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 Centre for Policy & Good Governance (CPPGG) Uttarakhand has been set up to assist in bringing about governance reforms through studies, training, knowledge sharing and promotion of good ideas. CPPGG is deemed to act as the think tank in the State which will help in improving the research & analytics for preparing a better planning & policy framework. The think tank is presently functioning as an autonomous body with a governing council headed by Chief Minister and Chief Secretary and has experts from various prestigious institutions as members. The institution is mandated to identify the bottlenecks in the growth trajectory of the State and firm up solutions to address the same. UNDP will support the State Government in the technical empowerment of the CPPGG, Uttarakhand by recruiting sectoral experts in mutually agreed sectors which are beneficial for the economic growth of the State and manage the policy development for fostering economic growth and inclusive development through SDGs, under the leadership and guidance of Department of Planning. 

In the context of the above, UNDP Uttarakhand seeks to engage one Research Assistant to assist the experts at CPPGG with the preparation of status notes and way forward on Global Goals in Uttarakhand to be a part of the PMU in CPPGG and work closely with relevant government departments, technical agencies, UN agencies, civil society organization and academic institutions to provide the requisite impetus to the state government’s initiative in rolling out the SDGs and accelerating economic growth. The services of the Research Assistant is required in doing the desk research to work towards generating awareness on SDG VISION 2030 of Uttarakhand and help build necessary capacity amongst internal and external stakeholders. She/he will be assisting team members in developing, managing, co-coordinating, networking, implementing, and monitoring a communication and capacity-building strategy and associated products and activities on a regular basis with public audiences, with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, and generating support for the SDG VISION 2030 targets set by the Government of Uttarakhand. 

The Research Assistant would be placed at CPPGG, Secretariat, Uttarakhand.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in CSR and Private Sector engagement in SDG acceleration in Uttarakhand

  • Assist in planning CSR and Private sector workshops to align their work with SDGs.
  • Aligning CSR funds in the state with SDGs
  • Assist in mobilizing CSR funding for SDG acceleration as per Vision 2030 of the state.

Conduct research, collect data, organize meetings and coordinate with relevant stakeholders (CSR and others). 

  • Conduct primary and secondary research related to CSR as per the requirement of CPPGG and the Government for SDG integration and acceleration.                  
  • Coordinate with stakeholders and assist in organizing meetings, CSR workshops, CSR awards and CSR capacity development workshops.           

Compile background information on CSR at CPPGG and provide another desk research-related support. 

  • Collection of background information on various SDGs, priority thematic areas of the government related to SDG integration and acceleration.     
  • Analyze background information and interpret it into articles, draft policy briefs, etc.                             

Assist in technical support in SDG-related activities, such as aligning CSR budgets with SDGs, localization of SDGs, etc.

  • Assist in technical support to colleagues for CSR SDG-related activities i.e., communication, dashboard, capacity development, etc.        
  • Assist in aligning CSR budget with SDG i.e., CSR SDG Budgeting                  
  • Assist in integration of SDGs into CSR reporting.               

Data Entry and Analysis and developing SDG Indexes.

  • Assist in data entry into the SDG dashboard.
  • Analysis of data and its interpretation for compiling reports and briefs                      
  • Assis in developing SDG indexes and their monitoring.       
  • Assist in Training Plans and Packages to fast-track the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals Assist in implementing digital media and communication strategies for CPPGG.
  • The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization 

Direct Reporting To:   CSR and Private Sector Engagement Analyst, Uttarakhand

Overall Reporting To:    Chief Adviser – SDG Acceleration Unit

Reportees to this position (if applicable): NA

Competencies

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 
 

Business Direction and Strategy   
Strategic thinking - Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks

Business Management   
Evaluation - Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks -Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concern
Working with Evidence and Data - Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making

Business Development   
Knowledge Generation - Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results

Digital & Innovation   
Data analysis - Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Secondary education is required. 
  • A university degree (bachelors’ degree) in Economics, Development Studies, Social Science, Management, or a related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Minimum 4 years with secondary education or 1 year with bachelors’ degree of relevant experience in Desk Research with the Government at the national level or sub-national level.

Skills:

  • Good exposure to CSR mobilization processes, tools and techniques.
  • Experience working in CSR research work will be an added advantage.
  • Understanding and awareness about CSR.
  • Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Excellent analytical skills particularly with social processes.
  • Good communication and drafting skills
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.
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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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