Project Associate – Communication

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. 

The success of SDGs in Uttar Pradesh has direct link to the localization of the goals due to the vast geographic and demographic specialty of the State.  There is a need for a strengthening data collection, coordination, reporting and validation of statistics on the SDGs under the Department of Planning. The Department of Planning is the nodal agency for coordinating and fast-tracking of SDGs in the State. The Department has finalized its State Indicator Framework (SIF) and District Indicator Framework (DIF) in accordance with the National Indicator Framework and has adopted them as per the needs of the state. There is a need to strengthen capacities to report on these indicator frameworks as well as coordinate between various departments/districts to provide accurate data to support the monitoring and measurement of progress of SDGs in the state. 

1. Office/Unit/Project Description 

UNDP has been playing the role of SDG integrator and provided support to the NITI Aayog and states of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland for SDG implementation and localization through SDG Coordination Centers. UNDP is proposing to set up an SDG Cell in Uttar Pradesh to provide technical support to the Planning Departments, build awareness and capacity of all stakeholders around SDG 2030 Vision of Uttar Pradesh, encourage data update at district and divisional level, and fast-track the achievement of the SDGs. The SDG cell will adopt following strategies to support the implementation and localization of SDG in the state:

• Dividing Uttar Pradesh in 5 zones for monitoring and coordination purpose regarding SDG implementation and localization 
• Baseline study on awareness and understanding regarding SDG, NIF, SIF & DIF at the district level and creation of 75 district SDG vision report 
• Creating of District SDG Monitoring Committee chaired by District Magistrate in each district supported by planning department staff available in the district 
• Creation of Information, Education and Communication products and messages and its dissemination through institutional mechanism in each Gram Panchayat, Urban Local Bodies, and district level staff
• Follow up with each department nodal officer for clearing the backlog of data entry in SDG dashboard portal 
• Capacity Building of department nodal officers at state level, nodal staff for each goal and department at district level staff on SDG, NIF, SIF & DIF

UNDP proposes to engage a Project Associate –– Communication to support the SDG Cell at Uttar Pradesh in its efforts to enhance development effectiveness by improving systems, tools and mechanisms for policy and strategy planning, reporting, monitoring, analysis, and evaluation. She/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Uttar Pradesh when needed

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze existing and emerging data gaps on SDG SIF and DIF and suggest corrective measures to planning department 
• Preparation of communication materials and other training manuals 
• Manage the social media platform and alternative communication methods
• Awareness on SDG Monitoring Framework with Department at districts level
• Creating framework for competitive ranking of Districts & Departments 
• Preparing progress reports, meeting minutes, consultation reports in district and divisional level
• Any other task assigned by Supervisor 

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 

Business Management -  Results-based Management   
Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results

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

Creative direction and copywriting  
Communication   Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way

Programme and Policy -  SDG Integration   
SDG monitoring and reporting

External Relations and Advocacy -  Event Planning & Execution   
Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.

Min. Education requirements   
•   High School certificate

Or 
•    Bachelor’s degree in development economics, statistics, public administration, public policy, or related social science field would be given due consideration

Min. years of relevant work experience    
•   At least 6  years’ experience of working on developmental solutions at the grass root level with high school or 3 years with Bachelors degree

Required  skills 

•   Work experience in SDG related monitoring framework or implementation will be advantageous 
•   Excellent communication skills.

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

•   Must have ability to write clearly and concisely, and have sound quantitative skills (managing, analyzing and interpreting data).
•   Experience on project management, good computer knowledge and Proficiency of MS Office.
•   Broad knowledge and understanding of development issues for the State of Uttar Pradesh. 
 

Required Language(s)    •   Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. 
Knowledge of local language is desirable.

Professional Certificates   Nil