Project Officer - Forest Rights Act (FRA)

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. 
 
Organizational Context 

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.

Office/Unit/Project Description 

SC & ST Department, Government of Odisha is the nodal department for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for development of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The department has accorded high priority and adopted multifaceted development strategies to promote socio-economic growth of the STs. Specific interventions are being implemented including implementation of protective legislations such as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The programmes and schemes for tribal people are intended to support and supplement the efforts, primarily of other state departments to fill critical gaps within institutions and programmes, considering the situation of STs. These schemes comprising of economic, educational, and social development through institutional building, are administered by the line departments. Notwithstanding numerous developmental interventions, the STs continue to face developmental deficits with respect to health, education, livelihood, development infrastructure as well as other socio-economic indices, many of which are well below the national average.

The SC & ST Department, Government of Odisha is committed to providing equitable access to opportunity for the tribal communities, through participatory approach and adoption of innovative methods including e-governance and increasing use of technology to provide strategic inputs into the development process. To accelerate the implementation of the development agenda for the tribal communities and strengthen the institutional delivery systems at the State and district level, it is important to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of the officials and stakeholders to deliver on the issues related to tribal empowerment and create robust systems for monitoring and implementation of the SC & ST schemes of the Central and State government.

The Department is working in collaboration with UNDP to fast-track development in difficult geographies inhabited by tribal populations, enhancing capacities of government functionaries and expanding opportunities for better livelihoods, health and education to vulnerable tribal communities.

Job Purpose and Scope of Work

Main Purpose:

UNDP proposes to hire a Project Officer-FRA to provide technical support to the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha for effective implementation and monitoring of the Forest Rights Act 2006. 

The Project Officer - FRA will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the State PMU Coordinator, in close collaboration with Project Analyst, Tribal Rights, UNDP with functional support from the State head of Office, UNDP Odisha and the project team members and day to day supervision on the implementation issues with the Government of Odisha. S/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives in coordination with the Government of Odisha.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate effective planning and implementation.

• Provide technical support in preparation of action plan to the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha to fast-track implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.(FRA);
• Guide and support in development of mechanisms, systems and data generation & analysis for tracking and monitoring the implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006;
• Guide in roll out of the FRA digital portal in the State and ensure that all data and reports are captured effectively;
• Undertake and prepare research and background materials for developing guidelines for convergence of schemes for FRA right holders, and other provisions of FRA ;
• Facilitate in providing technical inputs for recommendations of various Committees, preparation of policy briefs/status reports, guidelines, clarifications, designing specific interventions etc. for effective implementation of Act and promoting livelihood programmes for FRA right holders;
• Lead in preparation of reports, including background notes, technical papers, presentations, knowledge products etc.; and assist in identifying research priorities and facilitate in conducting research studies;
• Undertake compilation and preparation of state/district specific progress report on implementation of Forest Rights Act.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy.

• Organize capacity building workshops, consultations etc. to expedite recognition and management of rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006;
• Bring in technical knowledge in preparation & issuance of guidelines, facilitative circulars/orders, policy briefs & legal clarifications;
•  Prepare state annual action plan on training and capacity building based on need assessment of different stakeholders involved including FRA cells at the district and below;
• Technical support in preparation and review of training resource materials (modules, manuals, SOPs etc.) catering to the training needs of different stakeholders;
• Ensure Gender specific results and monitoring of the FRA implementation in the State;
• Support the  State department in identifying villages and monitoring of CFR management plans and their implementation;
• Identify and facilitate documentation of human impact stories, good case studies, project success and challenges and innovative models;
• Prepare any relevant documents to support the necessary capacity development activities.;
• Prepare a monitoring framework for the status, results, and milestones for the capacity development;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and management, producing and disseminating lesson learnt from designated projects and support to the promotion of cross-project, cross-unit knowledge.

Establish partnerships and open channels of communication.

• Institutional mapping of different stakeholders in the state, working on different issues/ levels/areas on Forest Rights Act and Tribal development;
• Identify and map different resource persons available at the State and other regions for supporting the capacity building programmes on FRA, PESA and other Tribal development issues ;
• Ensure that project contributes to the promotion of gender equality by reaching, involving and benefiting both women and men in its activities (gender mainstreaming).

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

Institutional Arrangement

Reporting To: Project Analyst, Tribal Rights, NPSA 9

Reportees to this position (if applicable): Nil

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 

• Strategic Thinking - Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions
• Business Management - Project Management-Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Partnership Management - Multi stakeholder engagement and funding-Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms
• Business Management - Partnership Management-Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Digital -Story telling - Ability to empathize with people's perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental models and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly. Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilize resources, talent or action. Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences.
• Partnership Management - CSO Engagement- Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs 
• Business Management - Monitoring & Evaluation -Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
   

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• An advanced university degree (master´s degree or equivalent ) in Foresty, Anthropology, Rural Development, Development Studies, Sociology, Social Work or related field is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree,

Experience:

Min. years of relevant work 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 experience in capacity building on protective law relating to Tribal Rights and Developments. 

Required skills 

• Proven experience and domain knowledge in areas like governance, convergence, tribal affairs, social justice and social inclusion;
• Proven experience in leading comprehensive capacity building programmes, design, and delivery;
• Experience in establishing, building, and sustaining effective relationships, partnerships, and alliances, advocate effectively and communicate sensitively. 

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

• Working experience in Government or relevant multilateral institutions;
• Demonstrated experience of working with on the protective legislation for tribal communities (Forest Rights Act, PESA etc.);
• Experience in policy analysis and planning related to Tribal issues, Natural resource governance;
• Experience in tribal development, monitoring of schemes and programmes; 
• Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming;
• Demonstrated ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource is desired. 

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in English and Odiya 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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