Programa de las Naciones Unidas
para el Desarrollo

Panama is a multiethnic country of upper-middle income facing challenges to its development characterized by a deep level of inequality that affects mainly rural, indigenous and women. One of the challenges that Panama faces in the upcoming years is the straitening of its democratic governance system and promote an environment that facilitates transparency and modernization, the delivery of quality public services and the actual exercise of citizens' rights especially among indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants in remote rural areas, people with disabilities and vulnerable groups among women and youth.

The UNDP Programme Document for 2012-2015 has considered the challenges of Panama as an emerging economy and the perceived need to adapt the cooperation of UNDP with the requirements of this new reality.

Public safety and Justice system were identified as the emerging challenges in the country in the Governability area.  Under the new Country Programme (2012-2015) UNDP will support the national strategy for public safety with an emphasis on prevention, as well as supporting the modernization of public sector both at central and local level, promoting opportunities for participation and dialogue to civil society to promote equal participation in the political system.

Under the guidance of the DRR/DCD, the Programme Specialist acts as a manager of and advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of CO programme, manages a major programme portfolio in one or more of the programme practice areas. The main role is to within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Programme Specialist analyzes political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, including continued monitoring of implementation management and evaluation of Programme activities within his/her portfolio, provides policy advice services.

The Programme Specialist leads a team in strategic planning and identifies new programme areas while ensuring consistency with UNDAF/ CPD priorities and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.  The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Operations team in the CO, Programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme.