General
Description of assignment title
Associate (Projects)
Assignment country
India
Expected start date
30/09/2024
Sustainable Development Goal
13. Climate action
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNDP
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
New Delhi
Details
Mission and objectives
As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all. With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet. UNDP India’s current Country Programme, 2018-2022, is in its final year of implementation. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027), which comes into effect in 2023, builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios: • Strong, accountable, and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs • Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized • Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture. You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.
Context
The Action for Climate and Environment (ACE) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem & land restoration, disaster management and resilience, and access to clean and efficient energy. The Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity pillar of ACE is supporting the Government of India in meeting national development objectives along with commitments under important multilateral environment agreements especially the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The programme/projects under the pillar have been supporting the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), National and State level planning for land restoration and biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, carbon sequestration through enhanced restoration, promotion of nature-based livelihoods and One Health approach. UNDP is supporting the Ministry in the implementation of a GEF -7 project “Sustainable management and restoration of degraded landscapes for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in India”. The project aims to achieve land degradation neutrality by creating additional carbon sinks through an ecosystem-based approach for restoring degraded agricultural, forest, pastoral lands, and surface water bodies. It involves enabling institutional frameworks and policies for integrated sustainable land management practices and up-scaling landscape-wide practices in 3 states Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh contributing to the national target of restoring 26 Mha of degraded lands by 2030. The project being implemented over a period of five years will lead to the following outcomes: (1) Enhanced national, state and district-level enabling frameworks incentivizing SLM practices and supporting participatory multi-sector platforms to avoid, reduce and reverse land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate mitigation; (2) Integrated participatory landscape design and financing models established in support of avoidance, reduction and reversal of land degradation, desertification, biodiversity loss and negative impacts of climate change to generates multiple sustained environmental and economic benefits; (3) Improved capacity for LDN monitoring, assessment and reporting to UNCCD in support of LDN target setting and evaluation of capacities of partners; allowing government institutions and other agencies to better document, analyse and disseminate effective intervention strategies for restoring productive landscapes and replication of best practices at national and state level, and at international level through improved South-South cooperation, knowledge and adaptive management. UNDP seeks to engage the services of an Associate (Project) to support the UNDP in implementation of the project. S/he will work under the supervision of Program Manager, UNDP.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of Specialist – Sustainable Land Management and in close collaboration with MoEFCC & State Project Team Members, the Associate (Project) will perform the following tasks: 1. Programmatic support • Provide support in preparation of Annual Work Plan (budget & financial component) including quarterly and annual targets; • Support in the implementation, monitoring and tracking of project activities and expenditures as per the approved Annual Work Plan; • Assist in the preparation of project documentation, reports, and presentations; • Follow-up with project partners and donors, to guarantee smooth implementation of administrative and operational activities of the project; • Prepare and monitor project timelines and milestones, ensuring deadlines are met; • Follow up with Project personnel on submission and compilation of regular and timely progress reports; • Support the timely preparation and submission of annual progress reports, donor reports, project reviews, financial reports, audit reports and any other required project reports; 2. Project Operational Support • Coordinate project meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and taking minutes. Organize logistics for meetings/workshops/ events; • Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders (UN agencies, NGOs, CBOs, government and donors); • Coordinate with counterpart in Central Ministries and State Departments to seek/provide project related information; • Assist in collation and compilation of data and information from the concerned implementing partners; • Maintaining project documents, inventory, correspondence and communications; • Preparation of year-wise expenditure reports and projections; • Preparation of the financial reports for submission to donors, and Government as per the requirement stipulated in the agreements; • Process timely payments to vendors, consultant, travel and other claims of staff in Quantum (UNDP ERP System). Coordinate with vendors and UNDP finance team for timely release of payments; • Ensure appropriate recording and accounting documentation as per the organisational requirements and preparation of required financial reports; • Assist in preparation of RFPs, RFQs and other documents for contracting and procurement of goods and services, including maintenance and physical verification of assets; • Facilitate preparation of financial audits and processes like annual, half yearly and quarterly financial Reports in consultation with UNDP Finance Team; • Develop Terms of Reference for consultants/ institutions/consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities and help the state government/UNDP in contracting processes and monitoring contracts, follow ups with the contractors/consultants; • Prepare database of the contracts issued for personnel, procuring goods and services, provide timely alert submission of deliverables and contract expiration & renewals; • Follow-ups with vendors for timely submission of deliverables and invoices for settlement of payments; • Support preparation and submission of Procurement Initiation documentation and follow-up with the UNDP procurement unit for issuance of contract.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
7 years of experience in financial management and general administration or programme support service. • Sound understanding and knowledge of GEF projects will be an added advantage • Good understanding of administrative and financial management processes with strong coordination skills • Possesses good understanding and knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks • Experience of working with international organizations, NGOs/ INGOs including the UN in implementation of projects with central ministries. • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments • Excellent working knowledge of MS Office-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet, e-mail applications etc. • Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues (and reports where inappropriate) • Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimum supervision and handle tight deadlines. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment. • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
Area(s) of expertise
Energy and environment , Administration, Procurement and contracting
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Hindi, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance and Commerce or any other related field.
Competencies and values
• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The assignment will be based in New Delhi. New Delhi is the capital city of India, experiences a diverse climate and has distinct living conditions influenced by its weather, infrastructure, and culture. A melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, reflecting the diverse nature of India. Overall, living in Delhi offers a mix of modern urban life with deep-rooted traditions and challenges typical of a large, bustling metropolis. As this is a National UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. This assignment is part of the special programme initiative. As per the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service, Section XVIII, the Conditions for this assignment are amended as follows: • The Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) will be INR 103,770/ per month • The UN Volunteer is not eligible for entry lumpsum or travel costs • Health insurance will not be provided to dependents of the UN Volunteer • Access to UNV learning will be restricted to mandatory courses and free-of-charge learning resources provided by UNV. Leave entitlements: • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month • Certified sick leave: 30 days • Uncertified sick leave: 7 days • Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months • Maternity leave: 16 weeks • Paternity leaves: 10 days
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
