Programme Associate

Mission and objectives

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.Guyana is located on the North-Eastern Coast of South America and has an estimated population of 1,024,000. About 90% of the population is concentrated on the 459 km long coastal strip. The remaining 80,000, mostly Indigenous Peoples, live in difficult to access hinterland and remote communities. UNDP Guyana Country Office (CO) provides support to the Government of Guyana and other stakeholders in achieving the development priorities of the country. The UNDP country office is aligned to existing national development priorities and challenges, the CO’s programmatic priorities for 2022-2026 are focused on 1) Enhancing Governance and Poverty Reduction; 2) Citizen Security, Justice/ Social Cohesion, Gender Based Violence; 3) Environment, Extractive Industry and Energy. The country office is located in the capital city Georgetown and hosts approximately 23 personnel.

Context

Approximately 80% of the initiatives in the current programme cycle are either directly or indirectly linked to climate action, environmental management and resilience. Some of these include, reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by supporting Guyana’s forest peoples, the Indigenous Peoples, in access to sustainable livelihood opportunities and land rights; framework for mainstreaming biodiversity in gold-mining; mainstreaming low emissions technology towards the Guyana’s energy transition to renewable sources; institutional strengthening for natural resources management; and support for gender-responsive approaches to climate and environmental resilience. These initiatives are in direct response to national priorities as captured in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the development needs of Guyana, a low-lying coastal state that is 1.5 metres below sea level. In line with UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 within the accelerators Digital and AI transformation, Gender Equality and Sustainable Finance is a strategic and cross-cutting Enabler, that are contributing to the strategic objective. UNDP has leveraged technology across its programmes in Guyana whether it be for improving access to markets in remote communities, to support reduced impact mining, to improve case management and the access to justice. As the country is on the path to continued rapid development and expansion, technology will continue to play a pivotal role in UNDP’s existing programming in country and its envisaged expansion. It is envisioned that the International UN Volunteer will provide direct support to UNDP in Guyana in the continued implementation of its existing programming, and most importantly, focus their efforts on seeking out opportunities to leverage technology to support the country’s development agenda. They will help to develop proposals, provide advice and support expanding UNDP’s footprint in as outline in the strategic objective and contributing to the overall goal of human development on a healthy planet.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Programme and Operations Management Specialist and/or his delegated authority, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks in the areas as defined in the country programme documents (CPD): * Assist programme teams in maintaining project files, trackers, and documentation. * Support monitoring of project implementation timelines and follow-up actions. * Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations. * Support preparation of routine reports, meeting minutes, and correspondence. * Maintain proper filing of programme and project documentation in shared systems. * Follow up with project teams on pending actions and deliverables. * Established a depository for all project information in UNDP Guyana Share point. * Support in any other task assigned by the supervisor

Competencies and values

• 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

Living conditions and remarks

Located in the Northern part of South America, Guyana the land of many waters” is a unique blend of Caribbean and South American culture and history. With 965 miles of navigable rivers, 83% of Guyana is covered by pristine rainforest. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Coastline on the northeast, Venezuela on the west, Suriname on the east and Brazil on the West and South. The national language in Guyana is English. In 2016, Guyana was reclassified as an upper middle-income country following the discovery of large oil and gas reserves, which is expected to increase economic growth significantly in the short to medium term. Primarily due to oil and gas revenues, the IMF (2022) has projected that real GDP Growth in 2022 can reach 57.8%. In addition, the country’s short- to medium-term prospects seem to be very favourable as real GDP is projected to be double digits over the next five (5) years. The estimated recoverable oil resources current stand at over 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels (Oilnow.gy). With an area of approximately 214,969 square kilometres, close to 90% of the population of approximately 736,000 people (2012 Census) live along the Atlantic coast. Guyana is known as the land of six peoples. Around 39% of the population are the descendants of indentured Indian agricultural workers brought in by the British after slavery was abolished. Another 29% are descended from African slaves, brought in by the Dutch to work on sugar plantations. Nine indigenous Amerindian tribes, descendants of Europeans, Portuguese and Chinese make up a diverse population mix. This ethnic mix reflects the country's unique history and can be witnessed in its rich culture, diverse food offerings and the local Creole language. In 1966, Guyana was granted independence, and a government was formed with proportional representation given to all of the country's ethnic groups. The country is made up of 10 administrative regions, is divided into three countries, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice and has four geographic regions; the interior savannahs, the highland region, the hilly sand and clay area and the low coastal plain. The climate is warm and tropical throughout the year. Rainfall is generally high for most of the year as is the humidity. December to January and May to June are rainy seasons. Guyana is vulnerable to flooding, especially as the coast is below sea level and although protected by a sea defense wall, it is not uncommon for water to rise above the wall. Georgetown has changed substantially in the past 3-5 years. Bars, restaurants, movie theatres, malls and imported goods can be easily accessed. The city is generally safe. This said, UNDSS has given Guyana security level 2. This is mainly due to robberies which sometimes are violent. Incidents such as car theft have also taken place. It is thus important to take sensible precautions to protect oneself and one’s belongings. Guyana is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.