The idea of engaging volunteers particularly youth to meet India’s development challenges is not a new one. India has a rich history of people’s participation through volunteerism by way of religious commitments, philanthropy, mutual-aid and values systems embedded within Indian society. Volunteerism has always played a significant role in the growth of social reform movement in India.In fact the spirit of volunteerism is intrinsically woven into the fabric of Indian society. The Government of India also runs a number of volunteerism schemes such as the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG). Several national flagship schemes of the government such as Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), National Rural Health Mission, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP), etc. rely heavily on active volunteer participation and have tried many more modalities to engage volunteers.

However, except for the government’s schemes, volunteering in the country has largely been informal, unorganized and often highly fragmented. As a result, the vast potential of volunteering is still untapped. The National Policy on Voluntary Sector was formulated by the Planning Commission of India in 2007. This policy was an important step in recognizing the value of the voluntary sector of the country. However, the policy was focussed on defining and enabling a conducive environment for the existence of Voluntary Organizations (VOs). Further, the National Youth Policy 2014 includes civic engagement of youth however; both these policies did not directly and holistically address various dimensions of promoting volunteerism in the country.

Internationally, few countries such as Sri Lanka, Australia, Germany, Japan and Kenya have formulated volunteering policies thus creating an enabling environment for realizing the potential of volunteers. As per 2018 State of the World Volunteering Report, 23 countries had introduced policies, legislations or other measures specific or relevant to volunteering before 2008. Since then 68 more countries have introduced or updated their policies or legislation or other such measures.

In the context the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India has proposed to formulate a National Policy on Volunteering under the ongoing GoI-UNDP-UNV Project on “Strengthening NYKS & NSS”. The objective of formulating a separate policy on volunteering is to create and promote an enabling environment for promoting volunteering in the country. The Policy would seek to mainstream volunteerism into the national development strategy. It will be one of the three building blocks of the eco-system for volunteering besides institutional structures and capacity building. Their convergence will provide the necessary ingredients to unlock the potential of volunteers and enables them to seize opportunities to contribute to nation building.

In the above context, it is proposed to hire an Individual Consultant to support the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India in drafting a National Policy on Volunteering.

The objective of the assignment is to draft a National Policy on Volunteering. It would include review of the status of volunteering in India and an in-depth analysis of varied social, cultural, economic dimensions having a bearing on the volunteering by people. The review and analysis are intended to deepen policy makers’ and implementers’ understanding of key issues around strengthening volunteering infrastructure and promotion of volunteering in the country across all age groups and all sections. The Draft Policy would also articulate appropriate strategies for mainstreaming volunteering in the development agenda.

Key Tasks of the Individual Consultant under the Assignment

Under the overall guidance of the Joint Secretary (Youth Affairs) & National Project Director –“Strengthening NYKS & NSS Project” and UNV Country Coordinator, the IC will carry out the following:

1. Carry out desk review of
   • existing policy documents, frameworks, good practices etc. related to volunteering across the globe.
   • volunteering related schemes and programmes being implemented by various Central Ministries/Departments and state governments;
   • key volunteering related work carried out by leading Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIOs), Corporate sector and others in the country;
2. Prepare online survey questionnaire for capturing perspectives of different stakeholders and support UN Volunteers in collecting data through online surveys;
3. Conduct Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with people from VIOs, Volunteer Networks, Corporate leaders, Youth Networks, experts, practitioners and others to be facilitated by UN Volunteers;
4. Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KII) facilitated by UN Volunteers;
5. Analyze data and inputs collected through primary and secondary sources;
6. Prepare a draft report on the status of volunteering eco-system in India highlighting the following :
   • What are the institutions, opportunities and platforms available for volunteering by people from across various segments such as school & college students, working class, home makers, retired/ elderly, others;
   • What are the drivers or motivations for volunteering by people;
   • What are the barriers, constraints or challenges people from different segments face in volunteering in terms of availability of platforms, opportunities, capacity development etc.
   • What are the global good practices in volunteering.

• Prepare draft National Policy on Volunteering;
• Support in organizing consultations with all stakeholders such as NITI Aayog, Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, Private Sector, VIOs etc.
• Collect and analyze perspectives of the various stakeholders and incorporate these in the Draft Policy;
• Submit final version of Draft Policy after incorporating the inputs/feedback received from the stakeholders for approval of the Government

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Working knowledge of computers including MS Office package is essential;
• Experiences of working with Youth and Volunteer based organization
• Good communications & interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrate openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback
• Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without comprising quality, team spirit and positive working relationship
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Fluency in Hindi and English with ability to convey ideas clearly in writing and orally;
• Ability to coordinate

Corporate Competencies:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards.

Educational Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Public Administration/Public Policy/ Economics/ Development Studies/Social Science or a related discipline.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 15 years’ work experience in the field of governance/ public policy/ public administration/social science research.
• Having demonstrable experience of policy formulation in any domain and working with youth and volunteer based organizations will be a definite advantage
• Proven experience of research studies and report writing.
• Proven experience of undertaking similar assignments;

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in oral and written both in Hindi and English is required.

Documents to be submitted by Consultants

• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual Contractor Assignment
• Updated and signed P-11 form / CVs for ICs
• Financial quote NEED NOT BE SUBMITTED at this stage.

Note:

• Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone, relocation charges etc. would not be reimbursed.
• Travel, lodging and boarding for official travel shall be reimbursed as per UNDP rules subject to prior approval
• Individuals working with institutions may also apply, contract would be issued in the name of institution for the specific services of individual
• UNDP IC policy does not restrict the consultant to take up multiple assignments. However, the selected candidate must submit a no objection certificate from his/her employer at the time of joining to UNDP.

The payment schedule and specific deliverables are as follows:

Expected Duration of Assignment

45 working days over a period of 4 months between December 2020 and March 2021