Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Office of Human Resources

 Announcement No.39

June 22, 2026

  NOTICE OF OPENING

Applications for “Document Processing Clerk” will be accepted effective immediately.

 Opening Date: June 22, 2026

 Closing Date: July 6, 2026

 Location of position: Earl Tupper Center, Ancon, Panama City, Republic of Panama.

 Type of position: Indefinite – Local Payroll (Part time)

 Who May Apply: Panamanian citizen or non-nationals with valid work permit.

The Document Processing Clerk provides direct support to the Legal and Governmental Affairs Office. Support also includes the Director’s Office, and other Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) offices for various activities, general errands, and facilitating the timely delivery and collection of documents from governmental and NGO offices. Occasionally, the position may require transporting and accompanying permanent scientific staff, visiting scientists, and VIPs to related errands or activities.

You will have some of the following responsibilities:

• Carry out transactions and deliver documentation to banks, IDAAN, Immigration offices, Customs, Municipality, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Social Security office and Ministry of Labor, Public Registry Office, private organizations, for STRI administration and collaborators, as per supervisor instructions.
• Transport and accompany visiting scientists or staff scientists to governmental offices. Such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Immigration Office, Customs, etc.
• Stay updated in new processes, Panamanian laws and regulations on immigration.
• Monitors the good use of the equipment related to the area under his/her responsibility.
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles, such as monitoring fluid levels and replenishing fuel.
• Any other duty assigned from time to time.

To be successful in this role, you should meet the following requirements:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program at a local University in careers such as: Law, Science, Business or related fields.
• Availability to work on a schedule from Monday- Friday from 8am-12pm.
• Possess a valid driver’s license –all types, and a clean driving record (subject to verification).
• Customer service-oriented
• Good organization and time management skills
• Knowledge of English (Intermediate level)
• Experience in dealing with public and document processing at governmental offices will be a plus.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Incumbent reports directly to supervisor, the Legal Support Administrator. Supervisor defines overall objectives and priorities and assigns the daily work.  Incumbent is responsible for processing the documentation on time, and reporting inconveniences to Supervisor to seek solutions.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines are the general policies, procedures, goals and objective of SI and STRI, and according to Panamanian labor laws. Comply with the rules and procedures of security and protection as established at STRI.

COMPLEXITY

Decision regarding what kind of documentation or processes should be carried out is based on immediate supervisor instructions. The Incumbent should use own judgment and ability to interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and /or ability to solve minor problems under ethical standards, when necessary. Due to the type of documentation and/or procedures the incumbent should have to collect or follow, he/she should meet daily objectives of the functions assigned.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

Purpose of the work is to deliver and collect a wide range of documents to several governmental and non-governmental offices and to accompany and provide support to permanent and visiting scientists during visits to different governmental offices for collecting or signing documents related to permits and visas. Should always provide a friendly and professional approach to Panamanian public officers and people in general.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The incumbent should develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.  Personal contacts include the Director’s office, permanent scientists, visiting scientists, STRI administrative personnel and officials of external organizations, governmental and non-governmental offices.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are used to support several internal and external offices, administrative personnel, staff and visiting scientists in the process of a wide range of errands assigned by the Supervisor. Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, governmental and other external sources, is necessary. The information can be exchanged in person or by telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires driving a vehicle during working hours; occasional walking and carrying light objects. Also needs the use of cell phone to keep contact with office/base.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most of the work is conducted outside STRI and occasionally needs driving outside the city, only if required.

Interested candidates please access web page: https://stri-sites.si.edu , complete the required fields and upload updated resume.

Please note that this is a local hire position, and no relocation expenses will be covered.

At STRI, we are guided by our core values of respect and our commitment to embracing all individuals who share a passion for research in the tropics and contributing to the broader community. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at STRI. We are dedicated to ensuring a fair, respectful, and supportive recruitment process for every applicant. STRI is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from violence, harassment, and any form of discrimination. If you need accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know, and we will be happy to assist you.