an independent (financially and administratively) legal entity, with a majority private sector board membership and representation from key public sector stakeholders. 

Sub-component 1.2: Enhance digital skills competencies for public school students. Introduce quality technology courses in public classrooms (G7-12). 

 Sub-component 1.3: Establish working spaces in underserved communities through Tech Hubs.

Support upgrading and equipping three to five technology hubs (Tech Hubs) 

Component 2 – Support the expansion of digital sector and digital government services in Jordan

Sub-component 2.1: Support the expansion and access to market for digital firms and digital platforms. Provide incentive packages to support the growth plans of digital firms in underserved communities to help build and scale their activities and generate local job opportunities. Provide access to income opportunities in various tech and non-tech economic activities for individuals in the gig economy.    

Sub-component 2.2:  Support digital transformation of service delivery to citizens and businesses. Support activities designed to improve access to and quality of selected e- government services.   In addition to improving quality and cost efficiency of service. 

Sub-component 2.3: Support digitization of payments. Support the government commitment to advance penetration of digital payments in Jordan supporting e-payments for all applicable government services.

Component 3 - Project management & implementation support. The Project Management Unit (PMU) at the MoDEE, has the overall fiduciary responsibility for project and the implementation of its activities.

Under component 2, MODEE/YTJ is seeking to hire Full time Head of division of the green digital economy and sustainability to support MoDEE/YTJ in planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on key material measures and actions related to the Green Digital Economy and Sustainability initiatives. This ensures that all projects and initiatives are implemented in alignment with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), comply with the provisions of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), and meet national environmental regulations. The division also works to ensure the sustainability of digital transformation efforts, integrating green economic practices into all relevant actions and reporting requirements

The PMU will make sure that the physical activities that will take place in the Tech Hubs or any other venue under the project will have the needed environmental management procedures in place to manage site-specific environmental impacts/risks that might result. Those interventions will be done by the private sector and will include provision of some equipment such as computers to the Tech Hubs or any other venue under the project, which could result in negative environmental impacts if the e-waste is not managed and disposed properly. In addition, the renovation of some existing buildings may involve limited internal works, e.g., painting, which could be associated with some environmental and health impacts. The management of potential impacts of such activities should be ensured, mainly by preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and/or contractor's ESMPs, which should include measures for managing e-waste. Further to handling different environmental and health risks/impacts, the Project should also work on applying good practices to achieve energy and resources conservation and provide universal access to the Project facilities, especially for people with special needs, as required in the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The ESMP measures, including adequate occupational health and safety and PPEs, should be included in the contracts of the contractor(s). The PMU has prepared a Project Operational Manual (POM), which needs to add the required environmental measures that will be adopted for different Project interventions.

1. Roles and Responsibilities

MoDEE Specific Functions

• Lead the development of comprehensive strategies to integrate green digital economy and sustainability principles on institutional and sectorial levels. This involves conducting data analysis, assessing global trends, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to design strategic plans. These strategies must align with both national and international best practices to achieve sustainable development goals, and ensure their implementation through approved programs and projects.
• Oversee Research and Development activities to foster innovation in sustainable digital technologies. This includes establishing partnerships with universities, research centers, and international organizations to conduct joint research projects and workshops. The goal is to advance the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that contribute to sustainability in the digital economy.
• Ensure the effective execution of green digital economy policies by monitoring departmental performance and guiding necessary adjustments. This includes adherence to environmental regulations, national laws, and international standards, ensuring that all strategies and initiatives comply with legal and policy frameworks. Regular reports and performance metrics will be prepared to assess progress and compliance.
• Act as a key advocate for sustainability within the digital economy. Engage with governmental, private sector, and civil society organizations to promote the importance of integrating sustainable practices across industries. Organize awareness campaigns, events, and workshops that elevate understanding and encourage community participation in sustainability initiatives.
• Facilitate the dissemination of knowledge on green digital economy principles by organizing capacity-building programs, workshops, and training sessions. This involves transferring technical expertise to startups, businesses, and innovators to adopt sustainable practices and technologies. Additionally, the role requires producing knowledge-sharing platforms and materials to support the ongoing education of internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the technical and operational capacities of the department’s team and external partners. This includes developing programs aimed at improving skill sets and competencies in areas such as sustainable digital solutions, circular business models, and environmental compliance. Capacity-building efforts will also extend to collaboration with local and international experts to foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Develop and manage a system of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of sustainability initiatives and digital economy strategies. Regular progress reports will be prepared to highlight achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. These reports will guide strategic adjustments and ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Manage financial and human resources within the department, ensuring the optimal use of available resources to achieve strategic objectives. This involves preparing budgets, allocating tasks, and overseeing resource deployment to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in all initiatives and projects.
• Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research centers, international organizations, and industry leaders to create synergies in sustainable technology development. Establish regular meetings and strategic alliances to ensure collaborative efforts contribute to the department’s goals.
• Provide expert consultation and support to startups and innovation projects, helping them adopt sustainable technologies and integrate green business models. This includes leading advisory sessions and offering technical guidance on the latest digital sustainability trends.
• Oversee the implementation and adherence to sustainability-related policies, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors. This includes updating the Ministry’s sustainability guidelines based on the latest research and best practices.
• Promote the integration of circular economy principles by advising on sustainable product development, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. This involves guiding companies and sectors on how to implement circular business models that align with digital economy growth.

YTJ Specific Functions

The primary objective of the assignment is to ensure that all interventions under the Project are implemented in line with the requirements of the project-related Environmental and Social (E&S) instruments including the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), the Labour Management Plan (LMP), and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP),  which were prepared in compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF); in addition to compliance with the Good International Industry Practice (GIIP); and relevant laws and regulations of the Government of Jordan.

• Review all related Project documents (PAD[1], ESS[2], ESCP[3], SA[4], SEP[5], LMP[6], Procurements Plans, etc.) and familiarize with them at an early stage of his/her task.
• Propose updates to the ESCP, SEP and/or LMP as needed to address emerging environmental issues of concern, new anticipated/observed risks and impacts to ensure compliance with the ESF.
• Integrate the environmental requirements of the Project in the POM; illustrating which environmental management instruments would be required for different Project interventions and when. The POM should also include means of monitoring and supervision.
• Support the implementation, monitoring of and reporting on the requirements of the ESCP and the environmental and social instruments referred to therein (SEP, LMP), and the relevant environmental and health and safety management standards in accordance with the ESF and as acceptable to the World Bank.
• Work closely with the project Social Specialist to incorporate the relevant aspects of the ESCP, including the relevant E&S documents and/or plans, and the Labor Management Procedures (LMP), into the ESHS specifications of the procurement documents with contractors and the grant agreements for the beneficiaries.
• Review the project plans and designs against the ESF and national environmental requirements, conduct environmental risks and impacts analysis and rating, and issue recommendations to the PMU. 
• Review the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and/or contractor's ESMP as required, and timely issue ESMP’s review recommendations to the PMU to support ESMP’s approval decisions prior to its submission to the World Bank.
• Supervise, monitor and document the implementation of different environmental measures by the project and the different project counterparts. This includes contractors’ compliance with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts.
• Liaise with counterparts at MoDEE , other counterparts within the Government of Jordan, the project’s Contractors and Consultants, the World Bank, and other partners to ensure compliance and reporting on E&S commitments of the project.
• Jointly with the social specialist, monitor, document and promptly notify the Bank of any incident or accident related to the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public, workers including contracted workers employed by service providers Provide sufficient detail regarding the incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken or that are planned to be taken to address it, and any information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate.
• Conducti assessments, supervise and implement the environmental and health and safety s requirements and build partnerships on ESCP implementation issues. He shall also, proactively, identify and propose measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental risks and impacts to comply with the ESCP and other E&S instruments as needed.
• Jointly with the social specialist, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence.
• Prepare periodic reports on different environmental management aspects of the Project as required in the ESCP.
• Work with World Bank missions on environmental aspects of the Project and provide needed feedback between missions.
• Represent the PMU in related engagements with stakeholders.
• Work in close coordination and Liaison with the Social and Community Outreach Officer of the PMU.
• The Environmental Specialist should ensure that the private operator for the Tech Hub and any other venue under the project, is taking into consideration the environmental factors requirements for example, but not limited to Implement integrated design, assessment, operation and management principles in existing buildings, optimize energy performance, Protect and conserve water, Enhance indoor environmental quality.  

1. Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum five years of relevant experience connected to assessing environmental risks and impacts, designing environmental mitigation actions and measures to address identified risks and impacts, implementing and supervising the implementation of the environmental mitigation and management plans, and monitoring and reporting on the implementation of projects environmental mitigation and management plans/actions.

• including at least 3 years in supervisory roles, as below:
• Proven ability to develop and execute organizational strategies, with a particular focus on innovation, technology, the green digital economy, and sustainability.
• Advanced knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and innovation tools, with the ability to leverage them in driving green digital economy and sustainability-focused innovation.
• In-depth knowledge of digital transformation processes and technologies, with a focus on their applications in sustainability.
• Strong understanding of the digital economy and its role in advancing sustainability and innovation goals.
• Proven ability to effectively engage and manage relationships with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally, to drive strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship principles, with the ability to support and guide entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in the digital and sustainability sectors.
• Excellent organizational capabilities, with strong communication skills in both Arabic and English, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

• Familiarity and experience applying international environmental and social performance standards such as those of the World Bank, IFC, EIB, or EBRD is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines of the World Bank Group.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to take initiative.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks; work under pressure, and within teams, while fostering sustainability in digital sector initiatives
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong Communication, Reporting and negotiation skills.
• Accurate and precise attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively and diplomatically with government officials and donors.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

1. Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in environmental engineering, or environmental science and/or management, or relevant environmental sciences (e.g. Water and environment, land and environment, etc.) from an accredited and reputable educational institution.

 A Master’s degree is desirable, preferred in fields such of science in environmental sciences or related fields.

Duration of Assignment

The contract duration is one year, renewable for up to the end of the YTJ project, February 2027.

Applicants must review the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) before applying. Please follow this link: https://www.modee.gov.jo/En/List/Studies_and_Reports  to access it.

[1] Project Appraisal Document

[2] Environmental and Social Standards

[3] Environmental and Social Commitment Plan

[4] Social Assessment

[5] Stakeholder Engagement Plan

[6] Labor Management Plan