Project Officer (Constitutional and legal Matters) – UNDP India

Apply by 3rd July 23 

UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from democratic governance to poverty eradication, to sustainable energy and environmental management. UNDP’s programmes are aligned with national priorities and are reviewed and adjusted annually.

Job Schedule Full time
Agency UNDP
Grade NPSA-8
Vacancy Type National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area SDG Integration
Bureau Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
Contract Duration 1 Year
Education & Work Experience Master’s Degree
Other Criteria Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of experience, or Master’s degree with up to 2 years of experience
Required Languages English
Desired Languages Hindi
Vacancy Timeline 2 Weeks

Job Description
Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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 governments, 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 Government of India has accorded high priority and adopted multifaceted development strategies to promote the socio-economic growth of Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituting 8.6% of India’s total population as their human development indicators with regards to health, education, gender and other indices are well below the national average.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) being the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for the development of STs, has been pursuing the agenda of inclusive growth with Central and State governments to address the critical gaps in the development of STs. Various schemes and programmes are being implemented by MoTA such as Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Scheme (SCA to TSS); Grant under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India; Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students; Conservation -cum-Development Plan for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Grant to Aid to Tribal Research Institutes etc. for development of the STs in addition to the implementation of the rights-based legislation – Forest Rights Act 2006.

The Constitutional and Legal Matter Division in the Ministry ofTribal Affairs is entrusted with the work of Scheduling/ de-scheduling, matters relating to Courts, Report of Task Force on Scheduling, ScheduledAreas, Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Integrated Tribal Developments Projects/Agencies, MADA/Clusters

Under the MoTA-UNDP project, technical support will be provided to legal and court-related matters, monitoring of court cases and provide inputs to various legal positions of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities
UNDP proposes to hire a Project Officer- CLM who will be responsible to provide technical support to Constitutional and legal Matters being dealt by the Ministry including coordination with legal consultants, inputs and support in drafts related to legal position of the Ministry. The Project Officer will work in close collaboration with the other team members of the CPMU to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery. S/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, when needed.

• Provide Technical support to examine and analyze law/statutes-related cases and render advice.
• Prepare inputs and data in documents for filing in various courts of law on legal matters of Tribal affairs including coordination with legal consultants and StandingCounsels
• Render input, prepare background notes, connected with constitutional and legal matters including scheduling of Scheduled Tribes, matters relating to Scheduled areas, Tribes Advisory Council
• Coordination and compilation of report of Governor on administration of Scheduled Areas
• Coordinating with Government Counsels and other Authorities and prepare legal briefs and analysis of the on- going cases.
• Assisting MOTA by regularly monitoring the progress of court cases pending.
• Support the relevant divisions in Drafting the para-wise/ point to point reply to the petitions and various applications of the court cases pending in Supreme Court and High Court including drafting of affidavits and replies.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by the 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: Adaptsto 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

• Strategic thinking: Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good  outcome. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good  judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks

Business Management

• Evaluation: Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client’s-upcoming needs and concern
• Working with Evidence and Data : Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making

Business Development

• Knowledge Generation: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency  or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results

Digital & Innovation

• Data analysis: Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real Time Data) to form meaningful insights and  aid effective decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law/ social sciences/ social work/ Development studies  or in a similar field or related field is required OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level of working as lawyer or on tribal development, implementation of Protective legislation with a Master’s degree.
• Sound knowledge of development challenges and solutions for Scheduled Tribes
• Good understanding of protective legislation and constitutional provisions for Tribal communities
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to encourageand maintain gender mainstreaming will be an asset
• High-level of IT/computing skills(minimum: Microsoft Outlook,Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience of working on legal matters, drafting of legal notes and affidavits
• Relevant experience in documentation and preparation of reports on development issues along with experience in data management.
• Demonstrated experience in working with the government, state/central/ ministry/ UN agencies/ multi-lateral organisations.

language requirement:

• Excellent knowledgeof written and spoken Englishis essential. Knowledgeof Hindi isdesirable.
• Remuneration starting at INR 14,35,933 (Annual) / INR 1,19,661 (Monthly) as per the scale depending on qualifications and experience. The remuneration is excluding 8.33% pension amount paid over and above the salary.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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