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), 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: 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 re-duced 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.
ContextIndia with only about 2.4% of the total land mass of the world and close to 18% of the worldโs population โ is already under tremendous stress to ensure a sustainable development pathway for itself. Moreover, the effects of climate change are not experienced equally the greatest impacts are on the most vulnerable populations, including those dependent on rainfed agriculture, socio-economically disadvantaged groups, and marginalized communities Climate change poses a severe threat to India's agricultural sector, where 58% of rural households rely on farming, and 80% of them are smallholder farmers with less than two hectares of land. These communities are especially vulnerable, with over a fifth of small-holder households living below poverty line. Climate variability such as fluctuating rainfall, extreme temperatures, & declining groundwater will significantly affect food security, nutrition, & livelihoods. Scientific findings, including the IPCC 2022 report, emphasize that agriculture is one of the sectors most impacted by climate change, leading to diminished productivity & economic hardships. The loss in annual farm income due to climate change is estimated to range from 15% to 18%. Addressing these challenges requires integrating climate considerations into existing policies and programs, particularly at the district & Gram Panchayat levels. However, many local institutions lack the expertise and resources to assess climate vulnerabilities and in-corporate mitigation strategies. This gap is critical as climate change disproportionately affects poor communities, reducing their ability to adapt. Strengthening institutional capacities and adopting innovative technologies is essential for improving resilience in food and farm systems to prevent food supply shocks and secure livelihoods in the face of on-going climate crises Project โLocalizing Data Science for Climate Change (CC) Adaptationโ focus towards creating a model of CC adaptation action that takes into consideration local knowledge that is further strengthened by scientific information on CC impacts and the required actions to mitigate these climate related challenges. The premise being that local knowledge needs to be better understood and evidenced throughout the adaptation process for better representation of the needs of small-scale producers Additionally, the prevalence of women work-force in agriculture and the key roles they play in climate adaptation, and their expertise and strengths are crucial for improving climate adaptation strategies and helping entire communities survive the overwhelming impacts of climate change. The socioeconomic development of the countries largely depends on the optimal utilization and management of natural resources, including water, along with a package of practices (PoP) on sustainable and resilient agriculture. It is extremely important to devise a strategy to understand the impacts of climate change on the specific region/sector, communities, women, and groups living in vulnerable conditions, and generate a knowledge base for improved adaptation measures. Government, both Central and State, have taken a lot many initiatives to overcome these challenges in the field of Agriculture and livelihoods but still there are weak areas and these need to be overcome with an amalgamation of local knowledge and science-based interventions and outcomes of this be brought to the knowledge of policy makers and officials to scale them up.
Task DescriptionThe Research and Knowledge Associate will support research, documentation, and policy processes to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and resilience efforts. They will facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops, ensuring inclusive participation and promoting gender-responsive approaches that reflect the needs of women, and marginalized groups. The role also involves developing concept notes, guidance materials, and project documents while embedding gender equality, equity, and sustainability considerations. โข Conduct research and data analysis on climate-resilient agriculture, adaptation practices, with a focus on capturing social and gender dimensions. โข Develop knowledge products including concept notes, guidance documents, and project reports to support programme implementation and advocacy. โข Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring inclusive participation of women, and marginalized groups, and documenting key insights. โข Support the drafting of procurement-related documents (ToRs, RFPs, evaluation criteria) and contribute to the assessment of bids and consultant applications, embedding equity and inclusivity considerations. โข Assist in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes by developing gender-responsive indicators, compiling project data, and preparing progress reports for internal and donor requirements. โข Strengthen institutional knowledge-sharing mechanisms by capturing lessons learned, good practices, and success stories for dissemination at national and state levels. โข Support conducting evidence-based research and providing inputs to align project activities with national and state climate action frameworks. โข Coordinate with implementing agencies and state-level partners (such as SRLMs, State Skill Development Missions, Agriculture and Planning departments) to ensure smooth de-livery of project activities. โข Provide technical and documentation support to the Sustainable Just Transition Taskforce and UNDP teams for advancing inclusive, community-driven, and science-based climate solutions.
Competencies and valuesโ Adaptability and Flexibility โ Commitment and Motivation โ Commitment to Continuous Learning โ Communication โ Creativity โ Ethics and Values โ Integrity โ Knowledge Sharing โ Planning and Organizing โ Professionalism โ Self-Management โ Vision โ 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, infra-structure, 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. 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: โข The Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) will be INR 112,590.46/- per month โข Exit allowance for each month served, paid on successful completion of the contract: INR 9,383 โข The UN Volunteer is not eligible for entry lumpsum or travel costs โข Health insurance will not be provided to dependents of the UN Volunteer โข Access to UNV learning will be restricted to mandatory courses and free-of-charge learning resources provided by UNV. For more information on entitlements please read the Conditions of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).