About the opportunity
The UNDP in Panama works to promote sustainable human development, social inclusion, and governance. Within the ‘Latidos del Barrio: Culture that Transforms Communities’ project, the Psychosocial Assistant will provide preventive and community-based psychosocial support. The role involves designing and facilitating group activities to strengthen socio-emotional skills, resilience, and peaceful coexistence. The incumbent will identify psychosocial risks, provide non-clinical emotional support, and coordinate with technical teams to ensure effective community intervention. This position is based at the Ministry of Culture in Panama City and requires rigorous documentation of activities, adherence to confidentiality protocols, and support for inter-institutional coordination to foster community development.
Salary and benefits
- National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) contract at grade NPSA-5
- Initial 1-year contract duration with possibility of extension based on performance and project needs
- Coverage of travel, lodging, and food expenses for required field visits to project territories
- Opportunity to work within the United Nations system on high-impact community projects
Who can apply?
- Completion of secondary education is required
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology is highly considered but not mandatory
- Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in psychological care for candidates with secondary education only
- Minimum of 2 years of proven experience in psychological care for candidates with a bachelor's degree
- Valid professional license (idoneidad) to practice psychology in Panama is required if holding a bachelor's degree
- Fluency in Spanish is required
- Must be a national or a foreign resident with a valid work permit in Panama for the duration of the contract
Required documents
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Proof of educational qualifications
- Valid professional license (idoneidad) for psychologists in Panama (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by the closing date of 2026-11-09
How to apply
- Review the vacancy details and eligibility requirements on the official UNDP career portal
- Submit the application through the official Oracle Recruiting Cloud platform before the deadline
- Ensure all required documentation is prepared and uploaded as requested
Additional information
- The position is based at the Ministry of Culture in Panama City
- UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process
- Selected candidates will undergo relevant background checks regarding standards of conduct
- UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates and may consider applicants for similar future positions
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with a background in community psychology or social work who are passionate about grassroots community development
- Individuals with experience in facilitating group workshops and managing psychosocial support programs for vulnerable populations
- Candidates who possess the required professional license in Panama and have experience working with public institutions or international organizations
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires physical presence at the Ministry of Culture in Panama City and potential travel to prioritized territories
- Applicants must hold a valid work permit in Panama if they are not Panamanian nationals
- The position is a fixed-term contract (NPSA-5) dependent on project duration and performance, rather than a permanent staff appointment
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for a psychology professional to gain direct experience in the United Nations system while contributing to a tangible social project. It allows the incumbent to apply clinical and community-based skills in a real-world setting, strengthening their portfolio in social development, project management, and inter-institutional collaboration.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for experienced psychosocial practitioners based in Panama who are looking to transition into or continue working within the humanitarian and development sector. Candidates without the required Panamanian professional license or valid work authorization should not apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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