Background
In September 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This global “Action plan for people, planet prosperity, Peace and Partnership” is anchored on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the agenda’s results framework that captures universal aspirations across three dimensions of sustainable development: economic development, social development and environmental protection. The National Development Agenda of India is mirrored in the Sustainable Development Goals as the priority of the Government is to ensure that “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas”. This in turn is the core principle of SDG to ensure “Leaving No One Behind”. In India, NITI Aayog has launched the “Transformation of Aspirational Districts Program” aiming at expediting improvement in the socio-economic status of 115 districts from across 28 states. The four core principles of the programme are - Convergence (of Central & State Schemes), Collaboration (among citizens and functionaries of Central & State Governments including district teams), Competition among districts and Mass Movement. This movement is turning out a successful model as it has been identified from the Delta Ranking that the Aspirational Districts are performing exceptional while compared to previous phases.
Driven primarily by the States, this initiative focuses on the strengths of each district, and prioritizes the attainable outcomes for immediate improvement. The programme focusses on 5 main themes - Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure, which have direct bearing on the quality of life and economic productivity of citizens. 81 data-points are tracked regularly through a dashboard. NITI Aayog as the premier think tank of India is driving the agenda as a part of its cooperative and competitive federalism.
The core strategy of the programme is that; State is the main driver which focus on the strength of each district and initiates a mass movement in the district whereby it identifies the low hanging fruits and strengths of the district and act as a catalyst for development. In order to ensure a healthy competition, NITI Aayog is measuring the progress of in districts and ranks them so that they will aspire for a better performance. 81 data points related to 49 Key development indicators are being tracked through a dashboard. The key development indicators identified for progress monitoring under the Aspirational Districts Programme are a subset of the SDG; Agenda for Transforming the World by 2030.
The transformation of aspirational districts is a flagship initiative of the Central Government in partnership with State governments, anchored at the NITI Aayog. A total 115 Aspirational Districts has been identified which have shown comparatively less progress in the key area health, nutrition, and education among others . UNDP is providing support to selected aspirational districts and assisting the State Governments in Central India. Eight districts of Madhya Pradesh have been identified by Aspirational District by the NITI AYOG, Government of India.
Synergizing and localizing the SDGs in the Aspirational Districts will accelerate the target achievements under Key Performance Indicators (KPI), assist in creating strong systems which prioritizes subnational contexts, needs to measure long-term progress towards sustainable Development. Localization in the aspirational districts would require a multi-stakeholder people-centric approach which focuses on mapping the pockets of needs and deprivations, captures voices from the grassroots and transforms these voices into projects and programmes.
Human Development in the aspirational districts would require a multi-stakeholder people-centric approach which focuses on mapping the pockets of needs and deprivations, captures voices from the grassroots and transforms these voices into projects and programmes. In this regard, the State Governments are working to prepare programmes and projects to fast-track the achievement on the Human Development Indicators. Government of India has prepared the resource envelope of aspirational districts by mapping the Central Sector Schemes and Programmes which are being implemented in these States. Further in order to bring sharper focus, Government has mapped the Central Sector Public Utilities with Aspirational Districts where they can support the districts by implementing focused programmes using the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds.
The position of Consultant – Aspirational Districts will be to support the Divisional Commissioner and District Collectors to prepare Project Reports/Action Plans after conducting in-depth research on the low hanging sectors, identifying alternatives packages/plans to bring Sustainable Development in the districts. The Consultant will directly report to the State Head, UNDP, MP and will work in close coordination with the District Collectors of the selected districts. The consultant is expected to submit an implementable Action Plan/Project Proposal focusing on the Aspirational District assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
The Consultant, will work under the guidance and/or supervision of State Head, UNDP, MP S/he will undertake any other task assigned by the State Head, UNDP, MP.
Duties and Responsibilities:
To facilitate in conduct of the trainings to all Senior District Level Officials on Vision Planning exercises and identification of key priority areas.
To provide technical capacities to concerned departments to identify the challenges and prepare action plans for overcoming the same through existing schemes, innovation, greater engagement and participation.
Greater Partnership and dialogue among partners especially districts and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) for designing sustainable projects in designated Districts;
To Design Vision Plans along with identification of priorities based on the data generated from the 81 data points to establish the areas which need more focus and attention.
To build awareness on the scope of funding available for districts from NITI Aayog, State Government, NEC, CPSUs and other sources.
To Develop an understanding of the ongoing projects/programmes being implemented by the districts and the PSUs in Aspirational Districts.
To Promote the tools for localization of Sustainable Development Goals by creating a data eco-system mapping; collection of data on each of the data points from the block to develop tools for faster, efficient and validated data generation.
To support the organization in conduct of workshops and other events related to the Aspirational Districts/SDGs, including preparation of inputs.
Any other specific task assigned by the UNDP State Office Head, MP.
Deliverables:
Collected the required data and analysed the same to identify to suitable district(s) wherein roll out of SDG will be taken place.
Analysing and identification the SWOT of two Aspirational Districts i.e. Rajgarh and Vidisha for identification of appropriate interventions will be taken up for implementation.
Explore, collaborate and follow up with the concerned PSUs of Aspirational Districts on regular basis will be done.
Drafting of final project proposal and submission to concerned authorities i.e. District Collector for sanctioning will be done.
Facilitation and conduct of round table conference of the concerned district under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner of Bhopal.
Competencies
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:
Knowledge about India’s development administration systems.
First-hand exposure to central or state government’s work on Aspirational Districts/ SDGs
Should be competent in use of computers/laptops.
Adequate knowledge in internet etc.
Communication skills:
Good communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Excellent writing and oral skills in English.Working knowledge of Hindi and any state language/s would be an advantage;
Building Strategic Partnerships
Establish, build and sustain effective relationships, partnerships and alliances, advocate effectively and communicate sensitively
Results based monitoring
Identifies problems and propose solutions
Demonstrates extremely strong influencing and facilitation skills.
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
Shares knowledge across the organization and builds a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Core Competencies:
Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity
Works as a team member
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development, Political Science, Rural Development, Sociology, Public Administration, Management or related fields from a recognized university.
- Master’s degree from a recognized university is desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum 1-year experience in project management, project appraisal, monitoring & evaluation, policy advocacy in the areas of Governance, Poverty Reduction, development related projects.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience in carrying out research and preparing policy briefs
- Experience in drafting reports and reviewing detailed project reports
- Knowledge and experience related to National/State planning
- Excellent Analytical & Problem-solving skills
- Prior experience with Government / Government of Madhya Pradesh, UN agencies and other international organizations is desirable
Remuneration package is Rs. 2500/- per day (taxable) for maximum 22 working days per month.
Documentation required:
Evaluation Method and Criteria: Evaluation and ranking will be done based on the following criteria:
Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 marks) of 70 marks will be eligible to appear for the interview. Top scoring candidate (out of total 100 marks) will be sent offer of consultancy in order of ranking. Interview for the shortlisted candidates would be either conducted face to face (Venue to be informed) or by telephone /over skype. |
Notes:
As system allows uploading only one file, please merge above-mentioned documents to be submitted as part of application into one (1) single PDF document and upload.
Application may not be accepted, if all the above listed documents are not submitted.
The following documents can be accessed, clicking the link:
General Conditions for Individual Contracthttp://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/procurement/UNDP%20General%20Conditions%20for%20Individual%20Contracts.pdf
Offerors Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) Assignment, including Financial Proposal template
For queries, please email to: ic.india@undp.org