Job Description

Details:Mission and objectives: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. UNDPs 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 - from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience. 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 vulnera-ble and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to support the Govern-ment of Indias national development vision and priorities and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.UNDP Indias new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to pro-vide 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 re-duced vulnerability

Context:This project Localizing Data Science for Climate Change Adaptation aims at creating a model of climate change adaptation action that takes into consideration local knowledge that is further informed by the scientific information on climate change impacts. The premise being that local knowledge need to be better understood and evidenced throughout the adaptation process for better representation of the needs of small-scale producers. Hence, this project is designed to leverage capacities of local climate research community and involve them in the decision-making process for Climate Adaptation outcomes. The advanced and localized climate science to be integrated with local knowledge base -would be made available by the National Centre of Excellence on Climate Change Adaptation. The Localizing Data Science for Climate Change Adaptation would work on a hub and spoke model, to demonstrate an exemplar for India and in turn, the region, that will enable interaction of various knowledge systems to develop robust and locally relevant climate adaptation recommendations for policy and program.More specifically, the expected outcomes are:
1. Mechanisms to facilitate integrating climate science with local knowledge for planning development programmes in agriculture and NRM sectors institutionalized.
2. Climate Risk informed Livelihoods (farm and non-farm) mainstreamed at State/Regional level with improved empirical evidence and technical capacities.Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen policies and decision-making through the integration of science and local knowledge, demonstrating a successful adaptation model for India and the region.Task description:Under the direct supervision of State Project Manager, the UN University Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in review of project documents, review of literature and prepare a study design and work plan with the support of the State Project Manager.
• Support in collecting local climate data with the support of the local NGO engaged in the project and conducting basic analysis to identify trends and impacts in the project area.
• Work closely with local communities especially women to document the agricultural practices and understand their adaptation strategies to climate change.
• Support in organizing focus group discussions with farmers, especially women farmers, to understand their specific needs and challenges in agriculture.
• Support in undertaking in-depth interviews of different stakeholders in the project area including the local administration to understand their perception on climate change and its impact of agriculture.
• Assist in data analysis and interpretation, preparing case studies with photographs and drafting the report.
• Support in preparing report on Role of Women in Agricultural Practices in the Changing Climate Context in Puri District, Odisha

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Requirements:or demonstrated interest in gender roles and womens participation in rural livelihoods and agriculture

• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data relevant to climate adaptation and community needs.
• Understanding and respecting local customs, traditions, and practices.
• Familiarity with basic computer applications, data entry, and reporting tools.

Competencies and values:\xe2\x98\x92 Accountability
\xe2\x98\x92 Adaptability and Flexibility
\xe2\x98\x92 Commitment and Motivation
\xe2\x98\x92 Communication
\xe2\x98\x92 Ethics and Values
\xe2\x98\x92 Integrity
\xe2\x98\x92 Planning and Organizing
\xe2\x98\x92 Professionalism
\xe2\x98\x92 Respect for Diversity
\xe2\x98\x92 Self-Management
\xe2\x98\x92 Working in TeamsArea(s) of expertise:

• Community development
• Development programmes
• Social work

Required education level:Bachelor degree or equivalentOther information: The UN Volunteer will be stationed in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, known for its modern infrastructure and relatively high quality of living. Bhubaneswar offers a range of housing options, from houses to apartments, and boasts a variety of economic and social amenities at affordable costs. The city is a hub of cultural and educational institutions, making it a comfortable base for living and working. However, the role requires substantial time in Puri, a coastal district approximately 60 km from Bhubaneswar, known for the famous Lord Jagannath temple. Puri is a significant cultural and religious centre and the coastal part faces challenges such as cyclones and flooding. Understanding the distinct living conditions in both Bhubaneswar and Puri is essential for effectively engaging with local communities to take up the assignment.

United Nations