Job Opportunity for Development Goals Specialist – Skilling, Livelihood, Employment at UNDP in Chennai

Background UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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 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 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 UNDP has entered into a partnership with the State Government of Tamil Nadu by bringing on board required technical sectoral expertise to the Department of Planning and Development to work across departments to drive an integrated development agenda to promote the faster achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the State. In line with the Indian model of SDG localization led by NITI Aayog, the Government of Tamil Nadu intends to establish a Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) as an attached entity of the Department of Planning and Development. UNDP proposes technical support to SDGCC in Tamil Nadu through the partnership model agreed by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. SDGCC Tamil Nadu is envisaged as a think tank, knowledge centre for providing high quality, cutting-edge policy and integrated advisory services to the State departments to accelerate economic, social and environmental goals. It seeks to bring together government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to create sustainable solutions to social problems. SDGCC work with the government to identify the most pressing challenges, team up with local leaders to develop and test solutions, bring in expertise and technology from the private sector, adopt the skills and tools to build agency and institutional capability, respond to citizen demand for responsive services, enhance government program delivery, capture and disseminate best practice locally and regionally, and ultimately expedite creative, systemic, transformational and sustainable change for the State. In this aspect, UNDP proposes to engage a Development Goals Associate, Skilling and Livelihood Employment sector to support SDGCC Tamil Nadu for enhancing the employment opportunities in the state as a part of related activities of the center. Duties and Responsibilities UNDP proposes to engage a Development Goals Associate to support SDGCC Tamil Nadu in its efforts to enhance development effectiveness by enhancing the employment opportunities through strengthening the skilling and livelihood initiatives. The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks under the overall guidance of the Chief Development Goals Specialist, SDGCC Tamil Nadu (NPSA 11). S/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Tamil Nadu when needed. Coordinate discussions with the relevant departments for design and development of specific interventions within the State for skilling and livelihoods including apprenticeship and entrepreneurship. Conduct policy research as required on skilling ecosystem, jobs and entrepreneurship, and related areas to address the gaps and to improve effectiveness of the implementation of flagship schemes/missions of the Government of Tamil Nadu and provide necessary technical assistance Support in drafting strategies, including the action plan for its implementation under the supervision of the concerned department / maintaining regular contacts and exchanges with departments and other stakeholders, collecting, and integrating comments received from reviews of the document Identify potential partnerships in the sector to strengthen the skilling and livelihoods ecosystem in the State Organize workshops, discussions, and meetings with practitioners and stakeholders related to the thematic areas to share information and also to gain insights from the ground Supporting the CDGS in regular reporting to Steering Committee pertaining to the SDGC

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.