Background

Launched in 2008, the NAPCC represents a multi-pronged, long-term and integrated strategy for achieving key climate change goals: namely, “achieving national growth objectives through a qualitative change in direction that enhances ecological sustainability, leading to further mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions”, and “devising efficient and cost-effective strategies for end-use demand-side management”. The NAPCC encourages planning and coordination at different levels, especially state (sub-national) level. States and Union Territories of India have prepared the State Level Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs), which define state-level objectives and strategies that are aligned with the objectives of the NAPCC.

At the sub-national level, state governments are responsible for developing state-specific action programmes for the power, transport, industry, buildings and municipal energy efficiency and forestry sectors in line with NAPCC. However, moving from development of a plan/strategy to implementation is a challenge for state governments because of a number of institutional, technical and financial barriers.

UNDP in partnership with MoEFCC and with support from Global Environment Facility (GEF) is implementing a project on “Market Transformation and Removal of Barriers for Effective Implementation of the State-Level Climate Change Action Plans” with an overall goal to increase awareness, scientific knowledge, technical and institutional capacities in the energy sector for implementation of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy mitigation strategies in two states (Jharkhand and Manipur).

The development objective of the project is to stimulate implementation of climate change mitigation actions stated in the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCCs); maximize the benefits through exploring inter-state cooperation; showcase the actual implementation of SAPCCs; demonstrate institutional mechanisms for inter-state networking and cross-learning, including information sharing and technology dissemination; and develop and implement a common monitoring system to assess progress on the SAPCCs in the select states.

The State Project Manager to be hired under this programme is for the implementation of the project in Jharkhand. S/he will be based at Ranchi and shall work under the guidance and supervision of the National Project Manager, UNDP, New Delhi. The State Project Manager will work under the overall supervision of Head, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP, New Delhi. S/he would be responsible for overall implementation of the approved project in Jharkhand. As this is a full-time position, s/he cannot hold any other job/assignments during this assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The State Project Manager will perfrom the following duties:

  • Establish linkages and work in close coordination with the National Project Manager. Work with the National Project Manager in planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of all the project activities related to energy efficiency and renewable energy in the state of Jharkhand;
  • Based on the overall project annual workplan, develop state specific annual work plans and ensure accurate and timely reporting to UNDP and GEF for activities of the project in Jharkhand;
  • Provide information and inputs for developing Terms of reference for consultants/ consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities;
  • Commission activities like research studies, state level assessments training workshops etc. and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in coordination with UNDP;
  • Identify capacity development needs of implementing partners and arrange for necessary trainings;
  • Foster partnerships with key state government and relevant technical institutions working on climate change issues in Jharkhand;
  • Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments;
  • Undertake review meetings with partners and field visits to track progress made in implementation of the project and take corrective action as required;
  • Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners;
  • Regular financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines; Ensure effective financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines;
  • Prepare quarterly project progress reports, provide necessary information and inputs for preparing presentations and other documents for national and state project steering committee and review meetings as required by National Project Manager;
  • Facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project implementation, monitoring and follow-up;
  • Supervise the work of team members or consultants, as may be recruited under the Project at the state level;
  • Any other responsibility related to the project assigned by the National Project Manager.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Technical Skills:

  • In-depth knowledge of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change related concepts, theories, policies and practices;
  • Sound understanding of current issues related to climate change and energy security at the sub-national levels (particularly of the region);
  • Hands-on experience in design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change projects;
  • Adequate experience in project management at state level;
  • Well conversant with the state action planning process and state action plan on climate change document.

Management skills:

  • Ability to lead the state Project Team of 3-4 people;
  • Ability to guide the technical experts and project assistant in implementing project activities at the state level to achieve the overall objective of the project;
  • Ability to lead consultative meetings at state level with government stakeholders to identify priorities and manage the timely delivery of project activities.

Communication Skills:

  • Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and other communication material for providing progress updates to government, donor and implementing partner;
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master's degree in energy studies/ development studies/ Environment/ Economics.   

Experience:

Essential:

  • At least 8 years of Program/project management experience;
  • At least 5 years of relevant Experience at the national or state level on energy efficiency, renewable energy projects/programmes;
  • Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills.     

Desirable:

  • Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ NGOs/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;
  • Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is essential.  

Language:  

  • Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi.   

Remuneration package is 116,169/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which includes medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for the contract holder and encourages work life balance.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. All selection is on merit.