IUCN ROWA is currently implementing a new project in Jordan aiming at enhancing climate resilience of biodiversity hotspots in Jordan, funded by the Global Affairs Canada. The project will include a revision of the protected areas network in Jordan using systematic conservation planning, and will involve forest landscape restoration activities in pilot areas within Petra and Shoubak southern Jordan.

The objective of this position is the overall coordination for the effective implementation of the project activities including; events, meetings, workshops, field work, experts’ delivery, in addition to supporting and co-supervising the project’s technical experts and developing their Terms of References in addition to technical procedure reports. The incumbent is also expected to support and review the financial reports.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

IUCN – ROWA is seeking the support of a project management professional with a background in biodiversity, restoration and protected areas for the effective and successful coordination of the project with the donor and all relevant stakeholders and delivery of specific field activities. The position entails regular interactions with peers from regional partners, national administrations, and regional organizations on complex issues. The project coordinator will be working under the direct supervision of the Program manager of the Protected Areas, World Heritage and Biodiversity Program and will be based in Amman, Jordan with frequent travel to the project field sites in Petra, Shoubak and different protected areas and remote locations across Jordan. The contract duration will be for one year with possible extension.

Below is a description of scope of work intended for the project coordinator:

Under the supervision of the Program Manager at Protected Areas, World Heritage and Biodiversity Program at IUCN ROWA, the project coordinator will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:

– The project coordinator will play a key role in supporting the program to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the project activities, in full compliance with IUCN policies, associated procedures, guidelines and standards and the donor requirements as per the project contract;

Under the direct supervision of the program manager of Protected areas, World Heritage and Biodiversity Program, the incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the following specific tasks:

Project implementation:
• Ensure the implementation of the project activities in accordance with the project documents and agreed work plans.
• Develop necessary terms of references for the projects’ experts/ consultants including individual and consulting firms as needed for conducting the project activities.
• Reviewing the deliverables and technical reports of the consultants in coordination with the program manager
• Support the procurement procedure of goods and services related to the project activities in compliance with IUCN’s procurement policy and donor requirements.
• Draft consultant contracts and process their payments in coordination with the program manager, finance department and procurement officer.
• Develop technical progress reports and assist the program manager in tracking and reviewing financial reports.

Coordination and Communication:
• Coordinate with project experts and consultants to deliver the required studies and analysis.
• Coordinate the field activities of the project to deliver the project outputs.
• Coordinate with IUCN ROWA’s other units and functions including; communication, procurement, finance, etc. for the successful implementation of the project.
• Coordinate/ facilitate the projects’ associated events, workshops, meetings logistics and trainings.
• Ensure that the project’s achievements are efficiently communicated to partners and to the conservation community.
• Conduct field visits to protected areas and restoration sites to coordinate and facilitate field work for project experts.
• Assist with maintaining strong relationships with relevant IUCN partners, maintaining communications and efficient collaboration with project beneficiaries.
• Ensure that IUCN knowledge products and tools are provided to IUCN ROWA’s communication officer as needed, with the required support, in collaboration with the donor.
• Follow up on and update the yearly work plans to provide support to IUCN project management in coordination with the donor
• Ensure that the project information and required reports and indicators are updated in IUCN’s project portal.
• Supervise, support and facilitate the restoration activities in Petra and Shoubak and supervise the daily restoration activities when needed.

Others:
– Ensure appropriate alignment of the project activities with IUCN ROWA regional initiatives.
– Represent effectively IUCN and its partners in the region events
– Work closely with the program manager to secure and sustain Funds to in alignment with IUCN’s program.
– Work closely with the PAs program manager to identify gaps emerging from the implementation of IUCN strategy in west Asia region.
– Performing any other duties as requested by the line manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BSc degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, or any other related fields. An MSc degree is preferred.
• At least 7 years’ experience with project management and coordination.
• At least 3 years’ experience with project coordination in large-scale biodiversity or restoration projects or with international organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in protected areas design and planning and forest landscape restoration FLR, specifically within ROWA region.
• Experience in communicating and collaborating with management agencies, academic institutions and local, national and regional stakeholders to achieve agreed collective outcomes.
• Experience in biodiversity and/or protected areas information management, ideally involving terrestrial ecosystems, at national and/or regional levels.
• Ability to compile large amounts of information succinctly into a coherent document for conservation practitioners and government officials.
• Experience and proficiency with project management software and platforms such as MS Project.
• Excellent facilitation and coordination skills, the ability for managing the timely and effective delivery of both quantity and quality work on time.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and an ability to prepare appropriate and timely reports to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
• Time management skills including an ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Fluent writing and speaking literacy in English, (Arabic is an asset).
• Proven ability to liaise and work with a range of stakeholders including government agencies, the private sector, and local community, and in support of regional and national institutions
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving biodiversity conservation and livelihoods goals.
• A team player who is able to contribute effectively to collaborative issues, and to demonstrate innovation and leadership, as appropriate.
• A good understanding of IUCN’s mission and a general attitude of being of service to others.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a complex organization such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.