State Project Coordinator - Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity

United Nations Development Programme(UNDP); Gandhinagar; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

UNDP India invites applications for the State Project Coordinator role under the GEF-GoI-UNDP LDN project, focusing on sustainable land management and biodiversity in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. You will lead state-level execution and coordinate with national partners.

The role requires strong project management, budgeting, reporting and stakeholder engagement with government agencies, UNDP units and local communities to deliver outputs on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in sustainable land management and socio-economic development.
• Experience coordinating with government agencies and PMUs.
• Ability to plan, implement and report on multi-stakeholder projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and monitor project activities at the state level.
• Foster partnerships with government departments and technical institutions.
• Manage procurement, contracts, reporting and financial tracking.
• Coordinate with NPMU/SPMU/UNDP and landscape teams to ensure targets are met.
• Develop annual work plans and ensure timely reporting to MoEFCC and UNDP.

Skills

Sustainable land management

Policy coordination

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Forestry/Agriculture/Sustainable Development/Public Policy/Management

Job description

State Project Coordinator Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby: Tier 0 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026. Tier 1 : Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments Tier 2 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers Tier 3 or no tier indicated : All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

1. Organizational Context

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 government, 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.

2. Office/Unit/Project Description

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 a State Project Coordinator who will support the National Project Manager (NPM) in the implementation of the GEF-GoI-UNDP LDN project. S/he will also work closely with the NPMU, SPMU, LPMU and UNDP in the implementation of the project in the state. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to making a positive contribution to development in India.

3. Job Purpose and Scope of Work

Main Purpose

The State Project Coordinator will work under the supervision and guidance of the National Project Manager (NPM), NPMU and State Project Management Unit (SPMU). S/he will work closely with National Project Management Unit (NPMU) and Landscape Project Management Unite (LPMU) in the implementation of the project in the project state. S/he will have the following responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Planning, Management and Implementation including support on Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support / Assist in planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of the project to ensure that its results are in accordance with the project document and project results framework in the state.

• Assume full responsibility of project management on a daily basis in the state – budgeting, ensure adequate information flow, discussion and feedback among relevant stakeholders of the project.

• Develop state specific annual work plans and ensure accurate and timely reporting to MoEFCC and UNDP for activities of the project in the state.

• Guide the team at the landscape level and monitor the work undertaken by consultants employed under the project.

• Assist the NPMU/SPMU/UNDP in independent Mid-term and Terminal Evaluation of the project.

1. Stakeholder Coordination, Partnerships and Convergence and Resource Mobilization

• Ensure regular communication and coordination with the National Project Management Unit, State Project Steering Committee, Landscape Level Committee and Management Unit, UNDP and MoEFCC with respect to project activities in the state.

• Foster partnerships with relevant line departments and technical institutions working on land and forest management and sustainable livelihood to bring convergence in the project.

• Organize, facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings including State Project Steering Committee and State Technical Committee meetings at least once or twice, per year, subject to availability of members and follow up on decisions taken at such meetings.

• Coordinate with other state departments to ensure convergence and sharing knowledge and best practices learnt in the project landscapes for scale up and replication.

• Coordinate with NPMU and LPMU under the project to share lessons and experiences.

• Develop proposals for resource mobilization to augment support to the programme/project.

1. Procurement, Contract and Operational Management

• Develop Terms of Reference for hiring / engagements of consultants/ institutions/consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities and help the state government/UNDP in contracting processes.

• Commission activities including research studies, state level assessments, conduct and impart training / workshops etc. and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in coordination with the state nodal officer and UNDP.

• Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments.

• Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners.

1. Financial Management and Reporting

• Track and manage project expenditure in the state in accordance with the budget, financial rules and procedures of the State, MoEFCC and UNDP to ensure transparency, responsibility and timely achievement of project targets.

• Develop and ensure timely submission of Quarterly Progress Reports, Annual Progress Reports, Project Implementation Report and mid-term progress reports to NPMU and UNDP, based on inputs from the landscape and state.

1. Knowledge Management, Learning and Documentation

• Help in identification and documentation of best practices across thematic areas relevant to the project.

• Coordinate with NPMU and LPMU under the project to share lessons and experiences.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

4. Institutional Arrangement

Reporting To: National Project Manager (NPM), NPSA 10 Repotees to this position (if applicable): Landscape Project Officer (3 positions)- UNV, Community Mobilizer- UNV.

5. Competencies

• Core: Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplify processes, balance speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/ is open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others, and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/ partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making
• People Management Competencies: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. (PeopleManagementCompetencies.pdf)

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: Thematic Area: Business Direction and Strategy Name: Strategic Thinking Definition: Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: Thematic Area: Business Management Name: Project Management Definition: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: Thematic Area: Business Management Name: Risk Management Definition: Identify and organise action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: Thematic Area: 2030 Agenda: Planet Name: Nature Definition: Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Natural Resource Management

6. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree (bachelor´s degree) in Environmental Science/Forestry/ Agriculture/ Sustainable Development/ Social Sciences/ Public Policy/ Management or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

7. Min. years of relevant work experience

• Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, social development, or any other related fields.

8. Required skills

• Demonstrated technical experience in sustainable land management and socio-economic development, with experience coordinating with government agencies, stakeholders, and Project Management Units (PMUs).
• Experience in preparing technical reports, strategic plans, and progress updates for government and other key stakeholders.

9. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams and facilitating consultations with government stakeholders to support project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, coordination, and achievement of project objectives and targets.
• Hands‑on technical experience in the implementation and monitoring of development, environmental, or natural resource management projects.
• Experience working with Central and/or State Government departments, UN agencies, international organizations, or similar institutions, including coordination with government,

10. Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Hindi or Gujrati is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates 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.

Use of AI by candidates Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection.

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