Organization Mission

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development.

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA)”s objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries.

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Context

The project centers on supporting The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) Technology Centre (ETC) in organizing the Arab SMEs Summit 2025 and executing a range of related activities aimed at promoting technology and entrepreneurship among SMEs and startups in the Arab region. The UN Volunteer plays a key role in developing project implementation plans, drafting proposals, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and managing communications and administrative tasks.

Key stakeholders include beneficiary SMEs/startups, experts, trainers, mentors, investors, and Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA)Technology Centre (ETC) staff. The expected outcomes of the project include enhanced participation of SMEs in Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) Technology Centre (ETC) initiatives, successful execution of B2B matchmaking and coaching activities, and the delivery of high-quality project materials such as statistical content, presentations, and communications. The international volunteer also ensures effective coordination of consultation meetings and contributes to the overall success of the Summit and related to Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) Technology Centre (ETC) projects.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Acting Director of Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) Technology Centre or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Project Coordinator will:

• Ensure effective communication and engagement with beneficiary SMEs/startups by properly scheduling meetings, tracking progress, and conducting follow-ups to support their participation and development within Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) Technology Centre (ETC) projects.
• Coordinate the involvement of key stakeholders (experts, trainers, mentors, investors) in project activities, ensuring alignment with the project”s objectives and smooth collaboration.
• Coordinate B2B matchmaking and coaching activities before, during, and after the Arab SMEs Summit 2025, tracking deal-making progress and facilitating follow-ups to maximize impact for participating SMEs/startups.
• Attend meetings and closely monitor discussions related to the project”s objectives, incorporating these insights into proposals and required materials to support project implementation.
• Generate statistical tables, graphs, and contribute to the preparation of presentations and substantive content for the Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA)Technology Centre (ETC) project deliverables, ensuring they align with project goals and implementation plans.
• Assist in the creation of agendas, informational materials, and presentations for the Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA Technology Centre (ETC) meetings, supporting the overall project implementation plan and proposal development.
• Draft routine communications (emails, letters, memos) to engage with stakeholders as necessary, ensuring clear and effective communication for project execution.
• Manage and respond to various correspondence and meeting-related communications in English and Arabic, facilitating smooth project operations and proposal development.
• Undertake additional tasks and assignments as delegated, contributing to the successful implementation of project plans and the development of proposals.

The UN Volunteer will also assist in various administrative services through coordination and support of consultation meetings, ensuring they align with the project”s implementation plan and objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 1 year of practical experience encompassing project coordination, program administration, program management assistance, and other relevant fields closely associated with the role is required.

• SME & Startup Expertise: Knowledge of SME and startup challenges, with an understanding of trends in key sectors like digital transformation, e-commerce, fintech… and the financing/investment landscape in the Arab region is required.

• Organizational Skills: The ability to efficiently manage tasks, time, and resources, ensuring clear project planning and prioritization is desirable.

• Attention to Details: Meticulously reviewing work to identify and correct errors or inconsistencies is desirable.

• Flexibility: Adaptability to changing tasks, roles, and responsibilities in dynamic work environments is desirable.

Core Competencies

Accountability
Creativity
Planning and organising

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/En