The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has operated in Jordan since 1976, partnering with national institutions to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience. It supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Green Pathways and Inclusive Growth Portfolio in UNDP Jordan integrates environmental protection, climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, green economic growth, innovation, and gender mainstreaming across all its projects.

Aqaba, population approx. 218,000, currently lacks a solid waste management system with environmental controls. The existing dumpsite (approx. 120,000 m², 12 km south-south‐east of Aqaba city, owned by Aqaba Development Company (ADC)) receives ~65,000 tonnes/year of municipal solid waste collected by private companies. Only about 2% is recycled, mostly by the informal sector.

Waste sorting, treatment, and recycling are not systematised both nationally and in Aqaba, yet population growth and current linear waste practices suggest sharply rising waste volumes. Key challenges include insufficient collection infrastructure (especially source separation), lack of treatment facilities, inadequate equipment, and low technical and institutional capacity. As a consequence, significant amounts of valuable resources remain unused, with great economic and environmental costs for the country.

To address these gaps, UNDP, in partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), implements “Catalysing a Transformative Model for Circularity through 9R’s in Aqaba” through a fund from the European Union (EU). It aims to transition Aqaba toward a circular economy in solid waste management, focusing especially on recovery, reuse, and valorisation of second‐hand and waste materials. The 9R framework (Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, Recover) underpins the project’s design. This project is currently being implemented in Aqaba, mainly within the boundary and governing rules of Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).

A cornerstone is the Creative Circular Economy Center (CCEC) to be established in Aqaba’s urban core, on a 5,123 m² plot allocated by ASEZA under approved engineering design and in compliance with local regulations and environmental clearances. The centre will serve as an innovation hub for the processing and transformation of selected waste streams into value-added products through the 9Rs strategies.

UNDP now seeks a reputable construction contractor to perform civil, structural (concrete & steel), finishing, yard preparation, parking, landscaping, and associated and auxiliary works in line with UNDP’s Civil Works General Terms and Conditions and applicable national / ASEZA regulations. Additionally, the Contractor shall take into consideration, during the implementation of works, the design and layout requirements of the machinery and equipment to be installed in each workshop and across the CCEC site, including the main and secondary buildings and facilities.