Nature, Climate and Energy Associate

Organizational Context

UNDP is a leading UN agency working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality, focusing on sustainable development, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and climate/disaster resilience. Its mandate is to end poverty and build inclusive institutions. In Panama, UNDP supports the National Biodiversity Strategy, land restoration, and watershed management, aligning efforts to achieve nature-positive and climate-resilient development outcomes. This role contributes to UNDP's mission to reduce inequalities, build resilience, and advance climate action.

Job Purpose

Panama is a global leader in nature and climate action, committed to the Nature Pledge and a strong Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) that integrates biodiversity, land use, water management, and resilient livelihoods. This positions the country to achieve nature-positive and climate-resilient development. UNDP, through its Climate Promise and Nature offer, supports Panama in translating these commitments into tangible actions, strengthening environmental governance, accelerating implementation, and fostering inclusive, sustainable development pathways. This assignment is framed by UNDP's overarching mission to reduce inequalities, build resilience, and advance climate action. The Associate will specifically contribute to aligning and integrating efforts across the National Biodiversity Strategy, land restoration, integrated watershed management, and various GEF portfolio initiatives in Panama, ensuring these diverse efforts deliver coherent, scalable, and impactful results at the critical intersection of nature and climate.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the Head of Portfolio for Nature, Climate and Energy in UNDP Panama, focusing on the implementation, coordination, and operational aspects of the Nature Pledge and GEF portfolios. Key responsibilities include contributing to the integration of biodiversity, climate, land, and water management priorities across UNDP-GEF projects. The Associate will assist in the coordination and monitoring of the GEF portfolio (2026-2029), tracking progress against results frameworks, annual workplans, and key performance indicators. This involves supporting the development and operationalization of project activities, such as drafting terms of reference, assisting with procurement processes, and reviewing technical deliverables. The role also entails contributing to Results-Based Management (RBM) approaches, including tracking outputs, outcomes, and gender-responsive indicators, and supporting the identification, monitoring, and reporting of project risks. Furthermore, the Associate will prepare technical and strategic briefs, presentations, and background notes for senior management engagement with government counterparts and partners. Knowledge management and communication efforts will be supported through the preparation of reports and knowledge products to highlight results and lessons learned. Finally, the volunteer will assist in organizing missions, workshops, and high-level events, ensuring effective coordination and logistical arrangements.

Work Experience

A minimum of one month of relevant experience is required. Candidates should demonstrate interest or experience (up to three years) in financial management and budgeting, including cost tracking and expenditure monitoring within projects. Experience in implementing development projects, particularly in environment, climate, or donor-funded portfolios (e.g., GEF), is highly desirable. This includes programme and project operations, such as procurement, contract management, and administrative processes. Experience with Results-Based Management (RBM), including monitoring indicators and reporting, is also important. Further desirable experience includes preparing project reports, organizing events, providing logistical support for missions, coordinating stakeholders, supporting resource mobilization, and knowledge management.

Skills

Core competencies include Accountability, Adaptability, Client Orientation, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, and Teamwork. Technical skills are essential in budget preparation, financial tracking, expenditure monitoring, and basic financial analysis, ideally with ERP systems like Quantum. Expertise is required in processing operational transactions, drafting Terms of Reference, supporting procurement, monitoring contractor performance, and managing project risks. The role demands strong application of Results-Based Management tools, preparing technical briefs, coordinating events, and demonstrating excellent organizational, time management, communication, problem-solving, and proactive approaches. Key expertise areas are Business Management, Energy and Environment, and Development Programmes.

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