Programme Associate

Host entity: UNWomen JAM

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Administration, Communication, advocacy, public information, Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods

Application deadline: 27/09/2026

Mission and objectives

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The MCO-Caribbean Strategic Note (2022–2026) is the MCO's primary planning instrument, articulating its triple mandate (normative, coordination, operational) across 22 countries and territories in the English and Dutch-Speaking Caribbean; and is aligned to the 2022 – 2026 UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework for the Caribbean (MSDCF 2.0), with the same geographic coverage. The MCO-Caribbean, in alignment with the MSDCF, serves, 6 UN Country Teams (Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Belize; Guyana; Jamaica; Suriname; Trinidad & Tobago and the Dutch Islands) and works with 5 UN Resident Coordinator Offices (The Resident Coordinator based in Trinidad covers that country and Suriname, i.e. 2 UNCTs).


The Strategic Note addresses four interconnected outcomes: (1) Normative Frameworks (gender statistics, laws/policies, social norms), (2) Women's Economic Empowerment (business ecosystems, social protection, care economy), (3) Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (legislation, prevention/response systems, survivor services), and (4) Climate Change and Disaster Risk Resilience (adaptive capacity, gender-responsive DRM). The Strategic Note is strongly aligned with the priority gender equality challenges facing Caribbean SIDS and with national, regional, and UN system frameworks. Its focus on ending violence against women and girls, women’s economic resilience, care systems, gender statistics, and institutional capacity responds directly to binding regional constraints, including high GBV prevalence, economic insecurity, limited fiscal space, climate vulnerability, and weak data systems, and reflects areas where governments and regional institutions most consistently seek UN Women’s technical support.

The MCO-Caribbean, is embarking on the development of its 2027 – 2031 SN to align with the development of the 2027 – 2031 United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development MSDCF (MSDCF 3.0) which outlines with technical support being provided collectively by the UN System in the English and Dutch-Speaking Caribbean.

Assignment context

UN Women MCO-Caribbean works with 6 UN Country Teams (Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Belize; Guyana; Jamaica; Suriname; Trinidad & Tobago and the Dutch Islands) and works with 5 UN Resident Coordinator Offices (The Resident Coordinator based in Trinidad covers that country and Suriname, i.e. 2 UNCTs).

Reporting to the Deputy Representative, who serves as Head of Programmes, the Programme Assistant contributes to research and programme implementation including providing necessary operational, administrative, and programmatic support. The Programme Assistant will work in close collaboration with the operations, programme, and projects’ staff in the MCO.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Supporting Planning and Ongoing Management of Programmes:

- Providing administrative support for the preparation of programme work plans, budgets and proposals on programme implementation arrangements.

- Assisting with processes for consultancies and partnerships.

- Supporting the implementation of activities-including mission travels and events.
2. Supporting Knowledge management and knowledge sharing activities through:

- Information management of programme and project materials.

- Preparation of public information materials and briefing packets.

- Assembling briefing materials and preparation of PowerPoint and other presenta-tions.

- Identifying sources and gathering and compiling data and information for the prep-aration of documents, guidelines, speeches and position papers.


3. Supporting Collaborative activities between the Programme Unit and the Operations Unit by:

- Providing administrative support in monitoring budget preparation, the payment of goods and services and the review of supporting documentation for financial re-ports.

- Undertaking all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements for organization for meetings, workshops, events, and missions.

- Identifying and sharing best practice for good project management


4. Assisting with the organization of UN Women, MCO-Caribbean, and UN in Barbados processes, activities/events:

- Participating in UN Women-MCO workshops, retreats, celebration days (Interna-tional Women’s Day, etc)

- Supporting inter-agency or other coordination activities with implementing and de-velopment partners


During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Experience description: Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:

· Gender research/ application of a gender lens; climate change and adaptation; disas-ter or emergency management; food systems and food security; livelihoods; women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women, women’s leadership.

· Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

· Experience in project management, stakeholder engagement and supporting a team is an asset.


Skills in:

· Skills in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required;

Competencies and values

- Accountability

- Adaptability and Flexibility

- Building Trust

- Client Orientation

- Commitment and Motivation

- Commitment to Continuous Learning

- Communication

- Ethics and Values

- Integrity

- Judgement and Decision-making

- Knowledge Sharing

- Planning and Organizing

- Professionalism

- Respect for Diversity

- Self-Management

- Technological Awareness

- Working in Teams

Living conditions

Jamaica generally offers good living conditions for United Nations Volunteers (UNVs), featuring reliable water and electricity, diverse cultural experiences, and established housing options, though high crime rates require strict security awareness.


Infrastructure and Daily Life

· Utilities: Stable electricity, water, and telecommunications are widely accessible across major areas.

· Housing: Quality varies by location. Expatriates and international volunteers typically use local real estate agencies, international networks, or peer recommendations to find suitable accommodation.

· Healthcare: The island has over 16 public hospitals and 6 private medical facilities.


Security and Safety

· Crime Considerations: Jamaica experiences elevated crime and gang-related violence rates.

· Precautions: Volunteers receive a formal security briefing upon arrival detailing safe zones and areas to avoid. Standard urban security habits—such as avoiding unlit areas at night and keeping valuables minimal—are strongly advised.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.