Asociado/a de Proyecto (Presencial) [Abierto a candidatos internos y externos]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global leader in development, working in 170 countries to end poverty, inequality, and climate change. In Panama, UNDP has been a strategic partner for over 50 years, supporting national priorities through integrated programs. The organization operates across three programmatic clusters: Equality and Inclusion; Governance, Peace, and Human Rights; and Climate Change and Environmental Management.
Job Purpose
This Project Associate role supports the Ministry of Culture in Panama, contributing to the "Social Inclusion through Music" project. The project aims to foster inclusive and sustainable development by enhancing social cohesion through the active participation of children and youth in national orchestras and choirs. The purpose of this role is to provide crucial support in project information management and strategic alliances, ensuring evidence-based results, timely reporting, and institutional sustainability. The position is based at the Ministry of Culture headquarters and operates within the Equality and Inclusion cluster, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and UNDP Strategic Plan.
Responsibilities
The Project Associate is responsible for the overall management and planning of project activities according to the annual operational plan. This includes updating the project indicator framework, coordinating baselines, targets, and monitoring instruments, and consolidating regular technical reports on progress, results, risks, and lessons learned. The role supports audit processes, reviews, evaluations, and compliance monitoring, ensuring project results align with the framework. Additionally, the associate manages the preparation of annual project reports and supports the development of Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) with a results-based management approach. Responsibilities also extend to recording meeting minutes and preparing semi-annual reports integrating financial, programmatic, and narrative progress. Data management includes supporting budget execution supervision, ensuring accuracy of administrative and financial reports, managing financial resource requests, and consolidating beneficiary and activity databases. The role also involves coordinating the systematization of best practices and generating reports and analyses for decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in operational project support is required with a secondary education. Alternatively, four (4) years of relevant experience is required with a completed Bachelor's degree. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual platforms like Teams and Zoom is necessary, along with proficiency in database management and advanced Excel skills, including data visualization tools.
Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual platforms (Teams, Zoom). Advanced Excel skills and experience with databases and data visualization tools. Strong project management capabilities, including planning, organization, and results-based management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building partnerships and managing stakeholder relations. Ability to analyze data and generate reports for decision-making. Fluency in Spanish is required; intermediate English is desirable.