Organization Mission

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through a team of 30 professionals, we help to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience.

At UNDP Guyana, our mission is driven by a deep commitment to shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and green future for all. Since 1966, we have stood alongside the Government of Guyana and its people, working together to turn aspirations into tangible progress. With compassion and vision, we help build the national capacities in the pursuit of national goals and objectives, as outlined in its national development plans and strategies needed to foster unity, social cohesion, and long-term prosperity in this beautiful nation.

Guided by the Country Programme Document (CPD 2022-2026) and the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (UN MSDF 2022-2026), our work is rooted in the principles of equity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. The challenges we face today are multi-faceted—yet within these challenges lie powerful opportunities for transformation. By responding to the diverse needs of Guyana, we focus on four key areas: Economic resilience and shared prosperity; Equality and well-being; Climate resilience and natural resource management; and ensuring peace, justice, and the rule of law.

At the heart of our work is the understanding that sustainable development is not one-size-fits-all. Every community, every challenge, and every opportunity is unique. That’s why we approach each project with empathy, agility, and a deep respect for the people and culture of Guyana.

Context

This task supports the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) of Guyana in achieving its mandate to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence among Guyana’s diverse communities. By producing a professionally edited Conflict Resolution Manual, the volunteer ensures ERC”s staff and partners have a clear and accessible resource to prevent and manage conflicts, directly contributing to the ERC’s objectives of strengthening social cohesion and fostering constructive dialogue.

The volunteer should understand the ERC’s mission, target audience, and the common types of conflicts in the Guyanese context to ensure the manual is culturally sensitive and relevant. This task contributes primarily to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by supporting the development of tools that enhance conflict prevention, promote peaceful societies, and strengthen institutional capacity.

Key Responsibilities

The United Nations Development Programme and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) of Guyana is developing a Conflict Resolution Manual aimed at equipping staff and partners with practical tools and guidance to address and prevent conflicts.

The manual requires professional editing to ensure clarity, accessibility, and impact for diverse audiences. The manual comprises 98 pages, including the cover and annexes.

The Online UNV, under the guidance of the Programme Officer (UNV), will:

Review and edit the full 98-page ERC Conflict Resolution Manual for grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity, flow, format and style.

Ensure logical flow, coherence, and readability for the target audience.

Ensure content is written in UK English.

Suggest content improvements to make the manual actionable and user-friendly.

Deliverables: Professionally edited manuscript ready for graphic design.

Required Skills and Experience

Excellent English (UK) editing skills
Proficient in Microsoft Word
Experience with manuals/educational materials
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently online.