Operations Associate

Operations Associate

UNV - United Nations Volunteers Georgetown International Junior level Application deadline: October 12, 2026 Closing soon

The UNDP is seeking an Operations Associate to support its initiatives in Guyana, focusing on sustainable development and climate action. The role involves assisting with procurement, finance, logistics, and compliance tasks to ensure effective program implementation. The candidate will work under the supervision of the Programme and Operations Management Specialist, contributing to the organization and management of operational documents and records. This position is crucial for enhancing UNDP's efforts in supporting local communities and promoting resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience in procurement and finance
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Familiarity with compliance and audit processes
• Proficiency in document management systems

Mission and Objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The programme helps countries to develop policies, leadership and partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to build resilience to sustainable development results. UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and technical cooperation through its Global Policy Network. UNDP in Guyana is guided by a Country Programme Document (currently Country Programme 2022-2026, as approved by the Executive Board in February 2022), which is in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of Guyana, enshrined in key strategies and plans, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030). UNDP continues to support Guyana in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and an agenda that focuses on i) building a diversified and resilient productive sector, with emphasis on job creation and support to small-medium businesses; (ii) supporting effective governance, safety, security and the rule of law; (iii) environmental management and resilience; (iv) enhancing and expanding social services, particularly in education and health and including support for the national COVID-19 recovery programmes. More specifically, in this new Country Programme, support to Amerindian Communities, which are aimed at leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first, are undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA), National Toshaos' Council, Amerindian Village Councils and Communities and other key stakeholders. Planned/ongoing activities cover livelihood opportunities, land tenure, energy services and extending internet connectivity.

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):* Support procurement and finance units with administrative tracking of requests and documentation. * Assist in maintaining procurement, asset, and payment trackers. * Support logistics arrangements for meetings, missions, and office activities. * Assist in verification and organization of operational documents for compliance purposes. * Provide support in maintaining updated vendor and inventory records. * Assist in compiling supporting documents for Country office audits. * Organize and maintain audit files and evidence documentation in UNDP Guyana Share-point. * Support compliance checks for project and operational documentation. * Assist teams in ensuring proper records management and document accessibility.