Project Officer (e-Gov and Research)

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. All selection is on merit. Qualified Women Candidates are Strongly Encouraged to Apply.

Background

Please note that the person selected for this position will be offered a contract with UNDP under its National Personnel Services Agreement (N-PSA) modality. More information about the N-PSA is available here [link to the N-PSA POPP https://bit.ly/3gaGFud).

Government of India has accorded high priority and adopted multifaceted development strategies to promote socio-economic growth of Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituting 8.6% of the 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 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, Support to Tribal Research Institutes, Grant in Aid to Voluntary organizations etc.

MoTA is making concerted efforts for revamping and strengthening of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) to enable them to emerge as knowledge hub in the matters of ST by engagement them in quality research, evaluation & documentation and training & capacity building on tribal issues. Besides, Ministry is collaborating with various reputed organizations for further strengthening the research on pertinent tribal development issues.

In the last few years, Ministry has undertaken various path breaking initiatives in the area of digital technology by developing end-to-end digital solutions for e-governance – digitization of Scholarship Schemes, digital monitoring of Scheduled Tribe Component etc. The all-pervasive Digital-Initiative has brought a paradigm-shift from paper-based to data-driven e-governance model has been recognize at various platforms.

One of the key interventions under the MoTA-UNDP project ‘Enhancing effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India’ is focused towards strengthening/revamping of Tribal Research Institutes, promote e-governance for bringing development and operational effectiveness and demonstrate innovative, scalable, integrated development solutions in tribal dominated areas.

Within the scope of above, the Project Officer (e-Governance & Research) will provide technical and coordination support to MoTA for integrating e-governance tools within different schemes/programmes, strengthening of TRIs and promoting innovation in tribal development.
Project Officer (e-Governance & Research) will work under the overall supervision and direction of the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs & National Project Director (MoTA-UNDP Project) and report to his/her designate for day to day functioning and in close collaboration with the UNDP National Programme Officer, UNDP

Duties and Responsibilities
 
• Coordination and establishing effective consultations with the State Governments for achieving the objectives of the schemes ‘Support to Tribal Research Institute (TRIs)’ and ‘Tribal Festival, Research Information and Mass Education

• Develop digital tools and mechanisms to capture and disseminate results/findings from research/studies being undertaken by TRIs and other agencies supported by the Ministry and to assess the impact and effectiveness of allocation and utilization of resources

• Coordination and facilitation in organizing Appraisal Committee meetings including review of proposals from States and other organisations / Centre for Excellences (CoEs).

• Review and analysis of documents / data sets based on need in connection with effective operation of the schemes and discharge of assigned responsibilities of the concerned Programme Division

• Support in organizing cross learning events, knowledge dissemination, capacity building workshops etc. and in preparation of knowledge products

• Support e-Governance agenda of the Ministry by designing and rolling out of digital solutions for improved governance of tribal programmes/schemes

• Conceptualize research ideas in emerging areas that are aligned with the Ministry’s mandate and prepare concept paper therefore

Competencies

Required  skills and competencies

• Domain knowledge tribal development and social inclusion will be preferred
• Experience of working with the Central/State Government would be an added advantage
• Experience of conceptualizing ICT based applications for e-governance
• Experience in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and schemes for marginalized communities

Desired additional skills and competencies
• Maintain effective relationships with project stakeholders
• Organize and priorities work to meet deadlines
• Prepare timely inputs
• High-level of IT/computing skills (minimum: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Good drafting and writing skills in English and Hindi
• Ability to work independently to fulfill assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience
 
Education:
Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Rural Development, Technology, Public Policy from national/international institutions of repute

Work Experience:
Minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience of working in the field of development and governance

Required Language(s)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential.

Travel: The person is expected to travel to different states to monitor the functioning of the Tribal Research Institute as well for organizing consultations/ workshops/cross learning events etc.