Background

Joint UN Initiative for Ecosystem Management in the North East region - Mizoram

The Joint UN Initiative in Mizoram aims to support the state Government and communities in eco-system management and sustainable use of natural resources to promote livelihoods through different interventions in the field of horticulture, agriculture, non-timber forest produce, etc. The programme supports sustainable land and forest management, strengthening market linkages for bio-resource based products, with a focus on skill development.

This initiative will be undertaken by FAO, ILO, UNDP and UNIDO to support the state to:

  • Strengthen capacity of state government officials to mobilize resources from relevant sources;
  • Improve management and sustainable utilisation of natural resources, while conserving the biodiversity of the region;
  • Address common trans-boundary threats from pests, animal diseases to local vegetation and livestock;
  • Address issues of farm and non-farm employment;
  • Promote a mix of indigenous and scientific knowledge for addressing challenges in agricultural development.   

The UN joint initiative encompasses the following components:

  • Capacity needs assessment of the state government officials in resource mobilisation;
  • Assessment of markets for local horticulture, handicraft products and opportunities for women and local youth to promote community operated and managed natural resource based enterprises in sustainable manner;
  • Analysis of the legislative framework of the state forest to support a balance of conservation and livelihood promotion;
  • Analysis of the transboundary animal diseases prevalent in the state and provide appropriate remedial responses to such threats;
  • Training and skill development to increase the livelihood opportunities for youth and rural population, especially women, in select districts; and
  • Development and improvement of processing and production of locally available bio resources, especially bamboo. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Support the Mizoram Government in preparation of project proposals for mobilizing resources under relevant schemes and programmes;
  • Provide training to officials from different government departments in drafting project proposals;
  • Work closely with UN agencies working under the UN Joint Programme in Mizoram to develop strategies for programme implementation and management of activities initiated by respective UN agencies, and ensure regular monitoring and reporting;
  • Oversee and coordinate the process of programme implementation by interacting with country representatives and relevant officials and experts of FAO, ILO, UNDP and UNIDO;
  • Support and liaise with the NLUP Board, Secretary, Planning and Programme Implementation, Government of Mizoram and various state government departments for implementation of programme activities and capacity building efforts;
  • Maintain a log of issues that may require the decision from the UN lead agency, NLUP Board, PSC and State Counterparts;
  • Ensure technical and financial reporting (including audit) as per the guidelines of the project;
  • Preparation and timely submission of Annual Work plan, Quarterly and Annual progress reports and financial reports;
  • Undertake frequent visit to the project sites in Mizoram, and meetings with the UN country offices to ensure that the project activities are on track;
  • Coordination and supervision of work of PMU staff;
  • Provide support in organizing Steering Committee meetings;
  • Attend meetings with various departments and other partner agencies as and when required to further the project objectives and smooth functioning;
  • Any other duties assigned by the UN lead agency and Member Secretary, State Planning Board.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism.

Functional Competencies:   

Technical Expertise and Project Management Skills:

  • Familiarity with the development context in the state in relation to natural resource and ecosystems management;
  • Experience in project management and implementation and familiarity with project monitoring tools.

Results Based Programme Development and Management:

  • Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work;
  • Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points for integration;
  • Leads programme implementation to ensure activities contribute to strategic results and outcome.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

  • Identify critical points of integration across programmes in the state;
  • Identify capacity building requirements for partners;
  • Effectively builds and sustain strategic partnerships with Government departments and main constituents, advocate and communicate effectively.

Team Work:

  • Works collaboratively with team members sharing information and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
  • Proactively pursues solutions to team problems.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines – environmental economics, natural resource management, environmental sciences, social studies, and other relevant development fields.

Experience:

  • At least 8 years of relevant experience including at least three years in a leadership role/ supervisory capacity at the national or international level in the development sector (desirable);
  • Experience of developing projects proposals that have been approved by the donor agency;
  • Experience of working with Central and State governments;
  • Demonstrable experience with policy and programme management, especially in North East India;
  • Expertise in the use of computers and contemporary software packages;
  • Experience of working in north-eastern part of India, especially in Mizoram, will be considered as a distinct advantage.

Language:  

  • Fluency in English (required) and Mizo (desirable).

Remuneration package is INR 116,169/-(taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which includes medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for the 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.