Join UNDP As a Research officer. Great opportunity to support sustainable management. APPLY NOW!

March 3, 2025

5 minutes read

Join UNDP As a Research officer. Great opportunity to support sustainable management. APPLY NOW!

Are you passionate about sustainable development, climate resilience, and the conservation of vital ecosystems? UNDP is seeking a dedicated and experienced Research Officer to join the Mangrove Conservation Project in Suriname. This critical position will contribute to advancing climate adaptation, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and ensuring the sustainable use of mangroves, one of the most important ecosystems for both environmental protection and local livelihoods.

Why This Position Matters

Suriname is home to some of the world’s most extensive mangrove forests, covering 90% of the country’s coastline. These mangrove forests are not only ecologically essential but also play a central role in supporting the local population’s socio-economic activities, particularly those linked to fisheries, eco-tourism, and honey production. However, these vital ecosystems are under threat from rising sea levels, storm surges, and unsustainable human activities. In response, the UNDP’s Mangrove Conservation Project, supported by the European Union (EU), aims to protect, restore, and sustainably manage these critical ecosystems.

This Research Officer role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the project, which seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change, preserve biodiversity, and promote the sustainable development of coastal communities. By focusing on research, value-chain development, and community engagement, the Research Officer will directly support the conservation of Suriname’s mangrove ecosystems while improving the well-being of local communities.

Project Overview

The Protection, Restoration, and Sustainable Use of Mangrove Forests (PRSUMF) project, running from 2024 to 2027, builds upon the successful efforts of earlier phases of the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+) program. The project aims to enhance the resilience of coastal communities in Suriname by improving coastal zone management, fostering gender-responsive participation, and promoting sustainable livelihoods based on the mangrove ecosystem.

As part of this initiative, the Research Officer will support the development of sustainable value chains for mangrove-based products, such as honey, fisheries, and eco-tourism. The project focuses on enhancing local governance, increasing community participation in co-management of mangroves, and ensuring the economic benefits from mangrove-based activities are equitably shared, especially among marginalized groups, including women and youth.

Role and Responsibilities

The Research Officer will play a pivotal role in driving research, developing value-chain strategies, and supporting community-based ecosystem management. The key functions and responsibilities include:

1. Research and Monitoring of Mangrove Ecosystems

Conduct scientific research to understand the role of mangrove ecosystems in coastal protection, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation.
Develop and implement strategies for monitoring mangrove health and growth patterns to support long-term mangrove conservation.
Analyze and evaluate data on the impact of climate change on mangrove ecosystems, particularly regarding sea level rise and storm surges.
Use research findings to develop actionable recommendations for policy and conservation practices in Suriname.

2. Sustainable Value Chain Development

Facilitate local dialogues to promote sustainable use of mangrove resources, focusing on low-impact eco-tourism, fisheries, and honey production.
Develop guidelines for the sustainable extraction and commercialization of mangrove resources and Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMAs).
Provide technical assistance to local stakeholders, including small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to develop and implement sustainable value chains.
Train local communities and MSMEs in sustainable business practices and value-chain development, ensuring these efforts are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Identify and support grant initiatives for MSMEs to help them scale up sustainable business models based on mangrove resources.

3. Community Engagement and Co-Management

Work closely with local communities, particularly those living in coastal zones, to enhance their engagement in co-management of mangrove forests.
Empower local stakeholders, including women and youth, to take an active role in decision-making and managing the sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems.
Develop and implement training programs on sustainable mangrove management, ecosystem services, and the long-term benefits of healthy mangrove ecosystems.
Ensure gender-equitable participation in mangrove co-management activities, focusing on improving the livelihoods of marginalized populations.

4. Knowledge Management and Policy Advocacy

Collect and analyze data to develop research reports, case studies, and policy briefs that highlight the importance of mangroves for climate adaptation, coastal protection, and biodiversity.
Contribute to the creation of awareness campaigns on the value of mangrove ecosystems and the need for their conservation.
Support the development of policy frameworks for integrated coastal zone management, advocating for the protection and restoration of mangrove forests.
Collaborate with research institutions, NGOs, and government agencies to share knowledge and strengthen research networks on mangrove conservation and climate resilience.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

Work closely with the Project Manager and other team members to support the monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
Provide technical input to the preparation of annual work plans, project progress reports, and final reports.
Ensure that all project activities, particularly research and value-chain development, are aligned with the project’s objectives and UNDP’s sustainability goals.
Help prepare materials for Project Steering Board meetings, evaluation missions, and review meetings.

Qualifications and Skills

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates should meet the following qualifications and skills:

Educational Requirements

A Master’s degree in Environmental Management, Climate Change, Socio-Economic Studies, or a closely related field.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least two years of relevant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Professional Experience

For Master’s degree holders, prior professional experience is not required.
For candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in value-chain development, community-based environmental management, or mangrove conservation is essential.
Proven experience in supporting projects related to coastal zone management, community engagement, and ecosystem-based adaptation is highly desirable.
Experience in grant management, stakeholder engagement, and research will be an asset.
Familiarity with climate change adaptation strategies, particularly those related to nature-based solutions, will be an advantage.

Language Skills

Fluency in Dutch is required for this position.
Working knowledge of English is an asset, as it will facilitate collaboration with international stakeholders and reporting.

Technical Skills

Strong skills in data analysis, report writing, and research methodologies are essential.
Experience with community-based environmental management, mangrove conservation, and sustainable development is highly desirable.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government authorities, NGOs, and academic institutions, are required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools is necessary.

Why Work with UNDP?

Working at UNDP is an opportunity to be part of an international organization with a global mission to improve people’s lives and protect the planet. UNDP provides its staff with a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering innovation, professional growth, and work-life balance. Here are a few reasons why you should consider applying:

Impactful Work: At UNDP, your work will directly contribute to tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues, such as climate change, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.
Global Network: As part of the UN system, you will collaborate with diverse, like-minded professionals from around the world, working on projects that make a real difference.
Career Growth: UNDP offers various opportunities for professional development, including training, mentoring, and a variety of career paths in international development.
Inclusive Culture: UNDP values diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide a welcoming environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.

How to Apply

If you are excited about the opportunity to support the sustainable management of Suriname’s mangrove ecosystems and help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change, we encourage you to apply for the Research Officer position. The application deadline is March 11, 2025, so be sure to submit your application before the cutoff date.