Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) being the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for development of STs. Various schemes and programmes are being implemented by MoTA such as Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Scheme (SCA to TSS); Grant under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India; Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students; Conservation-cum-Development Plan for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Support to Tribal Research Institutes, Grant in Aid to Voluntary organizations etc.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) has been established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas in order to enable them to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors. The schools focus not only on academic education but on the all-round development of the students. In order to give further impetus to EMRS, it has been decided that by the year 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an EMRS. Eklavya schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalaya and will have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development.

MoTA also provides with Grants-in-aid under Proviso to Art. 275(1) of Indian Constitution to bridge gap between Scheduled Tribe (ST) population and others by accelerating development of STs. It supplements the efforts of State Governments and is only an additive to State efforts for tribal development for plugging critical gaps in tribal areas.

One of the key interventions under the MoTA-UNDP project ‘Enhancing effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India’ is focused towards strengthening monitoring and implementation of schemes/programmes designed for tribal development, promoting e-governance for brining development and operational effectiveness; and demonstrative innovative, scalable, integrated development solutions in tribal dominated areas.

Within the scope of above, the Project Officer (EMRS and Grants) will provide technical and coordination support to Ministry of Tribal Affairs for improved governance and effective implementation of schemes of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) and Proviso to Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
Duties and Responsibilities

Project Officer (EMRS and Grants) will work under the overall supervision and direction of the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs & National Project Director (MoTA-UNDP Project) and report to his/her designate for day to day functioning and in close collaboration with the Chief Advisor, Strategic Planning and State Operations in UNDP.

  • Assist in implementation of the revamped model of Eklavya Model Residential Schools to impart quality education to ST children.
  • Manage and update EMRS portal for effective monitoring of establishment and functioning of EMRSs.
  • Coordinate with National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and States on the status of construction of new and functioning of existing EMRSs.
  • Update information on various portals including EMRS, ADIGRAM, LIMBS, OOMF, e-Samiksha etc.
  • Data analytic support for evidence-based monitoring of various schemes and programmes for tribal empowerment.
  • Coordinate and facilitate in organizing Project Appraisal Committee meetings including review of proposals from states, follow-up for addressing deficiencies, requirement of additional information, and drafting of minutes.
  • Coordinate with States for update of data on ADIGRAMS Portal, submission of physical and financial reports and preparation of reports/summary for review by the Ministry.
  • Contribute in preparation of Vision Document, Annual Plan, Output and Outcome Framework etc.
  • Assist in drafting various replies regarding Parliament Questions, Assurances, VIP references, Public Grievances, PMO References, RTI etc.
  • Prepare knowledge products, including background notes, working papers, briefings documents, presentations, good case studies etc.
  • Forge partnership with the academic institutions, Inter-governmental organizations, bilateral bodies, NGOs working in the areas of tribal empowerment.
  • Any other task assigned by the supervisor.
Competencies
  • Maintain effective relationships with project stakeholders.
  • Organize and priorities work to meet deadlines.
  • Prepare timely inputs.
  • High-level of IT/computing skills (minimum: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Good drafting and writing skills in English and Hindi.
  • Ability to work independently to fulfill assigned tasks.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Bachelors degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Development Management, Rural Development, Social Work, Public Policy from from national/international institutions of repute.
  • Masters degree in Social Sciences, Development Management, Rural Development, Social Work, Public Policy would be desirable.
Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant experience of working in the field of tribal development and governance.
  • Sound understanding of tribal development strategies and their functioning.
  • Domain knowledge in areas like governance, convergence, tribal affairs, and social inclusion will be preferred.
  • Experience in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and schemes for marginalized communities.
  • Experience of use of ICT based applications for e-governance.
  • Experience in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and schemes for marginalized communities.
  • Relevant experience in documentation and preparation of reports on development issues.
Language Requirement:
  • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential.
Travel:
  • The person is expected to travel to different States to monitor the implementation of schemes at the ground level, capture the good case studies as well for organizing consultations/workshop/cross learning events etc.
Disclaimer
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.
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