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Background

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the
Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing
inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the
environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable
development for all.
With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and
subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly
for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the
Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of
the SDGs for the people and the planet.
UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an
integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the
  marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced
  vulnerability.

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The
programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions,
strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.
You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the
national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse
stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those
furthest behind first.

Office/Unit/Project Description 
The Action for Climate and Environment (ACE) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of
climate change adaptation and mitigation; disaster management and resilience; and access to clean and
energy efficiency.
The ACE Unit has been working on several adaptation and mitigation initiatives that involve strategic,
sector-specific interventions across several states in India. These initiatives aim to support transition to a
low carbon economy, to support sustainable and inclusive development, to identify and create livelihood
provisions (and green jobs) and to build climate resilience of the vulnerable communities by integrating
climate change considerations in the planning and implementation of national and state government
development programmes. The overarching ambition under these projects is to build upon UNDP’s
existing experience and expand to new geographies and sectors; with new/innovative low-emission
technologies and climate/nature positive solutions.
One such project is on ‘Localizing Data Science for Climate Change Adaptation’. Providing localized data is
essential for implementing and upscaling effective climate change solutions. Similarly, information from
different regions of the country is critical to feeding into the formulation of policies and programmes that
are effective and useful. Such localization would include conducting context-specific research,
assessments, and pilots that could be immediately relevant for assessing impacts, risks, and adaptation
strategies in different geographic regions of the country.
UNDP, with support from BMGF (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) is implementing this project with an
approach to utilize inputs from both climate science and local/indigenous knowledge systems for an
effective and robust climate change adaptation action for long term resilience of agriculture sector and
linked natural resources like water and land.
The overall objective of this initiative is to strengthen the capacities of local Civil Society Organizations to
plan, implement and scale-up climate change adaptation actions – especially related to agriculture and
natural resource management at district/regional levels. More specifically, the expected outcomes are:

• Mechanisms to facilitate integrating climate science with local knowledge for planning
  development programmes in agriculture and NRM sectors institutionalized.
• Climate Risk informed Livelihoods (farm and non-farm) mainstreamed at State/Regional level with
  improved empirical evidence and technical capacities.
• Strengthened policies and decision-making through integrated science and local knowledge based
  on successful demonstration of climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.

In the first phase, the project shall be implemented in four agro-climatic zones across four different states
namely Western Himalayan Region (Madhya Pradesh), East Coast Plains and Hills (Odisha), Central Plateau
region (Madhya Pradesh) and Middle Gangetic Plains (Bihar).
In another critical yet related initiative, supported by the Japan Supplementary Budget, UNDP has been
working closely with the Jharkhand Just Transition (JT) Taskforce. Jharkhand currently operates 113 coal
mines and over 10 thermal power plants, which contribute significantly to the state’s revenues. As global
and national efforts to address climate change scale, Jharkhand must plan for an energy transition that
accounts for the acute developmental challenges, exacerbated by the resource curse. The coal mining
sector is people-intensive and also generates ancillary (indirect and induced) jobs and services throughout
the sector. At last count, the sector employed 300,000 individuals in direct and over a million individuals
in indirect coal mining jobs. Closure of coal mines will therefore inevitably lead to a loss of jobs, particularly
in regions where coal mining is a primary contributor to employment. Given the close relationship
between the coal industry and the community, an energy transition must aim to address uneven
development and persistent socio-economic divide. Therefore, in support to the Taskforce, UNDP
supports in the planning, implementation and monitoring of just transition interventions in the state,
especially focused on enabling green jobs and alternate livelihoods. This activity aims to support the
state’s efforts towards a just transition but also to develop knowledge for neighboring coal-reliant states.
Job Purpose and Scope of Work 

Main Purpose:
The primary role of the Project Officer Mitigation will be to support climate mitigation activities in two
projects – BMGF supported Localizing Data Sciences for Climate Change Adaptation and JSB supported
Mitigation and Adaptation Measures to support Inclusive Development, Just Transition and Climate
Resilience in India towards a Net Zero Future project. This will include supporting activities related to (i)
DRE powered livelihoods; and (ii) Just Transition in the identified project States. S/he will be responsible
for planning and designing specific decentralized renewable energy-based interventions and facilitating
the sub-national partners engaged in the project to implement the same in respective project areas
(States/Gram panchayats). As the lead for climate mitigation activities, s/he would also be coordinating
and liaising with various stakeholders in the five States including relevant Government Department,
technology providers, etc

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting To: National Project Manager, UNDP India
Repotees to this position (if applicable): NA

The specific tasks for the assignment include:

Project management and implementation

• Plan, coordinate and facilitate implementation of mitigation related activities in the project to ensure
  successful project delivery.
• Provide inputs in the development of overall project annual workplan, outlining key activities,
  deliverables and timelines
• Provide regular project updates on mitigation components of the project to ensure timely reporting
  to UNDP, donor and other key stakeholders
• Develop Terms of reference for consultants/ consultancy firms to be hired to undertake climate
  mitigation related activities under the project.
• Supervise activities of the team members and consultants linked to Mitigation activities, as may be
  recruited under the Project at the national and state level;
• Support and facilitate activities like research studies, state level assessments, training workshops etc.
  and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in
  coordination with Programme Management and Support Unit;
• Identify capacity development needs of implementing partners and arrange for necessary training of
  stakeholders such as the CSO partners and communities in conjunction with technology vendors.

Project monitoring and review to achieve results:

• Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties
  including financial reports from all project partners,
• Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest 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.
• Document best practices and success stories related to climate mitigation actions under the project.
• Prepare quarterly project progress reports and conduct project review meetings; provide necessary
  information and inputs for preparing presentations and other documents for project steering
  committee.
• Facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project
  implementation, monitoring and follow-up.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the
efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

• System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering
  one element can impact other parts of the system
• Strategic thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line
  with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management

• Monitoring & Evaluation. Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies,  systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client”s upcoming needs and concerns.
• Communication. Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication;to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Digital

• Data storytelling and communications. Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its
  accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion.

Data

• Data analysis. Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including RealTime Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

Partnership management

• CSO engagement. Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from a recognized institution in Energy / Renewable Energy/ Electrical Engineering or related field is required OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) from a recognized institution in Energy / Renewable Energy/ Electrical Engineering or related field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in planning and implementing climate change mitigation projects in India at sub-national level within development projects

Job Knowledge and Technical Expertise: 

• Demonstrated experience in climate change and development issues at national and sub-national level with international /national organizations/state Government, SNAs, etc.,
• Demonstrated years of experience on planning and deployment of renewable energy technologies, especially related to agriculture.
• Demonstrated with a strong understanding of inclusive climate change mitigation strategies, especially related to renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar cold storages, solar pumps).
• Demonstrated experience at sub-national level on development programmes in the field of low-carbon just
  energy transitions.
• Ability to build strategic partnerships in the field of climate change mitigation at national and sub-national level.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, including technical and analytical writing and reporting.

Required languages:

• Fluency in English and Hindi is required

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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