UNDP is supporting the Ministry in the implementation of a GEF-7 project, “Sustainable management and restoration of degraded landscapes for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in India.” The project aims to achieve land degradation neutrality by creating additional carbon sinks through an ecosystem-based approach for restoring degraded agricultural, forest, pastoral lands, and surface water bodies. It involves enabling institutional frameworks and policies for integrated sustainable land management practices and up-scaling landscape-wide practices in three states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, contributing to the national target of restoring 26 Mha of degraded lands by 2030.

The project, being implemented over a period of five years, will lead to the following outcomes:

1. Enhanced national, state, and district-level enabling frameworks incentivizing SLM practices and supporting participatory multi-sector platforms to avoid, reduce, and reverse land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate mitigation.
2. Integrated participatory landscape design and financing models established in support of the avoidance, reduction, and reversal of land degradation, desertification, biodiversity loss, and negative impacts of climate change, generating multiple sustained environmental and economic benefits.
3. Improved capacity for LDN monitoring, assessment, and reporting to UNCCD in support of LDN target setting and evaluation of partner capacities, allowing government institutions and other agencies to better document, analyze, and disseminate effective intervention strategies for restoring productive landscapes. Replication of best practices at national and state levels, and at the international level through improved South-South cooperation, knowledge, and adaptive management.

UNDP seeks to engage the services of a Project Associate to support the MoEFCC (National Project Management Unit) in the implementation of the project. S/he will work under the supervision of IGF, MoEFCC (National Project Director – NPD) and shall be part of NPMU.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the National Project Director, the Project Associate will perform the following tasks:

• Assist in the preparation of project documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Organize and maintain project files and records.
• Coordinate project meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and taking minutes.
• Handle routine correspondence and communication.
• Provide administrative and cooperation support on the implementation of the project.
• Ensure regular communication and coordination within the National Project Management Unit, State Project Management Unit, UNDP, and MoEFCC with respect to project activities.
• Prepare National/State-specific Annual Work Plans, including monthly targets and deliverables, as well as annual spending targets in accordance with the Project Document.
• Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistics for project staff and stakeholders.
• Coordinate procurement of project supplies and equipment.
• Manage project inventory and assets.
• Maintain up-to-date files and records of project documentation.
• Provide logistical support for workshops and other meetings as tasked by the Project Manager.
• Assist in project financial resources management, human resources management, and efficient procurement and logistical services.
• Assist in budget tracking and financial reporting.
• Process invoices, expense claims, and other financial documentation.
• Support the timely preparation and submission of annual progress reports, donor reports, project reviews, financial reports, audit reports, and any other required project reports.

Eligibility criteria

• Age: 18 – 80
• Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

• 4 years of experience in project management and coordination at national/state level.
• Good understanding of administrative and financial management processes with strong coordination skills.
• Possesses good understanding and knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks.
• Experience working with international organizations, NGOs/INGOs including the UN, in the implementation of projects with central ministries.
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Intranet, email applications, etc.).
• Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimum supervision and handle tight deadlines.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Area(s) of expertise

• Administration, Human resources, Procurement, and contracting.

Languages

• English: Fluent, required.
• Hindi: Fluent, required.

Required education level

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Science, Commerce, or a related field.