UNV Jobs - 51206- UNV Livelihood Development Associate (For Indian N

UNV Livelihood Development Associate (For Indian Nationals Only)

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Aizwal, Mizoram, INDIA

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

15-Dec-2014

Application Deadline :

18-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One Year with possibility of extension

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The United Nations Joint Initiative is developed to support the state in managing the fragile ecosystem of north east region which is facing stress due to growing population and effects of climate change. This initiative will build on past experience as well as the presence and expertise of UNDP, ILO, FAO and UNIDO, and will address one of the common concerns of states and has the potential to address several key issues and help the state government to:

(i) Better management of natural resources and address local issues of providing work opportunities to the youth from natural resource management and preserving the bio-diversity in the region,

(ii) Address common trans-boundary threats from tree and plant pests, animal diseases to local vegetation and livestock,

(iii) Address issues of farm and non-farm employment,

(iv) Preserve the indigenous knowledge for resource management and increase the yield of crops and other forest produce such as bamboo

The objective of the Joint UN Initiative is to help state government and communities protect the region’s eco-system with increased participation of women in managing sustainable intensification of horticulture, agriculture, non-timber forest produce through retention and application of indigenous knowledge, and promotion of sustainable livelihood by a combination of skills development, identification of markets for local products and imparting training and skills to local youth to meet the market demands.

(i) Better management of natural resources and address local issues of providing work opportunities to the youth from natural resource management and preserving the bio-diversity in the region,

(ii) Address common trans-boundary threats from tree and plant pests, animal diseases to local vegetation and livestock,

(iii) Address issues of farm and non-farm employment,

(iv) Preserve the indigenous knowledge for resource management and increase the yield of crops and other forest produce such as bamboo

The Joint UN Initiative was launched on 16th October 2014 in Aizawl. A project office is being setup in Aizawl at space provided by the state government and expected to be functional in December 2014.

Living Conditions:

The state of Mizoram is a true frontier region. It shares 722 km of international border with Bangladesh, Myanmar and is connected with three other north-eastern states of Assam, Manipur and Tripura. Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian Union in 1987 after signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986. Aizawl is the capital city with a population of 291,000. It is situated on a ridge 1,132 metres (3715 ft) above sea level, with the Tlawng river valley to its west and the Tuirial river valley to its east. Aizawl has a mild, sub-tropical climate due to its location and elevation, and receives heavy rains from May to September. Being the state capital it is the largest and most populous city in Mizoram and is the base of all government offices, state assembly. Aizawl is connected by road with Silchar (Assam) through National Highway 54, with Agartala (Tripura) through National Highway 40 and with Imphal (Manipur) through National Highway 150. Aizwal is well connected by air with daily flight services of Jet Airways and Air India from Guwahati and Kolkata.

The volunteer will be provided monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to INR 25,160; settling-in-grant (if applicable); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return fares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNV will focus mainly on market oriented livelihood component of the project and will report to the Programme Coordinator at the PMU to be set up under the UN joint project. Under the direct supervision of Programme Coordinator at the PMU and the Programme Analyst at UNDP, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Support the Programme Coordinator in planning, implementation and monitoring of the project
Work closely with UNDP Country Office to ensure activities are carried out in line with the planned objectives
Support in preparation of the Annual Work Plans to ensure integration of UNDP’s priorities
Support in analyzing various national and state level government programmes and key sectors to identify priority areas of focus for Mizoram government in accordance with the project;
Support livelihood analysis of villages in the selected project districts in Mizoram;
Support in identifying existing social business ventures in Mizoram for providing Business Development Services to various identified social businesses and entrepreneurs;
Support in conducting market feasibility analysis and support setting up of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Mizoram;
Organise exposure visits of the task force team members along with selected social entrepreneurs to successful business outside the state;
Support in commissioning value chain assessment studies; and
Any other tasks and responsibilities as designated by the Programme Coordinator, PMU, Aizawl and UNDP.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged 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:

Capacity of local NGOs, women and other relevant stakeholder in focus districts developed to preserve and manage bio-diversity with improved skills and knowledge.
Strengthened capacity and skills of government officials in effective management of natural resources to support improved livelihoods
Better outreach and access to local, national and international markets for bioresource based products

Competencies

Job Knowledge and Technical Expertise:

Understanding and hands on experience of working for livelihood development. Candidates with experience of successful management of livelihood programs involving market surveys at the community/village level would be preferred;
Experience of working with senior and middle level government officials, NGO staff, entrepreneurs, community leaders and representatives;
Good analytical skills, good communication (both written and verbal) and inter-personal skills and the ability to work under pressure, both independently and as part of a team;
Well-versed in working with spreadsheets, word, and powerpoint etc.;
Candidates with ability and experience to develop business plans would be preferred;
Experience and motivation for volunteerism and experience of working with villagers will be considered as asset;
Experience of working in north-eastern part of India will be considered as a distinct advantage;
Fluency in English (required) and Mizo (desirable).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree in management, economics, commerce and business studies with minimum 3 years of relevant experience

Graduates with business studies, economics and commerce with five years of relevant experience could also be considered

This position is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. Only short listed candidates would be contacted.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community.