NUNV Research Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

High Range Mountain Landscape (HRML) in the Western Ghats mountains of peninsular India is a globally significant biodiversity region. Its key attributes are: a) high levels of endemism and biological diversity; b) Important Bird Area; c) presence of globally threatened species of fauna and flora; d) part of one of the five viable breeding centre of tiger in India; e) harbour the largest global population of Nilgiri tahr and a significant population of Grizzled Giant Squirrel (both threatened species); f) catchment of three major river systems of peninsular India; g) strong eco-cultural affinities; and h) support important economic sectors like cardamom, tea and tourism. At present, HRML is a complex mosaic of land uses where conservation, economic production and livelihood requirements assume equal primacy and profoundly influence each other. These contribute to competitive use of natural resources and affecting vital ecological processes.

The rapidly altering developmental context, demographic contours, resource use configurations place a challenge for HRML’s long term ecological sustainability and livelihood security. The existing planning and policy framework, as well as the institutional arrangements in HRML are inadequate to address biodiversity conservation from a landscape perspective.

The project aims to put in place a collaborative governance framework for multiple-use management of HRML. The project will attempt a paradigm shift from current sector-based planning to an approach for integrated multiple-use management of mountain landscapes to deliver global environmental benefits. The project aims to achieve this through the following Outcomes: a) Effective governance framework for multiple-use mountain landscape management in place; b) Multiple-use Mountain landscape management is applied securing the ecological integrity of HRML; and c) Strengthened capacities for community based sustainable use and management of wild resources. The project region covers 3,000 sq. km spread across three districts of Kerala viz. Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur in Kerala.

• Support in compilation and documentation of good practices, success stories and lessons learned at different stages of the project across thematic areas such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, livelihood enhancement and natural resource management • Data collection and analysis, as well as reporting and public outreach via social media, events, and other means, to disseminate the results of the project and to promote biodiversity conservation and natural resource management in the project landscapes • Support the monitoring, reporting and review of project activities and outcomes at the national, state and landscape level • Support project teams in developing monitoring and evaluation documentations including project reports, end-term evaluation reports, etc. • Participate in and contribute to preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings, workshops and consultations as needed by engaging with relevant stakeholders including governments, communities and donors • Provide support towards implementation of events and campaigns and contribute to the tasks un-der the upcoming COPs • Contribute towards furthering the priorities of UNDP and Government of India towards international commitments such as UNFCCC, UNCCD and CBD within the purview of the project • Any other tasks and responsibilities related to the project assigned by Programme Manager, Climate Change, Resilience, Biodiversity and, Chemicals Management, UNDP

• Integrity and professionalism • Accountability: mature and responsible • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Communication • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

• Excellent analytic and writing skills • Ability to aggregate and synthesize research literature and extract key messages and arguments • Excellent coordination and network skills

New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region is a large and bustling metropolis of some 14 million people undergoing rapid changes. The capital city is an administrative, cultural and commercial center with modern amenities and well connected by air. It is a safe place with large expatriate community drawn from embassies, UN agencies, MNCs and foreign businesses. It has short moderate winter and long hot summer.