The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and achieving adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat's work is aligned with the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11, aiming to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

In Jordan, UN-Habitat has been working with national and local stakeholders and communities to support sunstainable urban development and resilience-building, focusing on its core thematic areas; Climate Change and City Resilience, Urban Data and Planning, SDG Localization, and Community- Led Public Space Development. Through several of these initiatives, Jordan has been selected as a pilot country for innovative approaches and has national and local officials have participated in global and regional knowledge exchange.

Addressing Climate Change and Building City Resilience

UN-Habitat Jordan has been responding to water and food insecurities and enhancing the adaptive capacities of vulnerable populations, including refugees and host communities through cross-sectoral approach, integrating interventions within the Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus. Through national and regional projects, UN-Habitat has been integrating and promoting climate adaptation measures within this Nexus with humanitarian-development efforts, promoting sustainable resource management practices and implementing pilots in various cities, including, but not limited to, Amman, Irbid, Mafraq, Jarash, Ma’an and Madaba, in accordance with community needs and evidence-based studies. Additionally, UN-Habitat has been linking operational work with normative guidelines and knowledge resources, including climate change adaptation action plans, risk assessments, multi-layered vulnerability profiles, and more, to support cities in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change-related challenges and water scarcity.

Smart Urban Water Management

UN-Habitat Jordan has been working on enhancing the adaptive capacity and urban resilience of cities through urban green infrastructure. With a focus on the intertwined and urgent issues of flash floods and water scarcity, UN-Habitat aims to enhance an enabling environment to address water challenges through developing and implementing smart water urban management systems in the cities, with a focus on strengthening adaptive capacities and promoting sustainable water measures to strengthen the social stability and resilience of vulnerable Jordanian communities and Syrian refugees against flash floods.

Multi-Stakeholder Urban Data and Planning Frameworks

UN-Habitat Jordan has been supporting national and local urban planning frameworks, enhancing spatial analysis, urban policies, and planning regulations, facilitating sustainable local development initiatives. These urban planning initiatives have enhanced institutional capacities and fostered participatory decision-making processes, ensuring cities are planned with resilience and sustainability at their core.

Community-Led Public Space Development

Under the Jordan country programme, normative and operational tools are combined to leverage public spaces in order to enhance socioeconomic conditions, climate resilience, social cohesion and the overall well-being of vulnerable communities. Targeting dense urban areas, heritage cities, affordable housing projects, poverty pockets, and refugee camps, these community-driven initiatives emphasize empowering vulnerable groups and evolving along with the needs of communities. Public space rehabilitation projects in Al-Salt city, Madaba, Amman, Irbid, Ghor Al-Safi, and more, are serving as vital entry points to enhance social cohesion, economic opportunities, and climate resilience for vulnerable communities, including refugees and women.

Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals

UN-Habitat has been supporting localized data collection, monitoring, and analysis to ensure local actions contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. By bridging local and national gaps, UN-Habitat and partners are striving to ensure that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is tailored to the needs and context of Jordanian cities, in alignment with the sub programmes of UN-Habitat. This includes through the development of key normative documents, such as assessment, Voluntary Local Reviews, New Urban Agenda progress reports, guidelines, and other knowledge products. It additionally includes support to capacity building, advocacy, and technical support for SDG localization.

The Programme Assistant will provide administrative and technical support and will work closely with the UN-Habitat Jordan team, as required, to support the implementation of different projects in Jordan.

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.

• Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics or issues.

• Reviews project documents, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval.

• Serves as liaison point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organizational unit to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g., training/study tours/workshops, production of reports, etc.

• Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, etc., and brings to the attention of the supervisor. Contributes to the knowledge management processes, maintains organized and well-structured projects’ documentation by systematically managing shared folders, logs, trackers, and registries.

• Drafts minutes of meetings and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, etc.

• Provides general technical assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, etc.

• Coordinates and follows up on all procurement processes related to civil, water, and WASH projects.

• Per the Supervisor’s guidance and request, participates in different WASH working groups.

• Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.

• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.

• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

The purpose of these services is to provide administrative and technical assistance and support for the UN Habitat team in Jordan to effectively integrate water, Wash, and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures within the UN-Habitat Jordan programme. These services align directly with the Programme Assistant’s mandate by assisting the development and implementation of climate-related, water and WASH activities, assisting in proposal development, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards.

Within limits of delegated authority, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Provides reliable administrative coordination and technical assistance and input for civil, water and WASH projectst planning and preparation activities and general office support services. Processes work and requisite follow-up accomplished under some supervision, seeks advice from and/or reporting to supervisor as needed. Contribute to the development of technical reports, proposals, and other project documents and accurately prepares reports. Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures. Effectively and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

2 Two years of desired skills below:

• Administrative assistance: Administrative assistance involves providing support to executives, managers, or teams by managing schedules, organizing files, and facilitating communication. This skill includes tasks such as handling correspondence, preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and maintaining office supplies. Administrative assistants utilize tools like word processors, spreadsheets, and scheduling software to enhance productivity. This role is essential in various industries, ensuring efficient operations and effective management of administrative tasks.

• Project Civil engineering: Civil engineering is the discipline that involves the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems. This skill encompasses knowledge of materials science, structural analysis, geotechnics, and environmental engineering. Civil engineers apply principles of physics and mathematics to ensure safety, functionality, and sustainability in their projects. They work in various sectors, including public works, construction, and urban development, often using tools like AutoCAD and project management software to facilitate their work.

• Proposal Support: Proposal support involves assisting in the development and submission of proposals for projects, funding, or contracts. This skill includes researching requirements, drafting content, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with guidelines. It is commonly applied in sectors such as government contracting, non-profit organizations, and business development. Effective proposal support requires strong writing, organizational, and communication skills, as well as familiarity with proposal management tools and techniques.

• Reporting: The process of collecting, analyzing, and presenting data or information in a structured format to inform decision-making and communicate findings. Reporting involves creating documents, dashboards, or presentations that summarize key metrics, trends, and insights. This skill is widely used across various industries, including finance, marketing, and healthcare, often utilizing tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI to visualize data effectively. Accurate reporting is essential for stakeholders to understand performance, compliance, and strategic direction.

• Water Supply: The management and distribution of water resources to ensure a reliable supply for residential, commercial, and agricultural use. Water supply involves the planning, development, and maintenance of infrastructure such as pipelines, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. This skill encompasses knowledge of hydrology, water quality standards, and regulatory compliance. It is essential for professionals in public utilities, environmental engineering, and urban planning, ensuring sustainable access to clean water for communities.

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering, or any related field with 1 year of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• Knowledge of AutoCAD is desired.

Required:

• 1 years of demonstrated experience assisting civil, water and WASH projects.

• Knowledge of climate related, water and WASH projects, and the impact of conflict and displacement in the Arab region is required. Experience working in international development/humanitarian sector is an advantage, especially in the United Nations System.

Desired:

• Demonstrated experience in assisting and supporting technical input in water and WASH projects, coordinating with different partners, collecting data, and drafting reports for the supervisor’s review.

• Demonstrated experience in assisting projects from climate change funds, preferably the Adaptation Fund or otherwise international donors is desirable.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.