Background

The Scheduled Tribe population represents one of the economically impoverished and marginalized groups in India. With a population of more than 10.2crores, India has the single largest tribal population in the world. This constitutes 8.6 percent of the total population of the country (Census of India, 2011). The Government of India has accorded high priority and adopted multifaceted development strategies to promote socio-economic growth of Scheduled Tribes (STs) as their human development indicators with regards to health, education, gender and other indices are well below the national average.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) being the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for development of STs, has been pursuing the agenda of inclusive growth with Central and State governments to address the critical gaps in development of STs. Various schemes and programmes are being implemented by MoTA such as Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Scheme (SCA to TSS); Grant under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India; Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students; Conservation-cum-Development Plan for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Support to Tribal Research Institutes, Grant in Aid to Voluntary organizations etc. for development of the STs in addition to the protective legislations such as Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) etc.

The partnership between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) focuses on strengthening implementation of various programmes and schemes for tribal development as well as effectuating innovations in programmatic activities. Within the above scope, the services of the Research Officer will be required to provide technical support to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The role of the consultant is to support the office of the Minister of Tribal Affairs in research, preparation of concept notes, presentation and communication.

TASKS

• Assist in planning, designing, and initiating specific research related to tribal research
• Drafting the policy research briefs for evidence-based policy advocacy and preparation of research articles and papers/ background papers, concept notes;
• Support in compilation and preparation of a database of the research studies, information on tribal customary laws, evaluation-cum-research studies, etc.
• Collect, compile, and analyse data on various aspects of tribal development, Reports of the National Commission for STs., matters relating to the Vth & VIth Schedule of the Constitution, Identification of Scheduled Areas, Tribal Sub-Plan areas, etc.
• Preparing effective presentations, data tables/ infographics/factsheets, statistical profiles, etc. to communicate findings from data analysis to a range of audiences
• Coordinate implementation of specific research activities including those under collaborative projects
• Support in the development of research/training materials and modules for various publications of the Ministry
• Support in the organization of workshops/training/events to disseminate the research findings
• Review proposals and analytical studies/reports and budgets relating to tribal development
• Support in preparation and formulation of the tribal plan/policies/programs, agenda for council meetings/review meetings, writing speeches, policy papers, and briefs
• Liaison with various organizations/ministries/ sectoral advisors/ related agencies/parliamentary advisors on the various aspects
• Providing general research and logistical support for key meetings and conferences
• Perform any other tasks assigned from time to time by the Supervisor.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Nuanced understanding of tribes in India and issues related to tribal development
• Proven record on similar documentation/reporting writing work at the national level;
• Excellent drafting, documentation and communication skills in English;
• Familiarity with MS – Office and statistical programs
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle diverse tasks simultaneously;

Corporate Competencies:

• Promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity;
• Support creativity and innovation;
• Help create an enabling environment for open communication;
• Share knowledge and support a culture of learning;
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Graduate degree in Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, Public Policy, Sociology, or any other relevant discipline. Post graduate degree is desirable.

Experience:

• At least 1 year of relevant experience working with Central/State Government Institutions, International organizations or grassroot organisations on development issues
• Prior experience in research/planning in the field of tribal development programs
• Experience in writing/editing articles on matters development issues

Language:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Hindi

Documents to be submitted:

• Detailed Updated CV, indicating experience, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references with contact details

Evaluation Criteria:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies i.e. cumulative analysis.

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive;
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight - 70%;

Financial Criteria weight - 30%.

Short-listing would be done based on the following criteria:

• Relevant Experience:50 Mark
• Qualification:20 Marks
• Financial: 30 Marks

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Consultant should not specify their consultancy fee on their CV or with the submission. The CV will not be evaluated further in case the consultant submits the same.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES