Organization Mission

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. To-gether with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing commu-nity 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 na-tional 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 current Country Programme, 2018-2022, is in its final year of implementation. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027), which comes into effect in 2023, builds on our pri-or 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 fo-cus 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 de-velopment and reach those furthest behind first.

Context

The Plastic Waste Management Project is designed to minimize negative impacts and risks to environment and human health in India. The aim is to enhance sustainable plastic waste management (segregation/collection/recycling) practices through a socio-technical model in line with Swachh Bharat Mission in India, while ensuring compliance with regulations and ensuring improved use of resources. The project targets institutionalization of waste pickers (safai sathis) through improved governance mechanisms, capacity building and improved social conditions. The project also targets community engagement to enhance responsible waste disposal behaviour, and cross-stakeholder engagements for improved action on plastics.

To achieve the project objective and outcomes, the project is structured in 4 components.

• Component 1 aims to develop, support, and implement an economically sustainable model (ESM) for packaging plastic waste management.
• Component 2 focuses on design and implementation of Pilots in Material Recovery Facilities (Swachhta Kendras) for improved plastic waste management in administra-tive wards of selected cities.
• Component 3 is directed mainly to design, sustain, and provide elements to institu-tionalize Swachhta Kendras in governance bodies and to obtain improved socio-economic conditions for waste pickers; and
• Component 4 aims towards developing knowledge management, monitoring and communication mechanisms based on in-built adaptive feedback system during the project duration

Within the framework of Plastic Waste Management, Utthaan Helpline, an initiative by UNDP, shines as a beacon of support and empowerment for Safai Sathis (waste workers). With a dedicated focus on social inclusion and enumeration assistance, Utthaan Helpline addresses the diverse needs of Safai Sathis and their families. By providing essential support and guidance, it facilitates Safai Sathis” access to social security schemes in India. Serving as a vital lifeline, Utthaan Helpline connects Safai Sathis to opportunities, ensuring they can access social security schemes and benefits, transforming lives and leaving no one behind.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, PWM and overall guidance of Project Manager, PWM, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the NAMASTE Helpline, Tech & innovation and Zero Waste Campus initiative.
• Identifying Youth club functionaries and organizing training programmes with specific focus on Safai Sathis (waste workers) welfare under the UNDP’s Utthaan Initiative.
• Preparing the Action plan of programmes and activities, on engagement of youth for promotion of Utthaan Helpline and citizen engagement on Safai Sathis (welfare under the UNDP’s Utthaan Initiative.
• Coordinating with Youth Clubs/NGOs to create a youth lead campaign on social inclusion of Safai Sathis and Garbage Free cities with specific focus on plastic Pollution.
• Identifying Youth change makers and run digital campaign on creating awareness on social inclusion of Safai Sathis and support the project activities on ground.
• Coordinate with the Utthaan Helpline for smooth implementation of the Helpline initiative, responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the helpline initiative.
• Regularly collect and analyse data to measure the effectiveness of projects, making necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on the social inclusion policies, programs, and initiatives launched by the Government of India. Analyse the objectives, target audience, and expected out-comes of these initiatives. Coordinate with the Utthaan Helpline team to align their initiatives with the social inclusion programs set forth by the government.
• Build partnerships and networks with organizations working towards similar goals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Preparing documentation and circulation of supportive and publicity material, maintenance or records and reports. Prepare accurate and timely reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Required Skills and Experience

Working with informal waste pickers, recycling workers, informal sector workers, social inclusion of marginal sector, at the national or international level .
• Strong familiarity with current theories and issues in gender, development studies and human rights.
• Experience in project implementation and coordination.
• Experience in community mobilisation and implementation of outreach activities.
• Demonstrated ability in working with different kind of stakeholders
• Ability to develop partnerships and to network in the areas of waste management,
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• 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;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Teamwork and respect for diversity
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Planning and organizing
• Communication
• Flexibility
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

Living Conditions

New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region is a large and bustling metropolis of some 14 million people undergoing rapid changes. The capital city is an administrative, cultural and commercial center with modern amenities and well connected by air. It is a safe place with large expatriate community drawn from embassies, UN agencies, MNCs and foreign businesses. It has short moderate winter and long hot summer.

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.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents – except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable).

You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .
• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 64,961.50
• 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 5,413.46 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).