Background

The XII five Year Plan of the government highlights that one of the primary reasons regarding the relative lack of success of Plan programmes is that these are designed in a top down manner and do not effectively articulate the needs and aspirations of the local people, especially the most vulnerable. It recognizes that since 2004, there has been massive transfer of funds to the PRIs. However, institutionally, the PRIs remain weak and they do not have the capacity to plan or implement programmes effectively. In order to overcome the challenges, the Twelfth Plan has proposed about ten-fold increase in funding allocation for strengthening of PRIs through a new scheme called the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA).
 
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and UNDP project “Strengthening Capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions” (2013-2017) aims at strengthening the implementation of RGPSA. It also focusses on providing institutional mechanism for strengthening the capacities for conducting effective gram sabhas, particularly in PESA areas.
 
This will be done through strengthening the National Project Monitoring Unit of RGPSA with Services of technical experts on key thematic areas identified by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. A network of national resource institutions will provide advisory services and institutional development support to MoPR on themes identified. This network will also support strengthening of State level Panchayat Resource Centres, the District Resource Centres and Mobilisers.
 
The Technical Officer, PRIs and Social Sector will be one of the technical experts to support the National Project Monitoring Unit. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the National Project Director (NPD) and Programme Analyst, UNDP.
 
Under the guidance and direct supervision of National Project Director and Programme Analyst, UNDP, the Technical Officer, PRIs and Social Sector has the responsibility for the tasks elaborated below.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Technical Officer, PRIs and Social Sector will be responsible for providing implementation support to MoPR in this thematic area of work. 

This post will be located in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The Technical Officer will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the National Project Director and Programme Analyst, UNDP. The Technical Officer, PRIs and Social Sector will be responsible for managing the project activities as per the approved Work Plan.
 
The underlying goal of RGPSA is to ‘strengthen the PRI and address critical gaps that constrain it’. The Technical Officer, PRIs and Social Sector will have the responsibility of supporting MoPR, State Governments, Panchayats and State and District Resource Centres etc., in identifying and designing strategies for Panchayats to undertake developmental activities in the social sectors, and address issues related to Elected Women Representatives (EWRs).  
 
The Technical Officer, PRIs and Social Sector will provide:
 
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO MoPR
  • Provide advisory services on the role of PRIs in promoting social sector development (such as health, education, woman and child development) and implementation support;
  • Establish linkages with relevant partners, including government ministries and departments (eg. – education, health, woman and child development) for ensuring that Panchayats are effectively able to implement the role expected of them in implementing social sector programmes;
  • Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing on the role of PRIs in social sector;
  • Provide advisory/handholding support to States as advised by MoPR;
  • Identify national and international practices on the effective role of local governments in social development.
  • Actively coordinate with project implementing agencies, other responsible parties and contracted institutions, monitor their activities, and collate feedback on progress in implementation. S/he will also be responsible for flagging any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures;
  • Develop a good documentation strategy, and maintain a database of relevant material produced by different civil society groups, governments and UN agencies;
  • Constitute an Advisory Panel of experts and facilitate annual strategic discussion meeting(s);
  • Coordinate with partner ministries and at national and state level;
  • Organise regular consultations/meetings/discussions and learning events on best practices.
Strengthening Capacity Building
  • Identify capacity development needs of implementing partners and arrange for necessary trainings. Facilitate technical assistance/support for project partners in all relevant areas as appropriate;
  • Prepare guidance notes for State Departments of Panchayati Raj, Panchayat Resource Centres and District Resource Centres on issues of Panchayats and social sector development.

Developing Knowledge Material

  • Ensure that knowledge products prepared are of high quality and are disseminated and used by the relevant institutions and stakeholders;
  • Identifying and collating national and international best practices and material that can be adapted by the States on the theme;
  • Conduct research studies; develop fact sheets and awareness generation material;
  • Use and develop innovative material for use of Panchayats.
Identifying and Collaborating with Institutions/Experts with Thematic Specializations
  • Identify and build network of resource institutions/experts/NGOs at the national and state level, as well as at the international level on PRIs and social sector development;
  • Develop a data base of institutions/experts/organisations and collaborate with them in making research material, design and conduct trainings.

Competencies

Corporate 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 favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop himself/herself professionally;
  • Shares knowledge and experience with the team and other stakeholders.
Leadership and Self-Management: 
  • Effectively builds and sustains strategic partnerships with Government Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies;
  • Builds strong relationships with the Project Management Team and with the project partners, focuses on impact and result for the project partners and responds positively to feedback;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Good communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Essential to have Master’s Degree in Social Sciences.
Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in the social sectors such as health education, woman and child development etc.
  • Thorough knowledge of the role of PRIs in social sectors;
  • Thorough understanding of gender related issues;
  • Sound knowledge and indepth understanding of challenges and working of PRIs and its structure. 
  • Ideally should have worked and engaged extensively in the social sectors and also with PRIs in any capacity. 
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point etc).

Language:

  • Proficiency in spoken and written English. A good command over Hindi is a must.

Note: 

  • Willingness to travel.