Technical and Administrative Associate (Office Based) [Open to internal and external applicants]

Office/Unit/Project Description

The Republic of Suriname lies on the North-Eastern Atlantic coast of South America, bordering with Guyana to the West, French Guyana to the East, and Brazil to the South. It has an area of 163,820 km2 and a population of just under 600,000. With more than 15.2 million ha of forest cover (93% of its total area) based on data from 2019(Forestry sector report 2019) , Suriname is one of the most forested countries in the world. Historical annual rates of deforestation below 0.1% have allowed the country to be classified as a High Forest cover, Low Deforestation rate (HFLD) country. Forests landscapes provide a multitude of environmental and social benefits, including income and food security for local communities, national income from logging and mining, and global environmental benefits such as climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation. Suriname ́s forests act as a carbon sink, making it a carbon-negative country (net carbon capture per capita of 3.3 tons). In addition, Surinamese forests provide a variety of ecological goods, including, for example: timber, game, plant material for making household items, firewood, oil from palm fruits, medicinal plants, liana and leaves as thatching material, and sand and gravel for construction purposes, as well as maintaining key ecological services, such as water protection, soil quality and climate regulation.

Suriname’s forests are part of the Amazon biome. At the regional level, Suriname is located within two of WWF's Global 200 eco-regions, which are considered significant for the conservation of global biodiversity and where continuous forest remains intact (Guyana moist forests and Guyana Highlands moist forests). Surinamese forests host significant levels of biodiversity, which can be attributed not only to this significant forest cover, but also to the large variety of habitats, temperatures, and relatively low population pressures to date. The National Herbarium of Suriname, in collaboration with the National Zoological Collection of Suriname, has identified 715 bird species, 187 moss species, 343 fern species, 318 freshwater fish species, 192 mammal species, 175 reptile species, 102 amphibian species, and 5,100 plant species in Suriname. Approximately 35 to 40% of the plant species and 20% of the animal species are endemic to the Guiana Shield. The IUCN Red List has recorded 83 vulnerable and endangered species in Suriname. To protect this rich biodiversity, important carbon stocks and the many ecosystem services provided by forests, Suriname has already 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.

Project context

The project aims to reduce the threats to biodiversity in the Suriname Amazon by securing equitable management of its protected and productive landscapes. Being fully complementary to the ongoing GEF project to improve the environmental management of ASGM, this project targets threats related to ill-planned and illegal forestry and infrastructure, recognizing these as interacting with ASGM. It will do so through integrated approaches that deliver mutually supportive conservation and sustainable livelihood benefits. The project strategy addresses the national scale by strengthening institutional capacities for integrated landscape management and conservation and promoting enabling policies for SFM and nature tourism, among others. Field based project interventions will take place in two target productive landscapes:

• Saamaka/Matawai landscape
• the Coeroeni/Paroe landscape

The four protected areas targeted by the project include:

• the Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR)
• the Sipaliwini Nature Reserve (SNR)
• Brownsberg Nature Park (BNP)
• the Brinckheuvel Nature Reserve (BNR)

The implementing partner (GBB and the responsible partners (LBB, SBB) will contribute to the project objectives with their own funds (co-financing) through the articulation of their strategies and policies for protected areas, forest management and sustainable livelihoods with the activities and outcomes of the project, in collaboration with other public and private agencies. The latter actors will directly contribute to the project with their own funds for activities that contribute to the project objectives in the targeted landscapes and at the national level (HI&T, CI, ACT, WWF, Tropenbos, SFM Group).

The project is implemented over a period of 60 months and coordinated through a project management team located at the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management in Suriname.

Scope of Work

The Technical and Monitoring Associate provides high-quality technical support to the implementation and monitoring of ASL2 project activities, including field reporting and oversight of grant performance.

The incumbent supports evidence-based project management through technical coordination with stakeholders and ensures implementation is guided by robust data, analysis, and learning.

The role focuses on technical monitoring, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and analytical support, contributing to the achievement of outcomes in sustainable landscape management and biodiversity conservation.

The role focuses on technical collaboration, analytical support, and coordination, contributing to effective project implementation and results delivery.

Summary of key functions

The Technical and Monitoring Associate will provide high quality technical and monitoring support under guidance of the Project Manager. S/he will work with government, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to support the coordination of project implementation in line with the objective and outcomes of the ASL2 project funded by the GEF and UNDP supported.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

A. Support Technical Monitoring of Project Implementation

• Participate in field missions to support technical assessments, data collection, and validation of project results
• Monitor progress of project activities against results frameworks, workplans, and indicators
• Support the technical oversight of field interventions, including conservation, rehabilitation, and sustainable livelihood activities
• Review and assess the technical performance of grant-supported initiatives and partners
• Identify implementation challenges and provide evidence-based recommendations for corrective action

B. Stakeholder Coordination and Technical Support

• Facilitate technical coordination with government counterparts, NGOs, private sector actors, and community stakeholders
• Support implementing partners in applying technical approaches, tools, and methodologies aligned with project objectives
• Contribute to the design and delivery of technical inputs to capacity-building and training activities
• Support gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in project implementation and stakeholder engagement

C. Policy and Landscape-Level Technical Support

• Provide technical inputs to landscape-level planning, assessments, and management processes
• Support the development and review of technical studies, plans, and policy-relevant outputs
• Apply analytical tools (e.g., capacity assessments, scorecards) to support institutional strengthening and decision-making
• Contribute to technical processes related to integrated landscape management and conservation planning

D. Support Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Support the design and implementation of monitoring frameworks and indicator tracking systems
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to assess project performance and impact
• Support implementation of surveys and assessments (e.g., KAP surveys) to measure behavioral and institutional change
• Contribute to technical reporting, including progress reports, PIRs, and evaluation inputs
• Ensure that project results and lessons learned are systematically documented and used for adaptive management

E. Facilitate Knowledge Management and Communication

• Support the systematization and dissemination of technical knowledge, good practices, and lessons learned
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and communication materials
• Ensure that project-generated knowledge is accessible and contributes to broader learning and policy dialogue

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Technical Monitoring Associate reports to the Project Manager and works closely with:

• Project Management Unit (PMU)
• Government counterparts (GBB, SBB, LBB)
• UNDP Country Office
• Responsible partners, consultants, and stakeholders

Competencies

Core

• 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, asks 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

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Results Based Management

Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Project Management

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Monitoring & Evaluation

Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

BUSINESS DIRECTION & STRATEGY System Thinking

Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Academic Education

Secondary Education is required. Or
A university degree in International Development, Sustainable Development; Natural Resource/Environmental Management, Management, Economics, or a Climate Change related field is not a requirement but will be given due consideration.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

Minimum 7 years (Secondary education) or 4 years (Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in project/programme implementation.

Required skills and competencies

• Demonstrated experience in technical monitoring, data collection, and analysis of development or environmental projects
• Experience supporting results frameworks, indicator tracking, and evaluation processes
• Proven ability to contribute to technical reporting and knowledge management
• Experience working with stakeholders in environmental conservation, sustainable development, or climate-related projects
• Experience and knowledge of gender equality and social inclusion in project implementation
• Proficiency in MS Office and data management tools
• Strong experience in monitoring, data analysis, and results-based management
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder environments, including government and ITP communities

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Experience in climate change, biodiversity, or sustainable landscape management
• Experience in the Caribbean and/or Suriname context
• Experience in strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and provide technical advice

Required Language(s) (at working level)

Fluency in Dutch and English is required.
Working knowledge of Sranang Tongo is desired.
 

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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