Job

Introduction

The National Center for Research and Development (NCRD) invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Assistant to the President, a full-time executive leadership role appointed on an annual contractual basis. The position aims to support the leadership of the Center, enhance its capacity to achieve strategic objectives, strengthen institutional performance, and advance research, development, and innovation in alignment with the national priorities of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

General Objective of the Role

The Assistant to the President is responsible for supporting the President in leading, coordinating, and implementing executive and strategic initiatives, while ensuring alignment and integration across the Center’s research programs, administrative functions, and organizational units. The role contributes to translating the Center’s strategic directions into measurable operational plans and programs, monitoring institutional performance, and strengthening governance and operational efficiency.

The position plays a key role in developing national and international partnerships, advancing innovation and technology transfer, and supporting the Center’s priority research areas, including the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, Biotechnology, and multidisciplinary research and applications in the Badia region.

The position holder shall undertake any additional strategic or executive responsibilities as assigned by the President of the Center.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Executive Leadership and Strategic Support

• Support the President in implementing the institutional strategy and translating national priorities into impactful operational initiatives and programs.
• Monitor the implementation of strategic decisions, directives, and projects, ensuring delivery of outcomes within defined timelines.
• Strengthen coordination and integration between research sectors and administrative units to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Develop executive performance reports and strategic analyses to support decision-making.
• Identify institutional challenges proactively and propose innovative, evidence-based solutions. 

2. Institutional Development and Organizational Excellence

• Contribute to the development of governance frameworks, institutional policies, and procedures that enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Support the development of performance management systems, institutional excellence frameworks, and quality assurance practices.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, digital transformation efforts, and institutional process development.
• Support capacity-building programs and promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Contribute to organizational development and enhancement of the Center’s operational efficiency. 

3. Research, Development, Innovation, and Knowledge & Technology Transfer

• Oversee the implementation of research programs and projects, ensuring alignment with the Center’s strategy and the national research and development agenda.
• Promote multidisciplinary research programs in the areas of WEFE Nexus, emerging technologies, and Badia research.
• Support the translation of research outputs into practical applications with economic and societal value.
• Contribute to the development of strategic research initiatives and the identification of funding opportunities, grants, and collaborative projects. 

4. Strategic Partnerships and External Relations

• Support the development and strengthening of partnerships with universities, government institutions, private sector entities, and international organizations.
• Represent the Center at official meetings, forums, and events as delegated by the President.
• Oversee the organization of conferences, forums, workshops, and capacity-building programs.
• Enhance the visibility of the Center and promote its achievements and contributions in research, innovation, and sustainable development. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A Ph.D. degree in a scientific, engineering, or related discipline.
• Preference will be given to candidates whose expertise is directly aligned with the Center’s strategic areas, particularly:
  • Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus.
  • Biotechnology and their applications.
  • Multidisciplinary research and sustainable development applications in the Badia region.
• A distinguished research record including peer-reviewed publications, patents, or other impactful research contributions.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic leadership, institutional development, and program/project management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Professional proficiency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken; knowledge of an additional language is an advantage.
• Deep understanding of Jordan’s research, development, innovation, funding, and intellectual property ecosystem. 

Professional Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience after obtaining the first university degree in research and development, innovation, higher education, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership or managerial position within a research institution, university, government entity, or comparable organization.
• Proven experience in managing strategic programs, institutional partnerships, and locally or internationally funded projects.
• Previous engagement with government entities, international organizations, and development partners is preferred. 

General Terms and Conditions

• The applicant must not be a retired military or civil employee.
• The applicant must not be older than (50) years.
• Send your CV only to jobs@ncrd.gov.jo
• The applicant must not have been convicted of any criminal offense or misdemeanor involving moral misconduct or violation of public ethics.
• The nature of the position may require periodic field visits to the Center’s research stations and facilities, including remote areas.
• The Center reserves the right to cancel the vacancy or suspend the recruitment process at any stage, without obligation to justify.

•     Applications will be accepted from 19/07/2026 until 30/07/2026.