Nature, Climate and Energy Associate

Volunteering Environment Admin

Overview

Support the integration of biodiversity, climate, land and water management in projects.

You have:

• Demonstrated interest or experience in financial management and budgeting within projects.
• Experience in the implementation of development projects, preferably in environment, climate or donor-funded portfolios.
• Familiarity with Results-Based Management (RBM), including monitoring of indicators and reporting against results frameworks.
• Experience in organization of events, workshops and coordination of multi-stakeholder processes.
• Skills in budget preparation, financial tracking, and basic financial analysis.
• Proficiency in the use of ERP systems (preferably Quantum) for project management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Effective communication skills (written and oral) with partners, service providers and internal teams.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Panama is a global leader in nature and climate action, advancing the Nature Pledge as an integrated platform to align commitments under the Rio Conventions and address the triple planetary crisis. With a strong NDC that incorporates biodiversity, land use, water management and resilient livelihoods, Panama is positioning itself to deliver nature-positive and climate-resilient development outcomes. UNDP’s Climate Promise and Nature offer guide our support in translating these commitments into action, strengthening environmental governance, accelerating implementation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development pathways. The UNDP mission to reduce inequalities, build resilience and advance climate action frames this assignment.

In Panama, UNDP supports the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy, land restoration efforts, integrated watershed management, and multiple regional and global initiatives under the GEF portfolio. The Associate will help align these efforts to deliver coherent, scalable and impactful results across the nature–climate nexus.

Under the direct supervision of Head of Portfolio for Nature, Climate and Energy UNDP Panama, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contribute to the implementation of the Nature Pledge portfolio, supporting the integration of biodiversity, climate, land and water management priorities across UNDP–GEF projects and initiatives. • Support the coordination and monitoring of the GEF portfolio (2026–2029), including tracking progress against results frameworks, annual workplans and key performance indicators. • Assist in the development and operationalization of project activities, including drafting terms of reference, supporting procurement processes, and reviewing technical deliverables under the guidance of the team. • Contribute to the application of Results-Based Management (RBM) approaches, including the tracking of outputs, outcomes and gender-responsive indicators across the portfolio. • Support the identification, monitoring and reporting of project risks, contributing to the maintenance of risk logs and the preparation of inputs for Project Boards and internal reviews. • Assist in the preparation of technical and strategic briefs, presentations and background notes for senior management engagement with government counterparts and partners. • Assist in knowledge management and communication efforts, including the preparation of reports, knowledge products and inputs to highlight results, lessons learned and good practices across the Nature Pledge portfolio. • Support the organization of missions, workshops and high-level events, ensuring effective coordination and logistical arrangements.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-making Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to three years) in:

• Financial management and budgeting within projects, including cost tracking and expenditure monitoring. • Implementation of development projects, preferably in environment, climate or donor-funded portfolios (e.g. GEF). • Programme and project operations, including procurement, contract management and administrative processes. • Results-Based Management (RBM), including monitoring of indicators and reporting against results frameworks. • Preparation of project reports (progress, donor, annual) and support to evaluations or reviews. • Organization of events, workshops and coordination of multi-stakeholder processes. • Logistics and operational support for missions, including travel, DSA and coordination with service providers. • Stakeholder coordination, including engagement with government institutions, partners and service providers. • Resource mobilization processes, including research and support to proposal development. • Knowledge management and communication of project results and lessons learned.

Skills in: • Budget preparation, financial tracking, expenditure monitoring and basic financial analysis. • Use of ERP systems (preferably Quantum) and financial tools for project management. • Processing operational transactions, including travel requests, DSA, vouchers, invoices and supporting documentation. • Drafting terms of reference (ToRs), work specifications and supporting procurement processes. • Monitoring contractor performance and reviewing deliverables against agreed outputs. • Supporting risk identification, tracking and maintenance of project risk logs. • Application of Results-Based Management tools and tracking of project indicators (including gender-sensitive indicators). • Preparation of technical briefs, meeting notes and inputs for senior management engagements. • Coordination and organization of events, workshops and missions with multiple stakeholders. • Strong organizational and time management skills, with ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. • Effective communication skills (written and oral) with partners, service providers and internal teams. • Attention to detail, problem-solving and proactive approach to operational challenges.

Living conditions in Panama have continued to improve steadily over recent years, and the country remains one of the most attractive places to live and work in the region. Panama maintains a Very High Human Development Index, reflecting strong progress in health, education and overall quality of life. Urban areas offer modern services, reliable infrastructure and a vibrant cultural environment, while the country’s natural beauty—two oceans, national parks and rich biodiversity, adds to its appeal.

Panama’s economy remains dynamic in 2025, supported by logistics, services and trade, contributing to a stable environment for residents and visitors. Public safety remains a government priority, with a visible police presence in key areas and protocols to ensure a secure experience for locals and foreigners alike.

The country’s healthcare system is robust, with public and private hospitals offering quality care and specialized services, an important consideration for expatriates and travelling professionals. Transportation and road infrastructure meet international standards, particularly in Panama City, making mobility efficient and reliable.

Overall, Panama offers a combination of modern urban living, natural landscapes and improving public services, creating favourable living conditions for national and international staff alike.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 29 days ago - Source: unv.org