Project Associate
Support implementation of the project for biodiversity conservation
Overview
Support implementation of the project for biodiversity conservation
You have:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management and coordination at national/state level.
- Good understanding of administrative and financial management processes.
- Experience working with international organizations, NGOs/INGOs, including the UN.
- Excellent working knowledge of MS Office applications.
- Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage tight deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
Contract
This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.
The Action for Climate and Environment (ACE) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem & land restoration, disaster management and resilience, and access to clean and efficient energy.
The Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity pillar of ACE is supporting the Government of India in meeting national development objectives along with commitments under important multilateral environment agreements especially the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The programme/projects under the pillar have been supporting the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), National and State level planning for land restoration and biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, carbon sequestration through enhanced restoration, promotion of nature-based livelihoods and One Health approach.
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 3 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 avoidance, reduction and reversal of land degradation, desertification, biodiversity loss and negative impacts of climate change to generates 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 capacities of partners; allowing government institutions and other agencies to better document, analyse and disseminate effective intervention strategies for restoring productive landscapes and replication of best practices at national and state level, and at 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 implementation of the project. S/he will work under the supervision of IGF, MoEFCC (National Project Director – NPD) and shall be part of NPMU.
Under the direct supervision of 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. • Provides administrative and cooperation support on implementation of 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 projects financial resources management, human Resources Management, 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.
• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Working in Teams
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 of working with international organizations, NGOs/ INGOs including the UN in implementation of projects with central ministries • Excellent working knowledge of MS Office-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet, e-mail applications etc. • Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues (and reports where inappropriate). • 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.
The assignment will be based in New Delhi. New Delhi is the capital city of India, experiences a diverse climate and has distinct living conditions influenced by its weather, infrastructure, and culture. A melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, reflecting the diverse nature of India. Overall, living in Delhi offers a mix of modern urban life with deep-rooted traditions and challenges typical of a large, bustling metropolis.
The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to the UN Volunteer is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs.
For more information on entitlements please read the Conditions of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).
For information specific to your assignment, please see below: • Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 58,346.66 • Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 (equivalent in INR) • Relocation costs: $200 at beginning and end of assignment if duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV) • Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): INR 4862.22 for each month served, paid on completion of contract • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts • Annual leave: 2.5 days per month • Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a project you managed and your role in it? | This helps assess your relevant experience and project management skills. | Detail your responsibilities, challenges faced, and the outcome achieved. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects? | Understanding your organizational skills and time management is essential. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to work with a challenging team member. How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to keep stakeholders informed and engaged? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Give an example of how you adapted to a significant change at work. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |