Young Professional – Inclusive Value Chains

Volunteering

Overview

Support the coordination and implementation of inclusive value chain development activities.

You have:

• At least 2 years of relevant professional or academic experience in programme coordination, livelihoods, rural development, value chain development, or related areas.
• Experience supporting implementation of development programmes involving government agencies, civil society organisations, or private sector stakeholders is desirable.
• Familiarity with livelihoods programmes, producer collectives, SHGs, or value chain development initiatives is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to support programme coordination, documentation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Strong drafting and reporting skills, with attention to accuracy and quality in document preparation.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community organisations, and development partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and adapt to evolving programme requirements.
• Good computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet tools.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Under the portfolio, there are several projects being implemented Across different thematic areas such as Skills, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods, Women Entrepreneurship and Youth Innovation, Accessible and Inclusive Social and Risks protection Mechanism, Care Economy with focus on: • Socio-economic empowerment and resilience building of marginalized and vulnerable populations through bridging the information gap, building managerial, financial, and digital capacities and improving access to opportunities. • Support unlocking the full impact of public supports schemes– Agri Insurance & Credit, Social protection, Forest Rights and Entitlements, Skill India, NULM with improved Institutional Capacity, Service Delivery and Enhanced Coverage • Confront the significant barriers and stigma faced by women and girls, enhance agency and promote inclusive workplace. • Promote responsible business behaviour as well as greater industry participation specifically SMEs in the skilling ecosystem.

Over the past decade, UNDP India’s value-chain programming has prioritised women’s agency alongside income generation, recognising that increased commercialisation can alter intra-household and enterprise-level control over assets and decision-making. Accordingly, interventions have sought to address not only market access and productivity, but also women’s roles, voice, and bargaining power across the value chain, with particular attention to ownership, leadership, and decision-making at household, collective, and enterprise levels. Programmes such as DISHA built gender-transformative roles like Women Sourcing Managers (WSMs) and Women Business Managers (WBMs) that place rural women at the heart of procurement, quality, pricing, logistics and enterprise management across FPOs and producer groups.

Building on its past work, UNDP is implementing a new project i.e. “Market Led Inclusive Value Chain Development” to significantly strengthen women's economic empowerment, improving outcomes such as incomes, asset ownership, productivity, and savings. Overall goal of the planned project is “resilient, equitable and inclusive value chain, which ensures sustainable livelihood and increased income for rural households, particularly women SHG/ collective members”. The approach is to facilitate integration of gender-responsive strategies throughout all stages of the value chain, not just isolated initiatives.

The project is anchored with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), with a Technical Support Unit (TSU) being established within MoRD to support strategic coordination, technical assistance, and implementation oversight. NRLM has already laid strong foundations by linking primary producers to markets and building producer organisations at scale. Building on these models, UNDP, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, will work across select value chains and states to further enhance women’s agency – particularly in post-harvest operations, processing, branding, and market engagement.

Under the overall supervision of the National Project Manager - Value Chain Development and Private Sector Partnerships and in close coordination with the Technical Support Unit (TSU) and programme team, the Young Professional – Inclusive Value Chains will support the coordination and implementation of programme activities related to inclusive value chain development under the Market-Led Inclusive Value Chain Development Programme.

The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support planning, coordination, and implementation of programme activities across selected value chains and geographies, including preparation of workplans, tracking of progress, and follow-up with implementing partners. • Assist in coordination with government departments, State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), private sector partners, producer organisations, and other ecosystem stakeholders to facilitate effective programme implementation. • Support organisation of programme meetings, consultations, workshops, training programmes, and stakeholder engagement activities, including preparation of background materials, documentation, and follow-up actions. • Assist in monitoring programme progress, maintaining trackers, compiling data, and supporting preparation of periodic progress reports, briefs, and implementation summaries. • Support documentation of best practices, case studies, and lessons learned related to value chain interventions and inclusive livelihoods. • Provide coordination and logistical support to programme teams and partners to ensure timely delivery of planned outputs. • Support knowledge management and information sharing across programme stakeholders. • Perform other related duties as required to support effective programme implementation.

• 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

• At least 2 years of relevant professional or academic experience in programme coordination, livelihoods, rural development, value chain development, or related areas. • Experience supporting implementation of development programmes involving government agencies, civil society organisations, or private sector stakeholders is desirable. • Familiarity with livelihoods programmes, producer collectives, SHGs, or value chain development initiatives is an asset. • Demonstrated ability to support programme coordination, documentation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement activities. • Strong drafting and reporting skills, with attention to accuracy and quality in document preparation. • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community organisations, and development partners. • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and adapt to evolving programme requirements. • Good computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet tools. • Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently and meet deadlines.

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.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator • Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 56,126.69 • Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR) • Relocation costs: $175 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): USD 120 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

For more information on entitlements please read the Conditions of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 29 days ago - Source: unv.org