Project Officer (Forest Rights Act)

Organization : Ministry of Tribal Affairs – UNDP Project ‘Enhancing Effectiveness of                                                      Tribal Development Programme in India’

Supervisor  : Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Programme Officer,                                                            UNDP

Duty Station :   New Delhi, Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Government of India has accorded high priority and adopted multifaceted development strategies to promote socio-economic growth of Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituting 8.6% of the India’s total population as their human development indicators with regards to health, education, gender and other indices are well below the national average.

The Government of India has enacted protective legislations such as - Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA); Provision of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996; and 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments for protection of rights of the most marginalized.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken several proactive steps in addressing various issues impeding the implementing of Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRA) by amending the Forest Rights Rules, issuing guidelines to States and providing need based clarifications to the states. Despite these affirmative actions, there have been challenges in implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006 at ground along with legal interpretations of FRA vis-à-vis other laws related to land displacement/alimentation.  In addition, there have been incidences of Act violations or misinterpretation of the various provision of Forest Rights Act 2006 by states while undertaking development projects in the forest areas.

Given the importance of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 to the lives and livelihoods of tribal communities, the partnership between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will contribute in building capacities of institutions and communities to fast-track implementation of FRA through technical, monitoring and legal support. Though implementation of Individual Forest Rights in a time bound manner will continue to be emphasized, recognition of Community Forest Rights and Community Forest Resource Rights will be the key area focus area.  In the post-rights phase, special effort will be made to facilitate community forest resource management and governance, provide basic infrastructure facilities and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities who have realized their rights under FRA.

Within the scope of above, the Project Officer (Forest Rights Act 2006) will provide technical support to Ministry of Tribal Affairs for effective implementation and monitoring of the Forest Rights Act and will report to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs & National Project Director (MoTA-UNDP Project) or his/her designate and will work in close collaboration with the Programme Officer, UNDP and other project team members.

• Technical support to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to strengthen effective implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006;
• Assist in development of mechanisms, systems and data generation & analysis for tracking and monitoring the implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006;
• Assist in management of Web-based FRA MIS to track progress on Forest Rights Act implementation
• Assist in compilation and preparation of state specific progress report on Act implementation;
• Assist in preparation of guidelines for convergence of schemes for FRA right holders; and methodology for correction of Record of Rights
• Assist in implementation of recommendations of various Committees, studies on effective implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006;
• Contribute in preparation of reports, including background notes, technical papers, presentations, knowledge products etc.;
• Assist in identifying research priorities and facilitate in conducting research studies;
• Assist in organizing capacity building workshops, consultations etc. to expedite recognition and management of rights under Forest Rights Act;
• Any other task assigned by the supervisor.

Functional Competencies

• In-depth knowledge on tribal and related interconnected issues
• Demonstrates competence in area of expertise relevant to development research. Possesses knowledge in the human development domain and keeps abreast of current developments and trends
• Analytical ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, relate and compare data from different sources, and to present analysis
• Ability to monitor and collect research data to access accuracy, validity, and integrity.  Ability to analyze statistics and other data.  Ability to interpret and evaluate results, and create reports and/or presentations
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills. Ability to communicate effectively regarding substantive issues. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve
• organizational and project goals
• Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders
• High proficiency in Microsoft office and use of internet

Results Based Orientation

• Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals; and;
• Demonstrates ability to generate innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Willingly shares knowledge and experience;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism
• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences or relevant field – development management, rural development, social work, public policy, from national/international institutions of repute.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience of working in the field of tribal development, social justice and governance
• Experience of working with on the protective legislation for tribal communities (Forest Rights Act, PESA etc.)
• Good understanding of tribal development related schemes and legislations
• Domain knowledge in areas like governance, convergence, tribal affairs, social justice and social inclusion
• Experience in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and schemes with focus on social protection for marginalized communities
• Relevant experience in documentation and preparation of reports on development issues

Language Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential

Remuneration package is INR. 115,741/-per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which include medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for contract holder and encourages work life balance to its employees.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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