Background

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India is in the process of creating an integrated roadmap for skill development in the country. This is being done in partnership with various ministries of the government. Skill development for both formal and informal sector is within the mandate of the ministry. It is collaborating with the corporate sector, civil society, skill training providers to realize the vision of a coordinated and harmonized ecosystem of skill development in the country.

To support Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the above areas of work, UNDP will be partnering with the Ministry in a number of ways. It is proposed to hire the services of a senior research executives who will be located in the Ministry and provide quality inputs in terms of research and implementation support in the rollout of various initiatives of the ministry.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Programme Analyst, UNDP. The incumbents will primarily be responsible for  the following functions:

  1. Review and monitoring of various ongoing skill development initiatives of the Ministry;

  2. Coordination with various government departments and ministries both at the state and national level in achievement of objectives and targets of skill development;

  3. Preparation periodic research brief on relevant issues related to skill development in India;

  4. Compilation and analysis of best practices, challenges, key debates in the global skill development landscape;

  5. Commissioning and supervising analytical research on issues related to skill development in India;

  6. S/he will undertake any other task consistent with the level of the post and/ or assigned by the supervisors.

 

Duties and Responsibilities (in line with summary of functions above)

  • Compilation and analysis of the skill development initiatives launched by the national and state governments;

  • Reviews of periodic reports received from various ministries and departments and prepare summary snapshots on the status of skill development in the country;

  • Independent assessment of emerging issues related to skill development in the country;

  • Identify thematic areas for further analysis and commissioning of research by eminent national and international institutions;

  • Organize and attend internal meetings, consultations, workshops, conferences, brainstorming sessions, meetings as required, and prepare briefing notes, minutes, follow up with other Departments in matters relating to skill development;

  • The researchers may be required to present research papers in these meetings;

  • Create an on line repository of research / published materials in areas of skill and entrepreneurship development and update it periodically;

  • Perform any other related tasks assigned by the supervisors.

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 and discrimination.

 

Core Competencies:-

  • Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity;

  • Demonstrates corporate knowledge and sound judgment;

  • Provides information and documentation on specific stages of programme implementation;

  • Acts as a team player and facilitates team work;

  • Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively;

  • Manages conflict;

  • Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;

  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex situations.

 

Functional Competencies:-

  • Generates new ideas and approaches, researches and documents best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;

  • Capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations; evaluates information accurately and identifies key issues for attention and necessary action;

  • Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with the Government Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies;

  • Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;

  • Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;

  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;

  • Demonstrates strong facilitation skills;

  • Focuses on impact and result for the client, builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;

  • Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;

  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

 

 

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:-

Post graduate / Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social work, and other Social sciences.

 

Experience:-

  • Minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in skill and entrepreneurship development and training, informal economy, work;

  • Experience of working with academia / think tanks / research institutions and suchwill be preferred;

  • Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills management and organizational skills;

  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, etc.). Advanced knowledge of spread sheet, database and research packages will be an asset;

  • Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;

  • High quality reports and knowledge products (samples may be requested as reference)

  • Ability to work independently and deliver under tight deadlines;

  • Willingness to travel.

 

Knowledge and Skills:-

  • Substantive knowledge of national and international skill development concepts;

  • Familiarity with the ongoing initiatives and debates in the skill development space;

  • Ability to writeclearly and consistently and prepare briefing notes based on secondary research;

  • Possess good knowledge of information technology tools and applies it in work assignments;

 

Language Requirements:-

  • Excellent command in spoken and written English;

  • Excellent drafting and verbal communication skills.

 

Please apply online by visiting www.in.undp.org (Quick link, Careers).

 

Remuneration package is Rs. 106,359/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which include medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for contract holder and encourages work life balance.

 

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. UNDP does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS status. All selection is on merit.