Key information
Job Title:
Policy and Position Paper Development Expert – Jordan
Position/ Contract Type: Short Term Consultancy
Duration of Initial Contract: Up to 4 months (Maximum of 30 days)
Position Location: Amman, Jordan
Language Required: Arabic and English
1. Background
The Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) is the national reference body on women’s rights and gender equality in Jordan. Established by law and operating under the Prime Ministry, JNCW plays a central role in shaping national gender policies, advocating for legal reforms, coordinating stakeholders, and monitoring progress toward gender equality goals.
JNCW is a key partner of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Jordan and actively collaborates with the Canadian Embassy on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. As part of this partnership, JNCW co-chairs the Gender Partner Coordination Group (GPCG) alongside Canada and UN Women. The GPCG brings together donors and relevant Government of Jordan ministries to discuss strategic priorities, challenges, and opportunities related to gender equality.
In line with its mandate and strategic partnerships, JNCW is working on launching the Jordanian Women’s Observatory (JWO) to serve as a key instrument for monitoring the status of women in Jordan and supporting evidence-based policymaking, in accordance with the mandate of the Jordanian National Commission for Women Law No. (11) for the year 2025. The establishment of the observatory also falls under the strategic priorities of the Action Plan of the National Women Strategy (2020-2025).
Policy and position papers are essential tools in advancing JNCW’s advocacy and policy engagement efforts. To further strengthen its ability to produce high-quality, evidence-based policy and position papers, JNCW, through support from Canada via the Middle East Field Support Services Project (ME-FSSP), will engage a Policy and Position Paper Development Expert. This collaboration aims to enhance internal capacities and support the preparation of action-oriented policy papers that are aligned with national priorities and contribute to advancing gender equality.
2. Objectives of the Consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is:
- Build the capacity of JNCW staff in drafting high-quality policy, and position papers, and policy briefs
- Support the development of at least one model policy or position paper during the assignment.
- Strengthen JNCW’s internal mechanisms for evidence-based policy advocacy.
3. DESCRIPTION OF TASKS
The expert will be responsible for:
- Needs Assessment
- Conduct a rapid assessment of existing staff skills and organizational workflows related to policy paper development.
- Identify capacity gaps and recommend areas of focus for the training and coaching sessions.
- Training and Coaching
- Design and deliver a tailored training session on policy and position paper development
- Provide one-on-one coaching to selected staff on developing outlines, conducting background research, and drafting text.
- Practical Support in Developing a Policy/Position Paper
- Guide the JNCW team in developing a real-time policy or position paper on a priority topic.
- Support with technical editing and feedback to ensure quality and alignment with advocacy goals.
- Final Reporting
- Deliver a final report outlining:
- Capacity-building results
- Summary of coaching sessions
- Final version of the developed policy/position paper (Arabic)
- Recommendations for sustaining and scaling this capacity internally
4. Deliverables
Under this ToR, the Expert will be responsible for delivering the following:
- Assessment Summary
- Tailored Training Session (materials and delivery)
- Final Policy or Position Paper (Arabic)
- Coaching Notes and Feedback
- Final Report (in English and Arabic)
5. CONSULTANT PROFILE
5.1 Education
- Advanced degree in public policy, law, political science, gender studies, development studies or another relevant discipline.
5.2 Experience and skills
- Minimum 10 years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and public sector reform.
- Proven experience developing policy and/or position papers in Arabic for public institutions or civil society organizations.
- Familiarity with gender equality, women’s rights, and evidence-based advocacy in Jordan.
- Strong facilitation, mentoring, and written communication skills in Arabic and English.
- Very strong writing skills in Arabic and English.
5.3 Language
- Fluency in Arabic and English.
- All training and coaching will be delivered in Arabic; final deliverables in both languages.
6. Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will work closely with the JNCW team and will coordinate closely with the relevant Program Technical Lead in GAC Jordan.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
- The Consultant will be contracted under the ‘Middle East Field Support Services Project’ (ME-FSSP), being implemented in Jordan by Cowater International, for Global Affairs Canada. The contract will be administered through ME-FSSP.
- The Consultant will be responsible and accountable for the deliverables under this contract to the relevant team of Canada’s Jordan Development Program, at the Embassy of Canada in Amman.
- Work will be performed out of JNCW’s premises or the Expert’s own office, and the Expert will be responsible for providing all required overhead, including maintaining internet access and an email account.
- When not operating from the JNCW, the Expert is expected to use their own workspace, equipment and materials (office space is not provided).
- The Expert will be paid according to the agreed-upon daily rate based on the level of effort reflected in the monthly financial timesheet and reports. Activities and services rendered should be in line with what has been approved by the relevant team of Canada’s Jordan Development Program, at the Embassy of Canada in Amman.
How to apply
8. APPLICATION PROCESS
For your application to be considered, please send all requested documents to info@me-fssp.com, with “Policy and Position Paper Development Expert – Jordan” in the subject line latest by 26 July 2025.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by sending the following documents:
- A CV indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) with at least three (3) professional references.
- A brief statement as to why you consider yourself the most suitable for the assignment.
- A Financial Proposal specifying an all-inclusive daily rate in JOD.
*Due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.”
*Please note that submitted CVs may be retained in the ME-FSSP expert database for consideration in future assignments.
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is one of Canada’s global leaders in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial, and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017 and 2018. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec, Paris, France, Pretoria, South Africa, and London, United Kingdom, Nairobi, Kenya in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.