Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
ย
Bangladeshโs flat topography, low-lying delta ecosystem and tropical climatic features, combined with its population density and socio-economic environment, make it highly susceptible to many climate hazards, including floods, droughts, cyclones, sea level rise, salinity intrusion, and landslides (in hilly areas). The country experiences risks from rising sea levels, more intense cyclones and storms, changes in precipitation, and more extreme heat and drought. These risks are expected to intensify in the future. Even though Bangladesh has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, it is still one of the more vulnerable countries in the world to climate change and already experiences losses of 0.5 to 1% of its GDP to climate hazards. Climate change is estimated to decrease agricultural gross domestic product by 3.1% each yearโa cumulative US$36 billion in lost value-added for the period 2005-2050.ย
Climate change poses threats to the functional integrity of ecosystems, local hydrology, and community livelihood, particularly in the climatic hotspots in the Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs). The government has made impressive progress in developing climate polices, strategies and fund, and recently shaped a process of formulating a macro level National Adaptation Plan (NAP). However, vital gaps remain in establishing AEZs specific strategies, and the capacity of the sub-national and AEZ institutions to formulate and implement these strategies and plans.ย
This LDCF financed project will make significant contributions to closing the capacity gap between the nationalย and sub-nationalย levels by: i) establishing a common knowledge and information sharing platform for theย stakeholders in theย AEZs; ii) strengthening the coordination of vertical and horizontal level risk informed integrated decision making; (iii) enhancing the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions and system level capacity in mainstreaming adaptation into policy, planning and budgeting; (iv) strengthening capacities of academicย and research institutions to conduct research and generate data to inform climate change adaptation strategies; v) increasing the technical capacity of relevant local government and sectoral line departments to plan and implement adaptationย interventions, asย wellย asย provideย climateโsmartย adviceย and extensionย servicesย toย localย communities;ย vi)ย implementing climateโsmart agricultural, fisheries and livestock practices, integrated water resources management andย watershed management measures; and vii) raising public awareness and capacity ofย local communities on the benefitsย of an ecosystemโbased approach to climate change adaptation. Overall, the LDCF resources will be used to intensify sub-national and local capacity building, climate actions, innovative adaptation strategies and increase the investments to reinforce national efforts to make Bangladesh a climate resilient nation, in line with its national priorities enshrined into Seventh Five Year Plan, the Delta Plan 2100 and SDG strategies.
The Community Development Assistant will work under overall guidance of National Project Director and Direct supervision of National Project Coordinator and receive guidance for day-to-day project activities from the PMU and District Field Office. They will be responsible for facilitating community mobilization and coordination of all project activities at the site level and will act as focal points for community mobilization.ย
ย Duties and Responsibilities
He/she will be responsible for the following tasks:
Provide Support to the Coordination
Support coordinate participating agencies/partners at the site level, working with partnersโ site-level representatives to implement project activities and complement ongoing activities. Assist and participate as a project focal with all concerned Government of Bangladesh (GoB) officials at Upazila and district levels, NGOs, and local government bodies.ย Support to organize and conduct monthly meetings, workshops, seminars, and other meetings in collaboration with Government, Stakeholders, and the District Committee on Environment and Forest Development and Disaster Management, and present monthly progress reports to the partners and PMU.ย Liaise as a project focal with local GoB and non-GoB service providers to establish strong linkages for acquiring services and to undertake advocacy campaigns on policy issues.ย Support organize programs for visitors as required.ยTraining and Awareness Programmes
Provide assistance to conduct training courses as per the work plan to AEZs.ย Prepare periodic awareness programs in consultation with team members and partners.ย Assist field-level workers of project partners in organizing awareness programs and workshops at AEZs;Institutional Development:ย
Help AEZ to build capacity to prepare adaptation initiatives and to access and make the best use of project funds;ย Support AEZs to improve their capacities to effectively raise issues of concern at the local level, and to act as advocates for community members during decision-making processes and to secure necessary support from the service providers.ย Aid and take part in organizing, strengthening AEZs as local adaptation organizations and coordinate with partner in integrating adaptation activities.ยMonitoring and Reporting:
Provide assistance to prepare concrete and verifiable targets for project activities,ย Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans for the project activities and integrate the same with other partners for the site.ย Prepare and submit monthly and all other types of progress reports and case studies on various surveys, good practices, and field programs.ยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Community Development Assistant will work under the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator of CCA into SD pathways at district level and provide support on programme activities, create strategic partnerships and reaching overall project and programme targets.ย
ย Competencies ย Core ย Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination:ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationย ยCross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition I. Business Direction & Strategy Business Acumenย
Ability to understand and deal with a businessย
situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a goodย
outcome Ability to make good judgments and quickย
decisions within such frameworks Knowledge andย
understanding of the operational frameworks in theย
organization II. Business Development
Knowledge Facilitation
Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange. III. Business ManagementResults-based Management
Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.Working with Evidence and Data
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making Partnership management CSO engagement Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs General (across the functions) Event planning and execution Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate. Administration & OperationsDocuments and recordsย
management
Overall document (hard or electronic) management;
registry and retention policy including storing and archiving ย Required Skills and Experience ย Education:
Secondary education is required. University degree (Bachelorโs degree) in Science, Biological Sciences, Natural Resource, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Disaster Management, Geography and/or relevant disciplines will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement. Experience: Minimum 4 years (with secondary education) or 1 year (with a bachelorโs degree) of work experience in vulnerability and adaptation needs assessments at the community level and regarding the formulation and implementation of community-based climate change adaptation measures.ยRequired Skills:
Experience mobilizing community members for development projects and activities;Desired Skills:
Experience working with the government, NGOs, Community Based Organization and other partners in the area. Familiarity with the administrative, social and environmental context of the Upazila.ย Preferably have close familiarity with the operations and rules of INGOโs.ย Ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders Capacity to work effectively under close supervision, as well as under minimal supervision Previous demonstrated experience working in a project team.ยLanguage:
Fluency in Bangla and English is required.ย Disclaimerย Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)ย
ย Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.ย
ย UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.ย
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Note: UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and people living with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.