Background

UNDP is partnering with Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India on good governance initiatives and strengthening implementation of e-governance reforms to improve service delivery for citizens.

In India, the e-governance initiative is handled through the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) that aims at improving the delivery of Government services to citizens and businesses. Its vision is to "Make all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality, through common service delivery outlets, and ensure efficiency, transparency, and reliability of such services at affordable costs to realise the basic needs of the common man".

It was formulated by Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

While DeitY provides technical support to the government’s national e-governance programme, DARPG supports the task of reforms in administration through e-Governance. DARPG also presents ‘National e-Governance Awards’ every year to recognize and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives. The awards are presented in 12 categories:

  • Excellence in Government Process re-engineering;
  • Outstanding performance in citizen-Centric Service Delivery;
  • Innovative Use of Technology in e-Governance;
  • Incremental Innovations in existing projects;
  • Best District level initiative in citizen-centric service delivery through ICT;
  • Innovative use of GIS Technology in e-Governance;
  • Innovative use of mobile technology in e-Governance;
  • Sectoral Award: 'Skill Development and Employability';
  • Innovative Use of ICT by Central Government PSUs;
  • Innovative use of ICT by State Government PSUs / Cooperatives/Federations/Societies;
  • Outstanding e-Governance initiative by Academic and Research institutions;
  • Use of ICT for Development by Non-Government Institutions.

The current Union Government lays high emphasis on e-governance and has recently launched its Digital India campaign. The Hon’ble PM’s vision of Digital India, envisages to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.  One of the pillars of Digital India is e-Governance and e-Kranti using IT.

As a nodal Ministry for Administrative Reforms, DARPG is committed to work towards the vision of the current Union Government.

In this context, DARPG has sought technical assistance from UNDP to support the Ministry in achieving its goal set forth in e-Governance and provision of on-line services in India.

Hence, UNDP proposes to seek the services of a Consultant to strengthen the Indian National Portal providing access to citizen centric services. The Consultant will be expected to support DARPG in improving the reach and number of services available online through the national services portal and adoption of common language approach by departments/Ministries and State governments. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective of the assignment is i) to facilitate service linking onto the national services portal; ii) to provide support for adoption of common language metadata approach by government departments and states; iii) support the creation of framework for sub-national digital transformation index

Specific Tasks of the Consultant:

  1. Participation in the Stakeholder Consultations (Meetings with UNDP, DARPG and other government departments) and facilitate workshops as required
  2. Coordination with departments at central and state level (with support from NIC and supervision by DARPG) whose services are at advanced stage, provide inputs to engage departments, provide support to facilitate their capacity building and linking of services to National portal based upon SDGs and other ranking criteria
  3. Providing support for adoption of common language metadata approach by departments
  4. Undertaking research and supporting the development of framework for development of sub-national digital governance index

The National Consultant will work closely with DARPG and UNDP on the above mentioned tasks.

Competencies

CORE VALUES / GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UNDP in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.
  • Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity
  • Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate technical knowledge and sound judgment
  • Development and Innovation: Take initiative and present original writing skills using intelligent and professional inputs.
  • Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for lucid communication.
  • Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards others.
  • Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledge.
  • Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making: Demonstrate informed and transparent decision making

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Knowledge of best practices and functionality in the field of e-Governance.
  • Ability to comprehend requirement and propose structured approach.
  • Ability to engage with Senior Government officials
  • Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
  • Demonstrates ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills;
  • Ability to prioritize assignments and requirements, and multitask as needed;
  • Ability to work independently with limited instruction;
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, and reporting;
  • Aptitude for technical innovations and data analytics;
  • Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
  • Demonstrated good oral and written communication skills;
  • Good knowledge of Results Based Management principles and approaches;

Adhere to the UNDP style guide.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Masters degree or equivalent in Governance, Public Policy/Management is desirable. First level University degree with combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in Governance may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

  • Extensive knowledge and experience in Governance, public policy and public management; a minimum of 10 years of experience working in Governance (public, private or global).
  • In depth knowledge and understanding of e-Government and ICT.
  • Experience in e-Governance domain and Information and communications technology at national/international level; experience of working with the government or UN including hands-on experience in conceptualizing, designing and implementing of e-Governance policies/programmes/ framework.
  • Consulting skills and experience. 

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required. Excellent writing skills.