Programme Specialist (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration)

New Delhi

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: New Delhi
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Environment
- Biology and Chemistry
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Project and Programme Management
- Natural Resource Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

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.

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.

Office/Unit/Project Description

The Energy, Environment and Resilience (EER) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, disaster management and resilience, and access to clean and efficient energy. The Unit supports the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India in achieving the country’s global commitments towards biodiversity conservation, species recovery and land restoration targets.

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration programme of UNDP is supporting the Government of India in meeting national development objectives along with commitments under important multilateral environment agreements especially the Convention on Biological Diversity. The programme has been supporting the MoEFCC in meeting its national priorities and global commitments. The technical and policy support provided by the programme focus on institutional strengthening and building capacities to utilize natural resources in a sustainable way, while increasing resilience to climate variability and associated risks and impacts.

The programme is also currently working on innovative financing mechanisms for ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. The portfolio supports India’s engagement with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and other donors; and works with Central Ministries and state governments to implement various projects on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration among others.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main Purpose:

UNDP seeks to engage a Programme Specialist to manage programme & projects in this area. S/he will be responsible for ensuring effective planning, implementation, and their monitoring and evaluation of the programme and projects. S/he will also be ensuring effective engagement and partnerships with key stakeholders to meet the programme objectives. S/he will be based at New Delhi, India. S/he shall work under the direct supervision of Head, Climate Adaptation, Natural resource and Biodiversity, UNDP India. As this is a full–time position, the Programme Specialist cannot hold any other assignments during this assignment.

Direct Reporting To1: Head, Climate Adaptation, Natural Resource and Biodiversity, NOC Overall Reporting To2: Senior Advisor and Team Leader, Environment and Climate Change, NOD Reportees to this position (if applicable):

National Project Officer, SECURE Himalaya Project
State Coordination Officer, SECURE Himalaya Project
National Livelihood Officer, SECURE Himalaya Project

Programme Development:

Develop concepts and proposals for leveraging financial and technical resources from government programmes
Develop proposals to mobilise resources from donors such as GEF, GCF and bilaterals; and corporates
Leads engagement with potential donors to identify and develop project ideas.
Facilitate cross thematic partnerships and build linkages of projects under the NRM and Biodiversity programme with other programmes of UNDP

Management and implementation of projects:

Ensure consistency and integration among the various programme elements and related activities provided or funded by various sources
Ensure smooth implementation of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration projects in accordance with the project documents and UNDP’s procedures
Contribute to the development of the annual work plans of all projects under the portfolio
Initiate and strengthen relationship with relevant stakeholders including relevant ministries, government agencies, and all project partners as well as UNDP regional technical team for GEF projects
Responsible for coordination and follow-up of project activities with technical agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the projects to ensure timely provision of inputs and achievement of outputs and deliverables
Provide technical input to the project activities where appropriate;
Work closely with and provide necessary support to the respective project management units for smooth, effective and timely implementation of projects
Analyse the situation in project(s) implementation, identify operational and financial problems, develop solutions
Initiating & forging strategic partnerships for strengthening policy, improved project outcomes & resource mobilisation.

Monitoring and reporting of projects

Prepare and support audit of projects and comply with audit recommendations
Monitor project indicators, targets and milestones of the projects.
Support the finalisation of the progress reports related to all projects in the portfolio such as Project Implementation Reports, Quarterly Progress Reports, Project Results Monitoring Pathway and Annual reports;
Support in conducting Mid-term review and Terminal Evaluation of the projects;
Ensure compliance of all projects with internal quality assurance (QA) protocols and timely update on internal system.

Communications and Knowledge Management

Support in development and implementation of communication strategy and action plan for all projects under the portfolio
Support development of knowledge products such as factsheets, brochures, publications etc.
Help create visibility of the projects through various platforms including events and social media
Facilitate sharing of knowledge and information within the project teams and across other teams

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management Competencies:

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction and Strategy:

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
UNDP Representation: Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituencies

Business Management

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Risk Management : Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

2030 Agenda:

Planet: Nature, Climate and Energy - Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Natural Resource Management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters’ Degree in Environmental Science/ Natural Resource Management/ or related field is essential or bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/ Natural Resource Management/ or related field would be given due consideration

Experience:

Master’s degree with 5 years or 7 years with Bachelor’s degree)of relevant experience of working on programmes and projects related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, natural resource management and environment management
Demonstrated experience of working with government departments at central and state level
Good understanding of environmental issues such as landscape approach, wildlife conservation, natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods
Good communication (written and oral), interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Proficiency in MS-Office, especially PowerPoint, Excel and Word; Advanced knowledge of spread sheet, database management and research skills will be an asset.
Ability to work independently and deliver time sensitive tasks assigned.
Willingness to travelextensively within the country
Experience of working with grassrootorganizations in the domain of conservation and development
Experience of working with international organizations and bilaterals

Required Languages:

Fluency in Hindi and English, in reading, writing, and speaking.

Note: Remuneration starting at INR 27,84,347 (Annual) / INR 2,32,029(Monthly) as per the salary scale depending on qualifications and experiences. The remuneration is excluding 8.33% pension amount paid over and above the salary

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

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.

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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This vacancy is now closed.