Job vacancy: National Programme Officer for Development Cooperation in Guatemala

Do you have experience in development cooperation related to fields such as trade, income and employment generation, private sector, and financial inclusion? Sweden’s embassy in Guatemala is now looking for a National Programme Officer (NPO) to be part of Sweden's development cooperation team based at the embassy in Guatemala City.  

The embassy covers bilateral relations with Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panamá, and is responsible for bilateral development cooperation with Guatemala and for support to the regional development cooperation, managed by the Swedish embassy in Bogotá.

The Swedish government recently launched a reform agenda for the Swedish development cooperation, emphasizing the importance of connecting trade and cooperation. A new strategy for the Swedish development cooperation is expected to be developed during 2025.

The NPO will work within the cooperation team under the direct direction of the Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Guatemala.

The position is initially for a one-year period, starting 20 January 2025, with the possibility of prolongation.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Management of projects within the Swedish development cooperation portfolio, including monitoring and follow-up of both qualitative and financial progress, results and quality control. The position requires frequent dialogues with partners, as well as travel and field visits within the country and, when so required, in the region or elsewhere.
2. Development of new contributions in line with the Swedish government’s reform agenda for development cooperation.
3. Participation in political and contextual analysis related to the geographical and thematic area of responsibility, including the preparation of reports, speeches, etc.
4. Representation of Sweden in relevant coordination groups and other forums and establishment of dialogue with relevant actors, coordination with other Swedish embassies in the region and at Sida headquarters.
5. General contribution to the work of the Embassy of Sweden in Guatemala as instructed by the Counsellor, Head of Development cooperation.

  Requirements 

1. University degree in an associated field such as political science, law, social sciences, economics and trade, environment, or other relevant discipline.
2. At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably with the development cooperation field at international level, related to more than one of the thematic areas trade, income and employment generation, private sector, and financial inclusion.
3. Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Spanish and good working knowledge of English.
4. Strong computer skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office with ability to easily learn new management systems.
5. Experience in political, economic, and social context analysis.
6. Experience in monitoring narrative and financial reports ensuring compliance with norms and procedures. Experience of processing and digitalizing data.
7. Experience in audit procedures and oversight of budgets and annual operative plans ensuring compliance with norms and procedures.

Desirable Skills and Capabilities 

1. Experience from governmental and private sector collaboration, for example chambers of commerce or likewise, and excellent networks.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
3. Knowledge of green transition, digitalization and gender and women´s economic empowerment in development programs.
4. Ability to learn and adapt to a multicultural environment.
5. Flexibility and ability to manage competing priorities.
6. Reliability and personal integrity.
7. Ability to work independently and proactively.
8. Ability to structure and deliver within tight deadlines.

How to Apply 

If you fulfil the requirements above, please send your application, consisting strictly of CV and a cover letter ONLY, both in English, to the email address ambassaden.guatemala@gov.se

Applications must be submitted as (non-compressed) archives attached to the email, with a maximum of two (2) attachments: CV and cover letter. Additional attachments will be cause for rejection of the application.

Any text, image, or other object in the body of the e-mail will be disregarded.

Applications must be marked “UM2024/28383/GUAT Job Vacancy: National Programme Officer for Development Cooperation in Guatemala”. 

Candidates must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Guatemala.

The government of Sweden supports the inclusion of diverse community groups and offers an inclusive workspace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture.  There is also a commitment to promoting an environment free of harassment and discrimination.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. 

Closing date for applications is October 27, 2024.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Maria Lundberg, Head of Development Cooperation in Guatemala, by email: maria.lundberg@gov.se  

Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.