General
Description of assignment title
Marine Ecosystems Management Specialist
Assignment country
Panama
Duty stations
Panama City
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
01/10/2026
Duration
12 monthsLong-term benefits and allowances
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Host entity
UNDP
Modality
Onsite
Type
International
Volunteer category
Specialist UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. We support countries and communities as they work to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We advocate for transformative change, and we connect countries to the resources they need to help people build a better life. UNDP plays a pivotal role in international development as a knowledge broker, capacity builder, innovator, and facilitator of exchanges in the global development debate.
Context
Panama is a global leader in ocean and climate action, protecting 54% of its marine territory, surpassing the 30×30 target, and advancing a robust NDC that integrates biodiversity, marine–coastal ecosystems, water management and resilient livelihoods. UNDP’s Ocean Promise and Climate Promise guide our support to Panama in turning its blue and climate commitments into action, strengthening governance, accelerating NDC implementation and fostering inclusive, sustainable ocean economies. The UNDP mission to reduce inequalities, build resilience and advance climate action frames this assignment. In Panama, UNDP supports the implementation of the National Ocean Policy, national climate adaptation plans for biodiversity, and multiple regional initiatives, including sustainable fisheries in the Atlantic, a Pacific regional programme, and the Wider Caribbean project. The Specialist will help align these efforts to deliver nature-positive, climate-resilient outcomes
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Portfolio for Nature, Climate and Energy (United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Panama) and the overall technical guidance of the Directorate of Coasts and Seas and the Directorate of Climate Change of MiAMBIENTE, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the implementation and day-to-day management of projects on marine and coastal conservation, restoration and sustainable use, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, blue carbon, and nature-based solutions (NbS). • Provide technical support to MiAMBIENTE and other executing partners, conduct field missions, monitor progress, identify operational challenges, and facilitate practical, joint solutions with communities and institutions. • Contribute to blue economy and blue-carbon initiatives, including data collection, feasibility assessments, and identification of opportunities for innovation and scalable models. • Compile best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches, and prepare communication, knowledge, and learning products for national and regional dissemination. • Support the development, review, and quality assurance of project documents, concept notes, and proposals, including those related to Ocean Promise, Climate Promise, marine biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and coastal resilience. • Assist in resource mobilization efforts, including mapping donors, preparing inputs for proposals, and supporting partnership development with academia, NGOs, private sector, and maritime or conservation organizations. • Draft terms of reference, technical notes, and operational documents, ensuring timely follow-up for necessary clearances and alignment with UNDP procedures. • Support the coordination and collaboration with regional and global UNDP initiatives, including sustainable fisheries (Atlantic and Caribbean), Pacific and Caribbean Ocean governance efforts, and adaptation plans linked to the nationally determined contributions (NDCs). • Prepare inputs for progress reports, Integrated Programme Management Reports (IPMR), donor updates, and monitoring frameworks for the marine and coastal components of the portfolio. • Organize and provide logistical and substantive support for workshops, consultations, and technical events linked to marine and coastal ecosystems, ocean governance, and climate adaptation. • Analyze the contribution of marine-related projects to UNDP’s Strategic Plan, Nature Pledge, Ocean Promise, and Climate Promise, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the National Ocean Policy of Panama. • Facilitate multi-stakeholder coordination by organizing technical workshops, consultations, and field missions, ensuring alignment between MiAMBIENTE, local communities, coastal authorities, and regional UNDP initiatives.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Donor priorities
.
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Government of France, and therefore specific criteria apply: • Applicants must be French nationals. • Applicants must hold a Master II certificate. UN Volunteer Associate assignments • Applicants must be between 21 and 28 years of age at the time of application. • Individuals who have previously served on a UN Volunteer assignment funded by the Government of France are not eligible. UN Volunteer Specialist assignments • Applicants must be between 21 and 35 years of age at the time of application. • Individuals who have previously served on a UN Volunteer Specialist assignment funded by the Government of France are not eligible. APPLICATION -Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments per advertisement. Please indicate the order of preference in the ‘Additional remarks’ section, including country and title of assignment. – Application deadline: 7 June 2026 (Midnight UTC) SELECTION – Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment. Interviews will be conducted by UN Host Entities in June/July 2026. INFORMATION DAY IN PARIS Prior to deployment in October 2026, selected candidates must attend the Information Day in Paris, organized by MEAE. +++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
3 years
Languages
Spanish, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Required education level
Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Development, Marine Spatial Planning, Marine Governance, Marine Conservation, or similar field.
Competencies and values
☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams
Skills and experience
• Experience in the design and implementation of environmental and marine ecosystem programmes, with demonstrated expertise in coastal and marine conservation, restoration, and sustainable use, including ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses. • Experience in project management, resource mobilization, partnership development, monitoring, and reporting is highly desirable. • Knowledge of how to collect and systematize best practices, produce high-quality communication and knowledge products, and support the organization of technical workshops, field missions, and multi-stakeholder events. • Strong analytical, coordination, and communication skills are required, alongside a commitment to learning about volunteerism, community engagement, and local cultural practices relevant to marine and coastal areas.
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes, Communication, Natural and life sciences
Driving license
–
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
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 continues to be a government priority, with visible police presence in key areas and protocols aimed at ensuring a secure experience for locals and foreigners. 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.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
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