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UNDP•Panama City, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Project Associate will support the technical management of the “Latidos del Barrio: Cultura que Transforma Comunidades” project, an initiative led by Panama’s Ministry of Culture with support from UNDP. The project aims to strengthen social inclusion, community cohesion, civic participation, access to cultural and educational services, sports activities, and the creative economy in selected territories. The role focuses on infrastructure, maintenance, adaptations, equipment, and the operation of project centers, ensuring technical follow-up of works and compliance with applicable standards, specifications, and operational conditions. The position is based at the Ministry of Culture headquarters in Panama City. Travel to prioritized territories may be required; project procedures apply to the coverage of transportation, accommodation, and meals for such travel. The post is under a UNDP National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA), level NPSA 6, for one year, with possible extension depending on performance and project duration. The Associate reports directly to the Project Coordinator and may perform other duties within the functional profile as needed for the efficient functioning of the Office and Organization.

Requirements

Complete secondary education is required.
At least six years of project management experience with complete secondary education, or at least three years with a completed bachelor’s degree.
Experience using MS Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Fluency in Spanish is required.
Applicants must be nationals or foreign nationals with a valid work permit for the contract period and residence in Panama.
Professional licensure is required where applicable; the posting also notes that licensure is a requirement.
Basic knowledge of English is desirable.

Nice To Haves

Completed university studies or a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction, Industrial Engineering, Maintenance, Electricity, Buildings, or a related discipline; this will be given due consideration but is not required.
Experience in maintenance, infrastructure supervision, minor works, facilities, operations, or technical support.
Experience managing suppliers, contractors, inventories, or public and community spaces.
Experience in United Nations System agencies, multilateral organizations, and/or the public sector.
Basic knowledge of English.

Responsibilities

Conduct site visits and gather requirements, technical specifications, measurements, and other field data for assigned works.
Prepare plans and budgets, including material calculations, for assigned works.
Carry out technical inspections and monitor construction schedules and execution, checking compliance with plans, terms of reference, and contractual conditions.
Prepare weekly technical progress reports and reports on incidents for assigned works.
Review finishes, materials, equipment, and systems specified for works and provide corresponding observations.
Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance of centers, spaces, and equipment.
Follow up with contractors, suppliers, and technical service providers.
Support preparation of technical specifications for purchases, services, and minor works.
Verify deliveries, progress, and the quality of completed work.
Review and verify contractors’ implementation of quality and safety plans during works.
Maintain current records of equipment, furniture, tools, and technical supplies.
Coordinate maintenance needs with territorial coordinators and the operations team.
Prepare reports on maintenance, improvement needs, and operational risks.
Participate in training and organize information sessions for project personnel on internal procedures.
Support capacity-building activities, including designing and delivering tools and workshop materials or platforms that draw on community collective intelligence and mobilize action.
Support dissemination and exchange of relevant data and lessons learned within the country office and regionally; stay informed about emerging relevant practices at national, regional, and international levels.
Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, and support the collection, systematization, and distribution of project knowledge, products, and tools to partners.
Perform other duties within the functional profile as needed for the efficient functioning of the Office and Organization.