Youth Mobiliser for Sustainable Waste Management

As 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. UNDP’s 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.

The Plastic Waste Management Project is designed to minimize negative impacts and risks to environment and human health in India. The aim is to enhance sustainable plastic waste management (segregation/collection/recycling) practices through a socio-technical model in line with Swachh Bharat Mission in India, while ensuring compliance with regulations and ensuring improved use of resources. The project targets institutionalization of waste pickers (safai sathis) through improved governance mechanisms, capacity building and improved social conditions. The project also targets community engagement to enhance responsible waste disposal behaviour, and cross-stakeholder engagements for improved action on plastics.

To achieve the project objective and outcomes, the project is structured in 4 components.

• Component 1 aims to develop, support, and implement an economically sustainable model (ESM) for packaging plastic waste management.
• Component 2 focuses on design and implementation of Pilots in Material Recovery Facilities (Swachhta Kendras) for improved plastic waste management in administra-tive wards of selected cities.
• Component 3 is directed mainly to design, sustain, and provide elements to institu-tionalize Swachhta Kendras in governance bodies and to obtain improved socio-economic conditions for waste pickers; and
• Component 4 aims towards developing knowledge management, monitoring and communication mechanisms based on in-built adaptive feedback system during the project duration

Within the framework of Plastic Waste Management, Utthaan Helpline, an initiative by UNDP, shines as a beacon of support and empowerment for Safai Sathis (waste workers). With a dedicated focus on social inclusion and enumeration assistance, Utthaan Helpline addresses the diverse needs of Safai Sathis and their families. By providing essential support and guidance, it facilitates Safai Sathis' access to social security schemes in India. Serving as a vital lifeline, Utthaan Helpline connects Safai Sathis to opportunities, ensuring they can access social security schemes and benefits, transforming lives and leaving no one behind.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, PWM and overall guidance of Project Manager, PWM, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the NAMASTE Helpline, Tech & innovation and Zero Waste Campus initiative.
• Identifying Youth club functionaries and organizing training programmes with specific focus on Safai Sathis (waste workers) welfare under the UNDP’s Utthaan Initiative.
• Preparing the Action plan of programmes and activities, on engagement of youth for promotion of Utthaan Helpline and citizen engagement on Safai Sathis (welfare under the UNDP’s Utthaan Initiative.
• Coordinating with Youth Clubs/NGOs to create a youth lead campaign on social inclusion of Safai Sathis and Garbage Free cities with specific focus on plastic Pollution.
• Identifying Youth change makers and run digital campaign on creating awareness on social inclusion of Safai Sathis and support the project activities on ground.
• Coordinate with the Utthaan Helpline for smooth implementation of the Helpline initiative, responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the helpline initiative.
• Regularly collect and analyse data to measure the effectiveness of projects, making necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on the social inclusion policies, programs, and initiatives launched by the Government of India. Analyse the objectives, target audience, and expected out-comes of these initiatives. Coordinate with the Utthaan Helpline team to align their initiatives with the social inclusion programs set forth by the government.
• Build partnerships and networks with organizations working towards similar goals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Preparing documentation and circulation of supportive and publicity material, maintenance or records and reports. Prepare accurate and timely reports for internal and external stakeholders.