Project Associate

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working in 170 countries and territories, UNDP supports countries in developing integrated solutions to complex challenges.

In Suriname, UNDP supports national development priorities as outlined in the Country Programme Document (2022–2026), focusing on democratic governance, social development, and environment, climate change, and natural resource management. Gender equality, partnerships, and inclusion of vulnerable groups—including Indigenous and Tribal Peoples—are central to its approach.

The Sustainable and Inclusive Development of West Suriname (SID-WS) project is part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8) Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Programme (ASL-3). The project aims to strengthen integrated landscape conservation and sustainable management in West Suriname while promoting inclusive, nature-based development.

The project is implemented under the national implementation modality, with a Project Management Unit (PMU) hosted by the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment. UNDP provides oversight and implementation support services.

Suriname is a high forest low deforestation (HFLD) country with 93 percent of the country covered by forest. Suriname has dedicated 13.5% of its total land area to a national protection system to preserve forests and wetlands and is committed to maintaining its HFLD status by expanding protected areas and increasing efforts towards sustainable forest and ecosystem management. 

The objective of the Child Project, which is part of the GEF-8 Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Program Phase 3 (ASL3), is to strengthen integrated landscape conservation and sustainable management in the West Suriname intact forest landscape. This will be achieved through four interrelated components that will allow West Suriname Amazon intact forests to be effectively conserved and managed, implementing a sustainable inclusive nature-based economy, enhancing governance and landscape planning for conservation and sustainable development, and knowledge management and regional collaboration to promote forest conservation. This strategy will reduce deforestation and the degradation of intact forest landscapes in West Suriname delivering global environmental benefits including 216,386 hectares (ha) of terrestrial PAs created or under improved management, 100,000 ha of landscapes under improved practices, and 16,564,051 tCO₂e of greenhouse gas emissions mitigated over 20 years. In addition, it will directly benefit 2,430 people (1,120 female; 1,310 male).

To achieve the project objectives, the project will work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the National Environment Authority (NAM), universties, CSOs etc., At the local level, the most relevant stakeholders are the Districts, Protected Areas (PA) managers, Indigenous Peoples and Maroon Tribes (ITPs) and other local communities (i.e., communities in Kaboeri creek area, Bakhuis Area, Kabalebo Area, Washabo, Kwinti, Tibiti, and Witagron), women's and youth organizations in local communities, NGOs, and logging and mining private companies. 

The project will last 5 years with a total investment of USD 11,742,966, USD 4,742,966 of which will be provided by the Global Environment Facility. The project is implemented under the national implementation modality of UNDP. It will be coordinated through a project management team located at the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment. UNDP wil provide support services to the government to ensure project achieves its intended results. UNDP, as part of the support services, is seeking to hire a Project Associate to provide technical, administrative and monitoring support for the project. 

Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Associate will provide financial, administrative, monitoring, and logistical support to ensure effective and efficient project implementation.

1. Provide Financial and Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records of project funds and expenditures, ensuring all financial documentation is properly filed and accessible.
• Review project expenditures and support compliance with the Project Document, GEF financial rules and procedures, and UNDP requirements.
• Validate and certify FACE forms prior to submission to UNDP.
• Provide financial information and supporting documentation as required for project management and decision-making.
• Assist in the preparation and provision of financial information during project audits.
• Support the review of annual budgets and expenditure reports and flag discrepancies or issues to the Project Manager.
• Consolidate financial progress reports submitted by responsible parties.

• Liaise with responsible parties to follow up on financial reporting, disbursements, and compliance requirements.

2. Provide Project Implementation Support

• Assist the Project Manager in the day-to-day coordination and implementation of project activities.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Project Management Unit (PMU), including organizing meetings, workshops, and missions.
• Support coordination with government counterparts, responsible parties, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in administrative follow-up related to contracts, consultants, and project activities.

3. Provide Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Support

• Collaborate with the Project Manager and M&E Officer in tracking project activities, outputs, and indicators.
• Ensure data collection, organization, and consolidation for monitoring and reporting purposes.
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports, including financial and narrative inputs.
• Follow up with responsible parties on reporting requirements and timelines.

4. Documentation and Knowledge Management

• Ensure that all project documentation (financial records, reports, technical documents, meeting minutes) is properly maintained in both hard and electronic filing systems.
• Maintain an organized and accessible project filing system in line with UNDP requirements.
• Support documentation of lessons learned and knowledge products.

5. Logistical and Operational Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support for trainings, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Assist in travel arrangements, procurement-related administrative processes, and event coordination.
• Provide general operational support to ensure smooth functioning of the PMU.
• Perform any other duties as required by the Project Manager for the effective implementation of the project.

Education:

Secondary education is required. Technical training in administration, finance, accounting, or project management is desirable. University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Administration, Finance, Accounting or Project Management will be given due consideration but is not a requirement. Minimum of 6 years (with Secondary education) or 3 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in administrative, financial, or project support roles.

Required skills

• Experience in maintaining financial records and supporting budget tracking.
• Experience in administrative and logistical support (meetings, travel, events).
• Experience maintaining organized filing systems.
• Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Experience in monitoring and reporting processes.
• Experience in supporting projects – with donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm.
• Experience in tracking project progress, organize data, and help prepare clear and timely reports

Required language

Fluency in Dutch and English is required.

Working knowledge of Sranang Tongo is an asset.

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.

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. 

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.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.