Organization Mission

In Guyana, the United Nations system works with a range of partners to deliver the UN Caribbean Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF) 2022–2026. The work of UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes active in Guyana (the UN Country Team) is organized under four pillars:

Economic resilience and shared prosperity
Equity and well-being
Resilience to climate change and natural resource management
Safety, justice, and the rule of law

Across these four pillars, the UN works with national institutions and stakeholders to ensure no one is left behind and to promote gender equality.
The UN Country Team collaborates to deliver tangible results in support of Guyana’s development agenda. Guyana published its Voluntary National Review of progress against the SDGs in 2019 and currently holds an SDG Global Rank of 104 out of 156.

Context

The UNCT in Guyana is advancing the Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) agenda as a cross-cutting priority across its work. This includes ensuring that all programmes, strategies, and partnerships address the needs of groups often at risk of exclusion. The national UN Volunteer Specialist on Inclusion will support the RCO in advancing LNOB priorities,
focusing on gender equality, youth empowerment, indigenous inclusion, and migrant integration. The position will also contribute to strengthening partnerships with civil society, academia, and grassroots actors, while supporting knowledge generation and advocacy on inclusion across the UN’s work in Guyana.

Key Responsibilities

Under the delegated authority and supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator or her designated representative, the UN Volunteer Specialist will:

1. Inclusive Policy and Programme Support

– Provide technical and coordination support on LNOB priorities across UNCT programmes, emphasizing inclusion of gender, youth, indigenous peoples, migrants, and other marginalized groups.
– Assist in mainstreaming inclusion and diversity perspectives in UN planning, monitoring, and reporting processes (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework).
– Contribute to evidence gathering, policy briefs, and knowledge products on inclusion issues in Guyana.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

– Support outreach and partnership-building with civil society, indigenous organizations, youth groups, and migrant associations to strengthen engagement in UN programmes.
– Map and maintain a database of key stakeholders and talent pools relevant to LNOB priorities.
– Assist in organizing consultations, workshops, and dialogues with diverse communities to inform UN programming.

Expected Results

– Inclusion priorities (gender, youth, indigenous peoples, migrants, marginalized groups) are systematically integrated into RCO/UNCT work.
– Evidence, reports, and knowledge products on LNOB issues are produced and disseminated.
– Partnerships with civil society, academia, and grassroots groups are strengthened and functional.
– Inclusion-focused events, dialogues, and campaigns are successfully organized and documented.
– Diversity, equity, and LNOB principles are reflected across all activities and outputs.

Required Skills and Experience

Relevant professional experience, preferably in inclusion, human rights, gender, youth, or community development.
– Proven experience in programme support, partnership-building, and stakeholder engagement.
– Familiarity with inclusion issues in Guyana, particularly regarding youth, indigenous peoples, gender equality, and migration.
– Experience in the UN system or international development context is an asset.
– Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills; ability to work inclusively with diverse stakeholders.
– Good IT skills (MS Office, online collaboration tools, database management).
– Ability to work independently and under pressure, with strong organizational skills.

Core Competencies

– Professionalism
– Integrity
– Respect for diversity
– Commitment to continuous learning
– Teamwork and collaboration
– Communication
– Adaptability and flexibility
– Commitment to volunteerism and the values of the UN

Living Conditions

This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Georgetown, Guyana. The duty station offers adequate medical facilities, banking, housing, and education services. Travel to regions may be required to engage with indigenous and rural communities. Volunteers are expected to arrange their own housing.