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Project Associate - Environment and Livelihoods (open to internal and external candidates)
Better Than Cash
Paramaribo, Suriname
Posted on Apr 11, 2026
Tiered Approach
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 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
- Provide effective administrative and financial support:
- Support Finance and Administration Associate, Project Manager and other members of the PMU, in the implementation of their tasks for the achievement of project results (communication, contracts, agenda, visas, hotel reservations, field visits etc.);
- Arrange external and internal meetings, draft minutes of meetings, workshops and other gatherings, including Project Steering Board and National Coordination Team meetings;
- Assume direct responsibility for administrative matters of a more general nature, such as registry and maintenance of project files and records;
- Prepare requests for payments and reimbursements.
- Advise and assist international advisors and national consultants on all aspects of allowances, travel claims and other financial matters and calculate payments due for claims and services;
- Provide procurement & logistics for project implementation:
- In accordance with the work plan, arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services, ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP procedures;
- Make pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of the project activities, with a strong emphasis on preparing project events;
- Support process of liaising with stakeholders to obtain project co-financing letters;
- Handle phone calls and messages, as well as correspondence, including writing letters, records, and sorting;
- Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.
- Participate in training and provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action.
- Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.
- Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Competencies
| Achieve results | LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline |
| Think innovatively | LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements |
| Learn continuously | LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, ask for feedback. |
| Adapt with agility | LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. |
| Act with determination | LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident |
| Engage and partner | LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. |
| Enable diversity and inclusion | LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination |
Cross-functional & Technical competencies
| Thematic area | name | definition |
| Business Management | Project management | Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals |
| Business Management | Portfolio management | 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 |
| Business Management | Partnership 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 |
| Procurement | Procurement Management | Ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source |
| Administration and Operation | Documents and records Management | Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving
|
| Administration and Operation | Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)
| Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. |
| Administration and Operation | Travel Desk | Ability to process and approve Travel Requests, Travel Claims and Expense Report; knowledge of relevant policy and procedures |
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Completion of secondary education is required.
- University Degree (bachelor´s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
- A minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required.
- Proven experience in supporting projects – with donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm.
- Experience in supporting project activities with a strong emphasis on preparing project events and meetings.
- Experience and knowledge of administrative matters of a more general nature, such as registry and maintenance of project files and records.
- Experience using computers, including knowledge of using financial tools and spreadsheets.
- Fluency in English and Dutch is required
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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
The Project Associate will support the Programme team, and project staff in the delivery of the projects through effective and efficient day-to-day support with administration and logistics for implementation of the project activities