Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship

  Youth Technology and Jobs Project

Terms of Reference for: Head of International Cooperation

and Strategic Partnerships Division

1. About the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) Project

The Government of Jordan (GoJ) has received financing from the World Bank to implement the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) project, which has become effective in April 2020 and will continue until February 2027. The YTJ project aims to improve digitally enabled income opportunities and expand digitized government services in Jordan. The Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) is the implementing agency of the YTJ project.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) plays a central role in shaping Jordan’s digital transformation, innovation landscape, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. As part of its strategic mandate, the Ministry engages extensively with international organizations, multilateral development agencies, regional partnerships, and global digital economy platforms to position Jordan as a proactive regional hub for digital advancement and innovation

The project components are:

Component 1 – Support the supply of digital skills in Jordan

Sub-component 1.1:  Support private sector-led digital skills development.  Support the establishment of the National Skills Council for Information and Communication Technology (NSC- ICT), as an independent (financially and administratively) legal entity, with a majority private sector board membership and representation from key public sector stakeholders. 

Sub-component 1.2: Enhance digital skills competencies for public school students. Introduce quality technology courses in public classrooms (G7-12). 

  Sub-component 1.3: Establish working spaces in underserved communities through Tech Hubs.

Support upgrading and equipping three to five technology hubs (Tech Hubs) 

Component 2 – Support the expansion of digital sector and digital government services in Jordan

Sub-component 2.1: Support the expansion and access to market for digital firms and digital platforms. Provide incentive packages to support the growth plans of digital firms in underserved communities to help build and scale their activities and generate local job opportunities. Provide access to income opportunities in various tech and non-tech economic activities for individuals in the gig economy. 

Sub-component 2.2:  Support digital transformation of service delivery to citizens and businesses. Support activities designed to improve access to and quality of selected e- government services.   In addition to improving quality and cost efficiency of service. 

Sub-component 2.3: Support digitization of payments. Support the government commitment to advance penetration of digital payments in Jordan supporting e-payments for all applicable government services.

Component 3 - Project management & implementation support. The Project Management Unit (PMU) at the MoDEE, has the overall fiduciary responsibility for project and the implementation of its activities.

Under the YTJ Project, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) is seeking to hire a full-time Head of the International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships division within the Directorate of Strategies, Future and Entrepreneurship. The selected candidate will lead the Ministry’s efforts to establish, manage, and strengthen regional & international partnerships that support the successful planning and implementation of the YTJ Project across all components—digital skills development, digital economy expansion, e-government services, and sustainability initiatives.

The head of division will be responsible for identifying and coordinating strategic cooperation opportunities with bilateral and multilateral organizations, ensuring contribution to the achievement of the project’s objectives through mobilization of resources, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. The head of division will also act as a key liaison between the Ministry and international stakeholders to ensure effective stakeholder engagement, harmonization with global best practices, and advancement of Jordan’s digital transformation agenda.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

MoDEE Specific Functions

• Oversee and guide all regional and international developments related to the Ministry’s international representation in the sector. Facilitate the exchange of expertise with internal and external stakeholders on technical and strategic matters to support the integration of these developments into the Ministry’s strategies and national strategic frameworks, in alignment with international best practices and the Ministry’s strategic goals.
• Lead the preparation of proposals for new strategic partnership initiatives, programs, agreements, and memoranda of understanding. Supervise the development of studies for initiatives and projects aligned with the Ministry’s strategic objectives, and operational procedures, as well as cooperation requests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, to enhance efficiency and impact.
• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis to identify strategic cooperation and partnership opportunities with countries, organizations, institutions, development partners, and donors at local, regional, and international levels. Deliver informed recommendations in the fields of telecommunications, information technology, postal services, digital economy, and entrepreneurship, aligned with the Ministry’s strategic framework, national development plans, and operational protocols.
• Supervise the drafting, review, and amendment of memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements to ensure alignment with international treaties and legal standards. This is guided by the Ministry’s strategic objectives, established work procedures, and cooperation requests from relevant ministries.
• Oversee procedures for the signing memoranda and agreements, and monitor the implementation of related initiatives, projects, and programs. Coordinate with relevant departments and directorates within the Ministry to ensure that targeted outcomes are achieved in line with predefined work procedures.
• Monitor and follow up with relevant entities on the Kingdom’s compliance with international commitments stipulated in agreements and memoranda of understanding. Prepare and submit periodic reports to ensure effective implementation in accordance with the terms of international treaties and agreements.
• Coordinate with regional and international organizations, global unions, and multilateral institutions to facilitate data exchange and sharing of expertise among member states. Prepare and submit necessary reports to relevant authorities based on international agreements and cooperation requests received from designated ministries.
• Organize and/or participate in international meetings, conferences, and forums alongside government ministries and relevant bodies, representing the interests of the Jordanian government and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in alignment with signed international agreements.
• Manage official correspondence with foreign states through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply. Ensure this is conducted in accordance with operational procedures to bolster international cooperation and realize the Ministry’s strategic objectives.
• Lead and supervise the division’s activities and personnel in compliance with relevant laws and directives. Set aligned objectives, drive efficient operational planning and execution, monitor performance, address challenges, and foster a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and staff development.
• Oversee human resource-related responsibilities within the division, including performance management, motivation, and recognition systems, in line with applicable civil service regulations and Ministry policies.
• Identify and mitigate political, legal, and operational risks associated with international partnerships, ensuring diplomatically sound, conflict-sensitive engagement aligned with national interests.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned that are related to the nature of the work to support the division’s and Ministry’s mission.

3. Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in international cooperation, strategic partnerships, and international diplomatic representation
• At least 1 to 2 years of demonstrated supervisory or managerial experience within a related field.
• Proven ability to manage and cultivate international relations
• Deep familiarity with regional and international organizations and sector-specific agreements
• Thorough understanding of the legal frameworks governing the formulation and review of international agreements and memoranda of understanding.
• Skilled in conducting in-depth research and analysis to drive sectoral advancement
• Proficiency in English language at an advanced level
• Expertise in drafting comprehensive and technical reports and formal communications
• Demonstrated capability in supervising and guiding teams within a complex organizational framework.
• Advanced communication skills, including the ability to engage diplomatically and effectively with high-level international stakeholders, deliver clear and persuasive messaging, and represent the organization in international forums.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills in international and multicultural settings.
• Experience in designing, managing, and evaluating international cooperation projects or strategic partnership initiatives.

4. Education Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, International Relations, Law, Political Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is required.

A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and will be considered an asset.

Duration of Assignment

The contract duration is one year, renewable for up to the end of the YTJ project.