Organization Mission

Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with the priorities outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan, the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shocks.

In addition to its presence in New York, RBAS has its main office in the Regional Hub based in Amman, Jordan with some staff based in Beirut (Lebanon) and Dubai (UAE).
The Amman Regional Hub hosts regional initiatives under the Regional Programme for Arab States 2022-2025 which touches upon the following areas of work: governance and anti-corruption, regional cooperation for the reduction of poverty and inequality, knowledge economy, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, climate security, youth engagement and empowerment, gender equality, resilience building, among others.

Context

The Regional Programme team is based in Amman, Jordan, and consists of a diverse team of nine core staff responsible for programme management functions, including planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of results, tracking financial performance, resource mobilization, partnerships, and communications. In addition, the Regional Programme Team works closely with project teams to provide targeted support and ensure coherence across individual initiatives.

Accordingly, the assigned UN Volunteer as Regional Programme Associate will support the effective delivery of the Regional Programme for Arab States (2026–2029), with a focus on programme coordination, planning, research, implementation, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Manager, the UN Volunteer will play an active role in advancing the Regional Programme’s priorities. The key tasks will include:

Programme Management Support

1- Assist the Regional Programme Team in strengthening coordination, oversight, and
coherence across projects and initiatives;
2- Contribute to the planning and organization of programme activities, meetings, and events;
3- In close collaboration with the Results-Based Management Specialist, support monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance
processes to ensure results-driven implementation.

Knowledge Management & Research

1- Identify, document, and synthesize lessons learned and best practices emerging from regional projects to inform future
programming;
2- Conduct high-quality desk research on key thematic areas such as inclusive growth, governance, digital innovation, and
green economy;
4- Contribute to the preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, and background papers;
5- Develop and curate engaging knowledge products tailored for both internal learning and external dissemination.

Partnership Building & Communication

1- Support the preparation of compelling briefs, presentations, talking points, and other communication materials for senior
management and partner engagement;
2- Contribute to the identification, mapping, and outreach to potential partners and stakeholders;
3- Assist in designing and preparing partnership proposals and concept notes;
4- Support the organization and delivery of outreach events, consultations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in:

– Supporting programme planning, coordination, and oversight in a development, humanitarian, or public sector context
– Conducting policy, thematic, or applied research to inform programming priorities
– Collecting, analysing, and presenting quantitative and qualitative data for evidence-based reporting
– Capturing and disseminating lessons learned through knowledge management products (briefs, case studies, online platforms, etc.)
– Previous volunteer experience and/or exposure to another culture – through studies, internships, volunteer work, or fieldwork abroad – is highly regarded.

Skills in:

– Programme planning, coordination, and oversight
– Policy and thematic research to inform programming
– Quantitative and qualitative data collection
– Evidence-based reporting and analysis
– Knowledge management, capture, and dissemination
– Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with online research tools

Core Competencies

Accountability

Adaptability and Flexibility

Commitment and Motivation

Ethics and Values

Professionalism

Respect for Diversity

Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Location: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located in the Middle East. Bound by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, Red Sea to the south and the Palestinian National Authority to the west.

Weather: Jordan’s climate can be classified as semi-arid (Bsh) on the Koeppen-Geiger classification. It features a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. The climate is influenced by Jordan”s location between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area. January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 5°C to 10°C, and August is the hottest month at 20°C to 35°C. Daily temperatures can be quite hot, especially in the summer; on some days it can be 40°C or more, especially when a hot, dry southerly wind blows. Such winds can sometimes be very strong and can cause sandstorms.

About 70 percent of the average rainfall in the country falls between November and March; June through August are often rainless. Rainfall varies from season to season and from year to year. Precipitation is often concentrated in violent storms, causing erosion and local flooding, especially in the winter months.

Safety and Security: Jordan is a relatively stable country. The potentials for internal or external armed conflict are considered very unlikely in the current political environment. Peaceful demonstrations, and sometimes road blockages, do occur in Jordan, motivated by domestic factors such as unemployment, deprivation of resources and development or for regional issues such as solidarity with the Palestinian cause or with the Syrian crises. Most of these events are driven by civil society unions and Islamic parties. Domestic tribal civil unrest sometimes turns violent, especially outside main cities, due to tribal disputes or socio-economic reasons. In all occasions law enforcement agencies usually manage to contain the situation rapidly.

Road traffic accidents are the primary threat against UN personnel in Jordan. Poor road conditions and bad driving behaviours are the main reasons for the high rate of traffic accidents.

Amman is a category A duty station with security level 1.

Transportation and housing: Taxis as well as ride-hailing services (Uber and Careem) are abundant and affordable in Amman. Medical facilities are generally very good, particularly in Amman where there are several modern, well-equipped public and private hospitals. Public minibuses are the most common form of public transport. They normally only leave when full, so waiting times of an hour or more are inevitable, especially in rural areas. The larger air-con buses offer a speedy and reliable service, departing according to a fixed schedule. Housing is readily available with rents for one- to two-bedroom apartments ranging between 500 and 800 JD (1 JD = 0.708 USD) depending on the location.

Health Services: Medical facilities are generally very good, particularly in Amman where there are several modern, well-equipped public and private hospitals. Almost all doctors (and most pharmacists) speak English; many have studied abroad.

Language: The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken – especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled or have been educated abroad so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent.

Learn more about Jordan from the Ministry of Tourism’s website:

https://www.mota.gov.jo/Default/Ar