About the opportunity
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Territorial, Community Management and Inclusion Coordinator to support the Ministry of Culture in Panama. This role involves planning, coordinating, and supervising the territorial, community, and social inclusion actions of the project ‘Latidos del Barrio: Culture that Transforms Communities’. The initiative aims to strengthen social inclusion, community cohesion, citizen participation, access to cultural and educational services, sports activation, and the creative economy in prioritized territories. The coordinator will manage the territorial and psychosocial base team, coordinate with local governments and public institutions, and ensure efficient resource utilization in compliance with UNDP procedures.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary under the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-8 grade)
- One-year contract duration with potential for renewal
- Coverage of mobilization, lodging, and food expenses when traveling to prioritized territories according to applicable procedures
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's completed or equivalent) in Project Management, Public Policy, Social Development, Administration, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Cultural Management, or related fields
- Alternatively, a completed Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, Social Sciences, Education, Social Management, or related fields, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience
- Applicants with a relevant Master's degree do not require prior professional experience; Bachelor's degree holders require a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
- Fluency in Spanish is required
- Desirable intermediate level in English (reading, writing, and conversation)
Required documents
- Complete application submitted through the UNDP recruitment portal
- Updated curriculum vitae demonstrating education and professional experience
When to apply
- Application opening date: October 30, 2026
- Application deadline: November 7, 2026 at 04:59 AM UTC
How to apply
- Access the official UNDP recruitment portal via the vacancy link
- Review the specific eligibility requirements for the NPSA level
- Complete the online application form and upload your professional credentials before the deadline
Additional information
- This position is a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-8) based at the Ministry of Culture headquarters in Panama City, Panama.
- The recruitment process follows a tiered application approach giving priority to certain internal personnel categories before external candidates.
- UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority, and conducts thorough background checks.
- UNDP never charges any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
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…
- Ideal for professionals with a Master's degree in social sciences, public policy, or project management looking to apply their skills to community development.
- Great fit for candidates experienced in inter-institutional coordination, social programs, and working directly with vulnerable communities or youth.
- Well-suited for individuals fluent in Spanish who want to contribute to high-impact sustainable development initiatives within an international organization.
What should you think carefully about?
- The contract is offered for a fixed duration of one year, which may require planning for subsequent career steps.
- Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, and candidates without proficiency in the language will not be considered.
- Occasional travel to prioritized territories within Panama is required, though related expenses are covered by the project.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers a valuable platform to build a career in international development, public policy coordination, and community management within the United Nations system. It allows professionals to gain hands-on experience managing multidisciplinary teams and executing cultural and social inclusion projects at the national level.
Our take
This position is strongly recommended for experienced social development and project management professionals based in or eligible to work in Panama who wish to drive community transformation with UNDP. Applicants should ensure they meet the specific educational and language prerequisites before submitting their materials prior to the November 7, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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