Background

The Project’s (Improve Mercury management in India) objective is for the Government of India to undertake a Mercury Initial Assessment (MIA) to determine the national requirements and needs for the ratification of the Minamata Convention and establish a national foundation to undertake future work towards the implementation of the Convention.

The Minamata Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects of mercury. The major highlights of the Minamata Convention on Mercury include a ban on new mercury mines, the phase-out of existing ones, control measures on air emissions, and the international regulation of the informal sector for artisanal and small-scale gold mining.

To facilitate the early entry into force of the Convention, a Mercury Initial Assessment (MIA) will allow a country to collect information to determine what is needed in order to ratify the Convention and, subsequently, to provide a basis for any further work towards implementation.  As such the development of a country’s MIA will assist a country in taking its decision to ratify and notify the convention in accordance with article 7; to develop its National Implementation Plan in accordance with Article 20; and to prepare a national plan to reduce emissions of mercury in accordance with Article 8.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Director-MOEFCC and Programme Associate-UNDP the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  • Assist in finalizing  the project document (Prodoc)
  • Coordinate in organizing the launch workshop for the project
  • Assist in the planning of project activities and preparation of annual work plans (AWP)
  • Coordinate with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) and other stakeholders of the project
  • Coordinate meetings, workshops related to the project
  • Assist in preparation of INC 7
  • Any other tasks assigned by Director-MOEFCC and/or Programme Associate-UNDP

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

  • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
  • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
  • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
  • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
  • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
  • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Output:

  • Finalization of the project document

  • Successful conduct of launch workshop for the project

  • Finalization of Annual Work Plan (AWP)

  • Preparation of INC 7 (International negotiations committee on Mercury)

  • Effective coordination with relevant stakeholders such as CPCB, NEERI, NCCBM and others for completion of planned activities

  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Competencies

Knowledge of Minamata Convention on Mercury and the related issues

Excellent project management skills

Past experience of working in government, UN or other international organization projects will be an advantage

 

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • M.Sc. or B.Tech or equivalent

  • Minimum two years of work experience in chemical management

Living Conditions

New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region is a large and bustling metropolis of some 14 million people undergoing rapid changes. The capital city is an administrative, cultural and commercial center with modern amenities and well connected by air. It is a safe place with large expatriate community drawn from embassies, UN agencies, MNCs and foreign businesses. It has short moderate winter and long hot summer.

Conditions of Service (National UNV COS_ENG )

A 12 (Twelve) month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of Rs. 39,584 per month is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Interested candidates should submit their applications online including the names and contact address of three references. The closing date of application is 8th March 2016.