Project HR & Admin Officer

Background  
 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  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 ‘leave no one behind’ 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.  
 
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.

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 new Country Programme (2023-2027) 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. 

Project Description 

The Government of India’s flagship schemes KCC/MISS and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have become important tools to strengthen the resilience of Indian farmers. The schemes ensure maximum benefits for the farmers by providing credit under 5 categories and financial risk protection against natural calamities and catastrophic events including pests, climate uncertainties and environmental shocks. To address agrarian distress, the Kisan Credit Card/ Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide cheap and hassle- free credit for millions of farmers and to ensure continued investment into agriculture to bring in mechanization, modernize agriculture practices and eventually enhance productivity. Additionally, PMFBY also provides comprehensive risk coverage for the entire crop cycle, PMFBY also enables direct claim transfer into farmers’ accounts through e-remittance.

UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2023-2027) intended Outcome 2 states that “By 2027, people will benefit from and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth through higher productivity, competitiveness and diversification in economic activities that create decent work, livelihoods, and income particularly for youth and women”. UNDP leverages its expertise in systems strengthening to support the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare (MoA&FW) through setting up of a Central Program Management Unit (CPMU) for the implementation of PMFBY and KCC, to improve institutional and programme responsiveness, increase coverage and better access among marginalized and excluded farm households, offering innovative measures and support mechanisms for Agri-value chain financing. The PMU will also focus on providing Capacity Building and Training support to participating state-level government departments involved in PMFBY and KCC and advancing the scheme among new states for improved uptake.

Job Purpose
The Project HR & Admin Officer - Technical Support Unit will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the National Programme Director - CPMU. The Project HR & Admin Officer will also work in close collaboration with the Head of HR and UNDP CO HR team members.  S/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Joint Secretary & CEO, DoA&FW, MoA&FW when needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Human Resources Management 

• Design and implement the recruitment strategies and hiring of the Project positions in coordination with the Country Office HR recruitment focal point and GSSC;
• Lead and oversee talent acquisition efforts, ensuring timely fulfillment of critical project positions and maintaining a robust talent pipeline;
• Prepare and finalize the Terms of Reference (TOR), recruitment strategy and all recruitment related documents; 
• Ensuring gender parity, support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives during recruitment and hiring process;
• Manage and Oversee employee on-boarding, orientation, and training programs to ensure smooth integration of new hires into the organization;
• Establish performance benchmarks and oversee the implementation of performance management systems to ensure alignment with organizational and project objectives;
• Guide supervisors and staff in setting and achieving performance goals, addressing under-performance constructively. In co-ordination with the Central HR team, provide guidance on the PMD process and ensure that PMD is completed as per UNDP corporate deadlines; 
• Act as the 2030 People Champions focal point from the project and support to and execute a comprehensive capacity-building plan, addressing project-specific needs while aligning with People 2030 goals;
• In consultation with Head of HR and Learning and Talent Management Associate, introduce innovative learning initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth;
• In consultation with the Head of Human Resources, support in the implementation of a robust grievance redressal mechanism to address employee concerns effectively and equitably
• Serve as the primary point of contact for conflict resolution and foster a workplace culture of trust and inclusivity; 
• Act as a liaison between the project and the Country Office, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration on HR-related matters, policy implementation, and compliance;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Project team in compliance with UNDP and Government requirements;
• In consultation with Head of HR, provide advise / guidance to project team members on application of UNDP HR policies and procedures in context of project implementation activities;
• Align the adaptation of e-tools implemented by UNDP CO for the management of Project HR and Admin functions;
• Develop contingency plans for HR challenges, such as workforce disruptions, and ensure readiness to manage crises effectively.

2) Operational and Administrative Support

• Manage and oversee the operational and coordination support for implementation of project activities; 
• Provide strategic guidance to the Project Management Unit (PMU) to enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless administrative functioning;
• In line with the UNDP policies and in consultation with UNDP Admin team, develop and implement comprehensive asset management policies to ensure all organizational assets, including equipment and fixed or moveable properties, are adequately insured and efficiently utilized;
• Ensure timely completion of formalities in respect of MHA guidelines (securing entry-pass for employees/ visitor and goods);
• Directs and coordinates the local implementation of Project Office IT operations, ensuring alignment of IT services with the business needs of the area(s) and adherence to established project management principle and best management practices.

3) Logistics and Event Coordination 

• Lead the planning and execution of travel logistics and accommodation for project staff and stakeholders, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with corporate policies and procedures; 
• Oversee the organization of workshops, seminars, and training programs, ensuring alignment with UNDP corporate procedures and delivering high-quality experiences for participants. Coordinate with government officials and other stakeholders for organizing virtual meeting/conferences/workshop etc. as and when needed.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement
The Project HR & Admin Officer will report to the National Programme Coordinator.  
 
Competencies

Core Competencies

• 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 improvements.
• 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 flexible.
• Act with Determination:  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 discrimination.

Functional/Technical competencies

Ethics

• UN policy knowledge- ethics: Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. 

Business Management: Result-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.

Business Development: Knowledge Generation

• Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. 
• Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. 

Business Management: Communication

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.  
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. 

Business Management

• Resource Management: Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability and integrity. 

Business Direction & Strategy

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
   

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Commerce, Business Administration, HR or related fields is required;
• A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional in Government institutions and Liaison with multiple departments or other international development organizations.

Required skills:

• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the organization.

Desired skills:

• Additional years of work experience in administration & human resources experience in programme support service in the development sector;
• Basic knowledge of Information Technology hardware & software;
• Should have computer knowledge in MS  Office and  other applications such as Govt E-filing, and ERP systems.  

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Hindi is required. 

Disclaimer              
 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  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.

Non-discrimination
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.  
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. 

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