Background

The  GOI-UNDP project on “Enhancing Institutional and Community Resilience to Disasters and Climate Change” (2013-2017) aims to strengthen capacities of government, communities and institutions for disaster risk reduction including risks being enhanced due to climate change, and develop preparedness for recovery. The project with a total resource allocation of US$ 6.235 million is focussing on 10 multi-hazard prone states, 25 districts, 10 cities and 10,000 villages.

The main components of the project are: 

  • Mainstreaming DRR and CCA in Development Planning;
  • Urban Risk Reduction;
  • Technical Assistance and Capacity Building;
  • Support for Knowledge Management; and
  • Enhancing resilience of vulnerable communities to cope with disasters and climate variability by implementing scalable demonstrative pilot initiatives.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is designated as the implementing partner with the Joint Secretary (DM), MHA as National Project Director (NPD) for overall management of the project. UNDP is required to provide implementation support to the project. In this context, it is proposed to engage a Project Associate (Co-Ordination) to assist the Ministry of Home Affairs in the implementation of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Associate (Co-ordination) will be based in Delhi and would provide support to the National Project Director/JS (DM), MHA and Dy. National Project Director/Director (DM), MHA on various project implementation aspects.He/She will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy National ProgrammeDirector, and will:

  • Assist in day-to-day coordination as required for implementation of  the Project in close consultation with UNDP and various other responsible parties (states/cities);
  • Coordinate with the various Central Ministries and State Governments   for mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction(DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) into development planning;
  • Assist in collecting and compiling policy decisions and information from the Central Ministries/Departments on specific activities undertaken by them for mainstreaming of DRR and CCA in development schemes/programmes;
  • Assist inorganizing meetings/consultations with the relevant Ministries/Departments; State Governments and other stakeholders in connection with the implementation of the project;
  • Help in drafting technical notes, letters and other materials as required to seek government approval with respect to project implementation;
  • Assist in monitoring progress and highlight technical slippages, if any, to the attention of the NPD/Joint Secretary – DM Division, MHA), and Dy. NPD/Director – DM Division, MHA) for taking remedial measures;
  • Assist in keeping track of relevant financial transactions and their reporting as per the stipulated regulations with regard to audit and other statutory requirements;
  • Coordinate with Internal Finance Advisor of Ministry and UNDP to maintain suitable systems for smooth financial management of the Project;
  • Be responsible to support development of suitable financial provision in the government budget and assist in facilitating administrative approvals within MHA and with the other Ministries/departments such as DEA and CAAA, in full compliance with government as well as UNDP approved rules and guidelines, work plans, and approved budgets;
  • Provide support in review of deliverables received from the State Governments  and provide recommendation for the release of funds by UNDP to the state nodal agencies;
  • Assist NPD/Dy.NPD in effective qualitative and quantitative reporting including preparation of monthly physical and financial progress reports;
  • Assist in management of ongoing  disaster mitigation programmes such as strengthening of fire services, civil defence, earthquake risk mitigation etc. or any other task as assigned by NPD/Dy.NPD.

Impact of Results:

Identify the impact of key results across the project/office/organization.

The Key results have an impact on the success of the programme within the  area of cooperation.  In particular, the key results have an impact on the implementation capacity of the implementing partner, improved efficiency in delivery of UNDP inputs; and speedy implementation of programme activities within the agreed time frame

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;

  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the Unit;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in the subject area of the project, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

  • Builds strong relationships with project partners, focuses on impact and result for the partners and responds positively to feedback;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates stromg oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong IT skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Post Graduate degree insocial sciences, geography, environment, economics, urban/town planning,  management or relevant disciplines.

Experience: 

  • 10 years of experience with minimum 7 years of relevant experience, with regard to the implementation and management of projects;
  • Should have experience in working with the Government/ UN organizations;
  • Experience of working in the field of Disaster Management and/or  climate change adaptation will be an advantage;
  • Working knowledge of governmentprocedures and guidelines;
  • Computer literate, capable of working inMS office and Internet independently.

Language:

  • Fluency in English.