Embassy of Switzerland in India
New Delhi, 25.04.2023
Job offer
The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi as the official representation of Switzerland in India is looking for a Team Leader (100%) for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for
“Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation in Himalayas” (SCA-Himalayas) of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Background
The project “Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation in the Himalayas” (SCA-Himalayas), which is funded and implemented by SDC aims to integrate climate actions into national and sub-national planning and implementation, benefitting local communities in the context of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The project was launched in 2016 (entitled 3SCA-project for the first phase) and is now in its second phase (January 2020 to December 2024) with a threefold objective:
- Development of pilots for scalable approaches towards climate resilience in the fields of water resource management (WRM) and disaster risk management (DRM);
- Enhancement of institutional capacities across the IHR to plan, implement and mainstream adaptation actions into their programmes and policies;
- Integration of the experience in policy frame works and dissemination at the national, regional and global level.
Swiss expertise for sustainable mountain development with a focus on WRM and DRM is leveraged, supporting the mountain states of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh. Experience deriving from field pilots shall be promoted at policy level through institutional capacity strengthening and collaboration in close partnerships.
In terms of DRM the project focus on the management of Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOFs), landslides and flash floods supporting the development of early warning systems through assessments, modelling, early warning system design, trainings and coordination for preparedness.
In terms of WRM the project focus on ground water through springshed management and on surface water through glacio-hydrologic modelling for decision making and planning of water resources promoting adapted solutions considering climate change impacts and future trends.
Since 2020 the project is implemented by a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) with a team based in Delhi at the Swiss Embassy and consultants embedded within partner institutions at the state and national level. The project collaborates closely with its key partners from the government, namely National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), NITI Aayog, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Jal Shakti and States’ Nodal Agencies. Technical assistance is provided through expertise from international and national expert institutions from academia, private sector and as well as NGOs.
Roles and Responsibilities of the position
The Team Leader (TL) is responsible for the management of the PIU and the project implementation:
- Responsibility for the implementation of the projects activities of phase II, with full accountability (including financial aspects) for the planning, monitoring and reporting.
- Ensuring an effective, efficient and smooth functioning of the PIU to deliver outcomes and outputs in line with the credit proposal, annual work plans and contracts with mandated institutions. Therefore, necessary operational and financial competences are delegated to the TL and a general travel permit is granted.
- Responsibility for the organizational, personnel and financial management of the PIU, including the consultants posted in the states and in Delhi as per attributed budget.
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant authorities at national, state and local levels, fostering ties with selected institutions and members of the civil society.
- Establishing and maintaining national and/or international networks to ensure exchange of knowledge, institutional learning and quality assurance;
- Contributions to policy development, positions and related instruments related to the topic of adaptation in mountain regions through a policy dialogue with government institutions at different levels;
- Representation of SDC / Switzerland at the national and international level with reference to the SCA-Himalayas project and its thematic area, fostering coordination with other federal
- authorities and further institutions such as NGO’s, the private sector and academia;
- Experience sharing and promotion of know-how, tools and approaches related to the project’s focus of climate change in mountain contexts, contributing to policy development in India, at the regional and global level.
SDC Expectations
- Post-graduate degree in Natural or Social Science, Management (or related field).
- A minimum of 10-12 years’ work experience, particularly in managing projects independently.
- Thematic expertise related to climate change adaptation and sustainable mountain development, in-depth knowledge of national and global climate debate and policies considering relevant implications and trends.
- Work experience of multi-lateral or bi-lateral agencies’ programmes involving rigorous project preparation and implementation.
- Ability to lead, organize and motivate the project team based on demonstrated programme management experience for a dynamic and solution oriented ownership, interacting with a diverse set of partners.
- Personal responsibility and ability to work independently, proposing and implementing decisions with result-orientation.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills to foster team work, network, comprehend and consolidate inputs from a diverse range of stakeholders, dealing with critical feedback and conflicts.
- Proficiency in oral and written communication skills, both in English and Hindi.
- Commitment to travel frequently to the Himalayan States.
- Ability and interest to work in multi-disciplinary and diverse teams, with sensitivity towards gender and cultural differences.
Work conditions
This is a fixed-term employment contract with tenure up to December 2024. Initially the contract will be for a period of one (1) year, extendable up to December 2024 subject to performance review on annual basis. The assignment is full time (100%).
The PIU is based at the SDC office located in the Embassy of Switzerland in Delhi. The position requires regular travels to the field.
The compensation will be in accordance with education, experience and previous assignments, based on the salary scale of the Embassy of Switzerland in India.
The desired start of work is early July 2023 (adjustable upon mutual agreement).
Application
Interested candidates are requested to submit their application per mail to
newdelhi.ccd@eda.admin.ch including the following documents
- Letter of motivation describing suitability and interest for the position
- Resume (curriculum vitae)
- Three references including contacts
Reference in title “Team Leader PIU SCA-Himalayas project”
Deadline for submission of application: 10.05.2023
Note on procedures:
- Only complete applications will be considered
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the submission deadline for an interview – Written test will be made prior to the interview
Job Email id: newdelhi.ccd(at)eda.admin.ch
