Job Description
<strong>Tier Decription</strong><br> Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026<br> Tier 1: Other UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)<br> Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers<br> Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates”<br>
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
<strong>BUSINESS MANAGEMENT</strong> <i>Results Based Management</i>
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.
<strong>BUSINESS MANAGEMENT</strong> <i>Project Management</i>
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
<strong>BUSINESS MANAGEMENT</strong> <i>Monitoring & Evaluation</i>
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.
<strong>BUSINESS DIRECTION & STRATEGY</strong> <i>System Thinking</i>
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
Secondary Education is required. Or<br> 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.
Minimum 7 years (Secondary education) or 4 years (Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in project/programme implementation.
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
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
Fluency in Dutch and English is required.<br> Working knowledge of Sranang Tongo is desired.<br>
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.
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.
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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