Background

Guyana’s political environment is multifaceted, evolving through periods of single-party governance and diverse political perspectives. While the elections period increases interest by and engagement of the public in its processes, it can also result in challenges for social cohesion. In this context, there are continuous efforts to strengthen trust and collaboration among electoral stakeholders, contributing to a more inclusive environment. 

Additionally, building on challenges and lessons from previous elections, there is a strong commitment to enhance the electoral processes. In this regard, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has requested support to ensure a more transparent and inclusive electoral process to enhance confidence in Guyana’s electoral management and conduct. The UN/UNDP responded positively to this request and fielded a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM). Contextualized within the framework of the recommendations of the NAM, an electoral support project titled “Technical Assistance for Institutional Strengthening of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to Enhance the Electoral Process in Guyana”. The Electoral Support Project commenced was signed on 9 May 2025 was designed to enhance the electoral process in Guyana through improved institutions and processes for an 18-month period. The project, with support from the Government of the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), seek to strengthen the capacity of GECOM and electoral stakeholders to successfully execute pre and post electoral processes during the 2025 electoral cycle. GECOM is responsible for the administration and conduct of elections in Guyana. The entity is headed by a chairperson and six commissioners and supported by core technical departments and staff. 

The Electoral Support Project successfully completed the pre-electoral activities as outlined in the project document and is now in the post-electoral phase which will concentrate on strategic planning, capacity building, modernization of the electoral processes, wider stakeholder engagement, amongst others in support of long-term democratic resilience and sustainability. 

In light of the aforementioned, the UNDP Guyana Country Office is seeking the services of a Project Manager / Senior Technical Specialist (under the IPSA modality) who will play a central role in supporting GECOM and national stakeholders to implement project activities, ensuring that recent democratic gains are preserved and expanded.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The PM/CTS will oversee the day-to-day implementation of project activities. This includes activities on strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT and digital solutions, public communication, legal framework, capacity building and other support services ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations The PM/CTS will work in collaboration with GECOM’s Chief Electoral Officer and Heads of Department.

Key responsibilities of the PM/STS will include:

1)    Provide Strategic technical direction and leadership
•     Provide strategic advisory and technical support to the GECOM, and other stakeholders, on electoral policy, legal frameworks, institutional strengthening, and systems modernization.
•     Advise and provide technical support to GECOM on the implementation of project activities including but not limited to modernization of electoral systems, candidate nomination, results management, voter registration, logistics, data management, etc.
•     Provide technical inputs to enhance the internal governance of GECOM, organizational structures, and knowledge management systems. 
•     Lead strategic planning processes for project activities, ensuring alignment with the 5-year workplan recommendations, GECOM strategies, national priorities, etc.
•     Advise UNDP senior management on political developments, risks, and opportunities related to electoral process in Guyana.
•     Ensure highest standards in the provision of technical and advisory inputs, organization of workshops, seminars, training, and delivery of outputs.

2)    Capacity Development and training
•     Advise and lead on the conduct capacity building assessment to identify operational and human – resource needs within GECOM and propose and implement targeted capacity – building measures.
•     Provide technical advice and support to the design and delivery of training modules for permanent and temporary electoral staff, aligned with international standards.
•     Contribute to the development of effective materials and training for GECOM and other national stakeholders.
•     Advise on development of capacity building and knowledge transfer strategies and contribute to capacity building efforts for GECOM, CSO, media and other stakeholders.
•     Ensure that staff training is inclusive, with a focus on disability accessibility and ensuring that PWDs and minority groups have full access to all electoral activities.

3)    Ensures effective project management and achievement of results:
•     Liaise with international experts and consultants on project implementation.
•     Advise and assist the GECOM in ensuring the technical soundness of project activities.
•     Provide substantive advisory inputs, as requested by GECOM and UNDP in relation to project objectives.
•     Provide expert contributions to the development of periodic results-based work plans and results frameworks.
•     Ensure delivery of relevant project reporting to UNDP.
•     Facilitate continued close cooperation with project’s funding partners, keeping the partners abreast of the progress, results, challenges.
•     Review Terms of Reference for specific activities as directed and assist in the identification and recruitment of experts.
•     Ensures the alignment of project activities with UNDP rules and regulations by providing appropriate advice to the GECOM.

4)    Build strategic partnership, coordination and resource mobilization
•     Serve as the principal focal point for donor engagement related to electoral assistance, including briefings, reporting, and proposal development.
•     Analyses information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and identify opportunities for cost-sharing.
•     Mobilize network with experts in the international development community, government partners, UN organizations and appropriate think-tanks. Develop and maintain productive relations with partners.
•     Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector.
•     Ensure full compliance with donor report requirements, including technical, narrative, and financial reporting.
•     Lead dialogue platforms with political parties, civil society, media, women’s groups, youth networks, and Indigenous Peoples’ Leaders.
•     Represent UNDP in national and regional forums, steering committees, and coordination meetings on elections and democratic governance.

5)    Lead communication, knowledge sharing, technical oversight and quality assurance
•     Promote the adoption of suitable knowledge management approaches as relating to project activities and in support of GECOM strengthening.
•     Advise and support GECOM in the internal and external communication efforts and the dissemination of information around project objectives and activities.
•     Support the project and UNDP in communicating to its stakeholders including development partners on all aspects of project implementation
•     Ensure the application of relevant global good practices and actively search for solutions that can benefit Guyana electoral processes.
•     Ensure the design of monitoring frameworks demonstrates progress and achievement of key project results and provide technical advice to develop baselines and indicators for monitoring and evaluation.
•     Advise the PMU on preparing project reports focused on capturing results, lessons learned and good practices.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
    
Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance of the Programme Analyst for Governance and Poverty, the PM/CTS oversees day-to-day implementation of project activities and provides technical support and strategic advice to GECOM on all aspects of the Project’s management and operations. This includes strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT, public communication, legal framework, capacity building and knowledge management and other support services ensuring consistency with UNDP rules and regulations. The main role is to lead the project, ensuring smooth functioning of the CO/Programs/Projects operations, consistent services delivery and constant evaluation and readjustment of the operations to consider changes in the operating environment when needed.

The PM/CTS will lead and guide the UNDP Project Team and will work to foster collaboration within the team and with other CO staff, other UN Agencies, UNDP HQ, government officials, etc., as deemed necessary. 
 

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:                       LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:                    LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously:                  LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility:                      LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination:              LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:                    LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:  LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•     Advanced university degree (master’s degree in or equivalent) in Project Management, Law, Social Sciences, Business Administration or related area is required. 
Or
•     A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.
 

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years (with Master´s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of professional experience in senior programme/project management in the field of international cooperation projects.

Required Language: 

Fluency in English is required. 
Working knowledge of another UN Language is an asset
 

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.