Mission and objectivesAs 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. UNDPโs 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 Indiaโs national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027), builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios: โข Strong, accountable, and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs โข Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized โข 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.
ContextThe 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 โSustainable management and restoration of degraded landscapes for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in Indiaโ. 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 a Project Associate to support the MoEFCC (National Project Management Unit) in implementation of the project. S/he will work under the supervision of IGF, MoEFCC (National Project Director โ NPD) and shall be part of NPMU.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of National Project Director, the Project Associate will perform the following tasks: โข Assist in the preparation of documents related to project, file notes, reports, and presentations for NPMU and UNDP. โข Organize and maintain project files and records. โข Coordinate project meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and taking minutes. โข Handle routine correspondence and communication of the NAEB /GIM Division at MoEFCC where the project is anchored. โข Provides administrative and cooperation support on implementation of project to the National Project Manager and Project Director. โข Ensure regular communication and coordination within the National Project Management Unit, State Project Management Unit, UNDP and MoEFCC with respect to project activities. โข Support National Project Manager in preparation of National / State-specific Annual Work Plans, including monthly targets and deliverables as well as annual spending targets in accordance with the Project Document. โข Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistics for project staff and stakeholders. โข Coordinate procurement of project supplies and equipment. โข Manage project inventory and assets. โข Maintain up-to-date files and records of project documentation. โข Provide logistical support for workshops and other meetings as tasked by the National Project Manager and Project Director. โข Follow-up with the Budget and Accounts Division in the Ministry and CAAA, Ministry of Finance in submission and processing of monthly, quarterly and annual Face Forms, UCs and Reimbursement claims from the States. โข Processing documents related to GIA budget to the states, assist in budget tracking and financial reporting. โข Process invoices, expense claims, and other financial documentation. โข Support the timely preparation and submission of annual progress reports, donor reports, project reviews, financial reports, audit reports and any other required project reports.
Competencies and valuesโข Accountability โข Adaptability and Flexibility โข Building Trust โข Commitment and Motivation โข Commitment to Continuous Learning โข Communication โข Creativity โข Ethics and Values โข Integrity โข Planning and Organizing โข Professionalism โข Respect for Diversity โข Self-Management โข Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksThe 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. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator For information specific to your assignment, please see below: โข Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 51,969.20 โข Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 (equivalent in INR) โข Relocation costs: $200 at beginning and end of assignment if duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV) โข Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): INR 5,413.46 for each month served, paid on completion of contract โข Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts โข Annual leave: 2.5 days per month โข Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources For more information on entitlements, please read the Conditions of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).