Project Associate – Environment and Livelihoods (open to internal and external candidates)

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Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

The duty station for this position is Paramaribo, Suriname

Background

UNDP in Suriname Country Office has been operating since 1994 working with the Surinamese people, government and organizations to help with and sustain growth that improves Surinamese's lives while protecting the environment.  As highlighted in the Country Programme Document 2022-2026, UNDP in Suriname specifically focuses on three programmatic areas of work: democratic governance, social development, and environment, climate change and natural resource management. Gender equality and partnerships are embraced as key cross-cutting issues, and critical target groups include women, youth, persons with disabilities and indigenous and tribal peoples. 

The environment and climate change portfolio dominates UNDP’s work in Suriname. It includes projects funded by GEF, the EU, UNDP and other partners that focus on biodiversity, forestry, natural resource management, and climate change. Additionally, UNDP focuses on the inclusion and livelihoods of the communities in the interior (ITPs) and governance that has linkages to environmental and climate change issues. The Small Grants Programme, funded by the GEF, is another important component of UNDP’s portfolio. 

UNDP enjoys strong partnership with the national and local level government institutions as well as community-based organizations, including those focusing on the issues affecting Indigenous and Tribal Communities. UNDP Suriname has close cooperation with the vertical funds (GEF), the EU, UN SDG Fund, bilateral partners as well as regional and global organizations and international financial institutions. UNDP also works with various civil society groups, academia and private sector organizations to advance the national development agenda and the SDGs.

UNDP Suriname designed a multifaceted Engagement Facility instrument to respond to national priorities and drive innovation within the CPD 2022-2026 cycle. The Engagement Facility is managed by the Program Officers under the overall leadership of the Head of Office. 

UNDP Suriname is seeking to augment its implementation capacity and deliver on the objectives of the Engagement Facility and help prepare for the next programming cycle. To this end, UNDP will hire a Project Associate to help project teams and promote portfolio-based approach. The Project Associate will work closely with the Programme Associates in supporting the effective implementation and oversight support to the projects and Programme

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Competencies

Cross-functional & Technical competencies

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control 

resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Ability to select, prioritise and control the 

organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to 

balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on 

investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio 

management

Build and maintain partnerships with wide 

networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil 

society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving 

Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings) 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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