Background

UNDP Country Programme (2013-17) is aligned with the Government of India’s Twelfth Plan priorities and seeks to improve the effectiveness of national programmes and policies for disadvantaged regions and groups especially women, Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes, minorities, displaced persons and persons with disabilities.  UNDP’s partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) under “Governance and Accelerated Livelihoods Support” aims to strengthen the effectiveness of key Ministry programmes by providing (a) technical assistance to the state government and NGOs in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha to improve sustainable livelihoods with linkages to Panchayati Raj Institutions for governance in focus districts; (b) policy advice and technical assistance to the Ministry and the state governments to help improve the efficiency, accountability and inclusiveness of National Rural Livelihoods Mission and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme; and (c) policy advice and technical assistance to the Ministry and state governments to help “green” select schemes.

According to Census 2011, India has 55 million potential workers between the ages of 15 and 35 years in rural areas. At the same time, the world is expected to face a shortage of 57 million workers by 2020. This presents a historic opportunity for India to transform Indian rural youth into a powerful demographic dividend that can help realize the nation’s ambitious target of skilling 500 million by 2022 and contribute to its economic growth agenda. The Ministry of Rural Development, GOI is a critical partner to this national agenda and aims to contribute to the same through the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

The Project Executive (Roshni) will work under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Operating Officer (Roshni) and Programme Analyst, UNDP.  The incumbent will be primarily responsible for the work of Roshni projects.  The Project Executive will work towards attainment of the results envisaged by DDU-GKY- Roshni to the required standards of quality and within the constraints of time and cost. 

For this, s/he will ensure that the Roshni component of DDU-GKY:

• Delivers on its objectives; and
• Achieves its goals at state and district levels.

S/he will undertake any other task assigned by the COO (Roshni) and Programme Analyst, UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities:-

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief Operating Officer (Roshni) and Programme Analyst, UNDP, the Project Executive (Roshni)  has the responsibility for the following tasks:-

• Understand the needs and aspirations of the rural youth, particularly the poor and vulnerable in the Left-wing extremist affected districts;

• Execute the placement-linked skill development projects sanctioned under Roshni initiative in the identified left-wing extremist affected districts, as per the quality standards outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP);

• Provide inputs, based on extensive field visits to project area/training centres/placement locations, to enable improving the skill development programmes and training systems in left-wing extremist affected districts;

• Develop vibrant partnerships with various skill development organisations, the private sector, industry associations and sector specific employers’ associations in left-wing extremist affected districts;

• Coordinate various processes under the Roshni initiative, with the State governments and the Ministry of Rural Development including project appraisal, sanction, fund releases, monitoring and evaluation, training centre inspections, resolving the implementation issues etc;

• Build the capacities of the Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) and the State governments through the development and organisation of training modules at various levels;

• Assist in the development and improvement of the MIS systems to ensure effective and timely Monitoring;

• Assist the COO in the preparation of the quarterly and annual reports to be submitted to Government of India and UNDP;

• Perform any other related tasks consistent with the level of the post and/or assigned by the Chief Operating Officer (Roshni) and Programme Analyst, UNDP. 

Competencies

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of skill development and livelihoods promotion;

• Good understanding of development issues such as human development, inclusive development, gender, participation.

Building Strategic Partnerships

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

• Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

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

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

Self-Management

• Ability to work independently and under pressure;

• Establishes priorities for self, schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources;

• Works as a team member;

• Self-development, initiative-taking;

• Shares knowledge across the organization and builds a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;

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

• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

   

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:-

Graduate degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Political Science, others sciences, Rural Development, Development Studies or related fields.  Post-graduate degree diploma in these fields will be desirable.

Experience:-

• A minimum of 2years of experience in rural development, rural livelihoods, skill development and/or related fields;

• Experience of working in the Roshni project area is desirable;

• Experience in applying a rights-based approach to development programming.

Knowledge and Skills:-

• Proficiency in MS-Office, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Advanced knowledge of spread sheet, database and research packages will be an asset;

• Good analytical skills including skills in data analysis and report writing;

• Strong communication (written and oral) skills.

Language Requirements:-

• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Hindi.

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

Remuneration package is Rs. 75,457/- 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 is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.