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.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 Green Climate Fund (GCF) project - on “Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities” supports the Government of India and the state governments in the project states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra, to enhance the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). The project combines GCF grant finance with significant leveraged co- finance from central and state governments to shift the paradigm towards a new approach, integrating ecosystem-centred and community-based approaches to adaptation into coastal management and planning by the public sector, the private sector and civil society.
The project supports the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and the nodal departments of the target State governments, to enhance the resilience of the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women, in the coastal areas of India to climate change and extreme events, using an ecosystem-centered and community-based approach in three target states. This project as well contributes towards the achievement of climate priorities outlined in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008), the State Action Plans, as well as commitments outlined in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (2015).
The Action for Climate and Environment portfolio at UNDP is currently working in various thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; disaster management and resilience; and access to clean and efficient energy. The project works at national, state and community levels to enhance capacities for ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and enable climate policy and finance shifts to catalyze climate action in all of India’s coastal states and union territories.
The project will enhance the resilience of coastal communities throughout India, through the implementation of interventions under the following inter-linked outputs:
- Output 1: Enhanced resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems and their services.
- Output 2: Climate adaptive livelihoods for enhanced resilience of vulnerable coastal communities; and
- Output 3: Strengthened coastal and marine governance and institutional frameworks for climate resilient management of coastal areas.
The above will be achieved through interventions outlined below in target landscapes in the three states - Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha:
- Protect and restore ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and coastal watershed.
- Help communities adopt climate-adaptive livelihoods and value chains.
- Mainstream EbA principles into coastal planning and governance, enabling intersectoral coordination for addressing climate risk across all of India’s coastal states.
The target districts and landscapes in Odisha are as follows:
District Landscape Ganjam Chilika-Ganjam, Bahuda
Puri Chilika-Puri, Mahanadi Mouth, Devi Mouth
Baleshwar Talasari
Kendrapara Bhitarkanika
Job Purpose and Scope of Work
The Communications Associate will be a part of the State project management team and will work under the direct supervision of the State Project Manager (SPM), UNDP and will work in close collaboration with the Communications Officer at the National Project Management Units (NPMU, New Delhi) and the Communications focal point in UNDP Country Office. S/he will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives in coordination with the state nodal agency (Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, Govt. of Odisha), when needed.
Main Purpose:
Communications Associate will act as the focal point in the state for the implementation of the communication and outreach strategy in all target landscapes of the state.
Duties and Responsibilities - Support in developing, editing and reviewing a wide range of relevant communications material focusing to a large extent on climate change and its impacts; ecosystem restorations and adopting sustainable livelihoods.
- Coordinate and sensitize the local media house (newspapers, radio, tv etc) of the state / district on periodically generating content for the target audience.
- Ensure quality assurance for publications, reports and media materials for UNDP India.
- Coordinate all translation work and ensure the best quality possible, in line with the audience needs and contexts.
- Assist SPM in planning and implementing digital media strategies for improved digital presence.
- Drafting/production of regular updates, press briefings, updates, infographics, presentations.
- Facilitating sharing of lessons between target landscapes on effective techniques for climate adaptive livelihoods, including through exchange visits between communities, with focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Assist CO Communications Officer in knowledge management and dissemination.
- Any other related task assigned from time to time by State Project Manager.
- The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Institutional ArrangementReporting To: State Project Manager (SPM), Odisha.
Reportees to this position (if applicable): NA
Competencies Core 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
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition Business development Knowledge Generation Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Digital and innovation Behaviour changes communication/communication for development Knowledge of appropriate digital communication methodologies for development and behaviour change, and ability to apply them practically
Business direction and strategy Business acumen Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.
Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks
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
2030 Agenda: Planet Nature, climate and energy Climate Change Policies: Governance / integrated planning for climate change investments
2030 Agenda: People Gender Gender mainstreaming
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA
Min. Education requirements Secondary education is required.
A university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Mass Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences or related fields will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of work experience at the National or State or International level in communications, public relations or advocacy.
Required skills Experience and good understanding of all aspects of project management.
Proven records of strong report writing, Presentation and Analytical Skills.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Experience of working with Central and/or State Government- Odisha /international agencies/ on similar assignments is desired.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge, and experience in handling of web-based management systems is desirable.
Work experience in Climate Change Policy Analysis, Climate Change budgeting, Gender Mainstreaming is desirable.
Demonstrated experience in handling digital media, publications/reports, developing media materials and strategies is an asset.
Required Language(s) Fluency in Odiya and English is required.
Professional Certificates NA
Remuneration starting at INR 10,81,948.92/- (Annual) / INR 90,162.41/-(Monthly) as per the scale depending on qualifications and experience. The remuneration is excluding 8.33% pension 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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