Project Specialist

Background
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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 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.

Context: 
The livelihood of a large proportion of India’s population—as the largest private enterprise with ~138 million farm families with an 18% contribution to national GDP—is at risk. Any shock on agricultural production already has social and financial repercussions for both the population and the country as a whole; it impacts rural income levels, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and, in the worst years, poverty rates.

The Government of Odisha (GoO) is focused on doubling farmers income and farmers’ well-being by addressing the constraints, optimal usage of available natural resources and using technology to ensure a growth that is environmentally, economically, and technologically inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. The GoO, to enhance and diversify agricultural production, enhance climate resilience, and improve water productivity in partnership with the Government of India is implementing the World Bank assisted project “Odisha Integrated Irrigation will go a long way in ensuring livelihood security and poverty alleviation through sustainable and community-based management of forests contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. IPCC has also acknowledged that tenurial security over community resources and land can play a significant role towards achieving climate justice.

Project Description:

Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA): The project OIIPCRA is multi sectoral in nature and will be jointly implemented by three line-departments, i.e., (1) Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha, (2) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Government of Odisha, and (3) Department of Fishery and Animal Resource Development, Government of Odisha, with clearly defined role and responsibilities.

Project Objective: 

The objective of the current project is to provide technical support to the government in its effort to improve economic resilience of farm households to climate risks and natural disasters through intensification and diversification of agricultural production, enhanced climate resilience, and improved water productivity in selected districts of Odisha. It is expected that the Technical Support Unit will support the implementation of the OIIPCRA by developing implementation modalities

Scope of work

Main Purpose:

UNDP proposes to engage a Project Specialist in Bhubaneswar for good quality documentation and handling of social media accounts of OIIPCRA project. S/He will be a part of the Project Management Unit to be established within the office of Directorate of Agriculture and will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Bhubaneswar, when needed.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 

Documentation

• Preparations of good quality PPT/Short Note/ Compliance report etc.
• Prepare plans for documentation of the project implementation at the field level.
• Coordinate with Joint Director Agriculture (Information) for proper documentation both Photos & Videos of the project.
• Develop ways to measure and analyse the Project progress and document the achievements.
• Data Interpretation and analysis of Project Output as and when required.

Ensure the preparation of good quality documentation of Project Activities
Data Management & Communication
 

• Developing schedules and methods for measuring results
• Co-ordinating for project schedules, resources and information for achieving the Project targets 
• Handle social media accounts of OIIPCRA.
• Maintain the date base of OIIPCRA Project
• Stay up to date with current technologies and trends in social media and advise for its application.
• Interact with beneficiaries and prepare success stories/clips of OIIPCRA Project for dissemination.
• Communicate with social media followers, inform the officials and respond to queries in a timely manner
• Keeping track of delivery against planned project results and financial delivery target
• Gathers data and generates report on the project progress and performance.

Co-ordination

• Coordinate with different officials from time to time for better implementation of the project.
• Monitoring of Project progress and ensures Project deadlines are met
• Maintain up-to-date project files and project documents and provide timely information requested by the Government.
• Follow-up with Districts for obtaining monthly & quarterly reports from the field.
• Co-ordination with different stakeholders for better implementation of the Project. Any other work will be assigned as and when required.

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

Institutional arrangements

Reporting To: Chief Advisor, Strategic Planning and State Operations, NOD

Repotees to this position (if applicable): NA

Competencies

1. Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision making Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
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
Business Management Communication

Ability to 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 Digital Awareness and Literacy Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed
Communications Media Relations

Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages. 

Digital & Innovation

Social media Knowledge of social media and ability to advise the use of social media for development outcomes
Administration & Operations Documents and records management Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirement

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science/Computer application/M. Tech is required or
   
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) (B.Tech) in Computer Science/ Bachelor’s in computer application in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant work experience 

• Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of experience in Project management, data management/ communications or administration work.

Required skills 

• Has good Knowledge on Data interpretation, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PPT, Documentation, etc 
• Holds Significant working experience in Government or relevant multilateral institutions. 
• Demonstrates strong analytical reporting and writing skill
• Ability to establish, build, and sustain effective relationships, partnerships, and alliances, advocate effectively, and communicate sensitively. 
• Has the ability to identify problems and propose solutions will be an added advantage

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• A sound knowledge of Program documentation and data reporting skills
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet, e-mail applications etc.
• Experience in data analysis and presentation
• Has experience in working with varied stakeholders especially government and technical agencies.
• Excellent organization and time management skills, with superior attention to detail, is desirable.
• Has a sound knowledge of data analysis and interpretation skills
• Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource.
• The incumbent would be required to undertake travel within the State of Odisha, as and when required 

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in English & Odia is required.

Professional Certificates NA
The monthly remuneration is 81,821/- which including 8.33% pension i.e. the amount paid over and above the salary. 
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
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. 
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.
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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