Project Associate- Convergence

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.

1. Office/Unit/Project Description 

The UNDP India Country Programme Document CPD (2023-2027) signed with the Government of India (GoI) aims at transformative change and development impact at scale. In line with this, UNDP has initiated active support to many state governments in mainstreaming SDGs within their schemes and programmes as a part of an UN system- wide to SDG roll out for visioning and planning in India. UNDP has done some pioneering work on localizing SDGs in States like Uttarakhand, Haryana, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Northeast. The focus of the agency is to support the States in Localization & Integration and to provide technical capacity in the implementation framework for SDGs. In view of India’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, the Economic and Statistical Organization (ESO), Department of Planning has come up with vision document focusing on sectoral growth aligned with SDGs and is in the process of developing State Indicator Framework also. State level consultations are underway to align the global goals with the planning process of the State. 

To implement the ambitious targets set for itself in SDG VISION 2030, Government of Nagaland has already started the process of integrating the SDGs into the planning and development process of the state and has set up and has partnered with UNDP to establish SDG Coordination Centre (SDGCC) under the Department of Planning. Since 2019 UNDP has a team of experts as part of the SDGCC and working closely with relevant government departments, technical agencies, UN agencies, civil society organization and academic institutions to provide the requisite impetus to the state government’s initiative in rolling out the SDGs. With the SDG Nagaland vision in place and the monitoring dashboard launched, the SDGCC is expected to enhance its monitoring and evaluation work to accelerate the progress of achievement of the global goals. 

• Job Purpose and Scope of Work 

1. Main Purpose:

UNDP proposes to engage a Project Associate- Convergence in the SDGCC in Kohima Nagaland. The services of the Project Associate - Convergence is required to carry out the agenda of convergence of different Central and State level schemes and programmes for achieving the SDG Vision 2030 and to bring in synergies between various government programmes/schemes in terms of planning, process, and implementation in Nagaland. S/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Nagaland when needed.

The scope of work includes:

• Identifying and addressing data gaps to enable comprehensive monitoring of SDG progress in Nagaland.
• Support in facilitating informed decision-making through the use of big data analytics, ensuring that insights support effective policy and implementation strategies.
• Overseeing the development and continuous monitoring of the SDG dashboard, which tracks progress and serves as a critical tool for project management.

Ensuring effective dissemination of the SDG dashboard and progress updates to all relevant stakeholders, including government entities, to promote transparency and accountability.

• Coordinating with direct stakeholders and team members to maintain consistent engagement and alignment with project objectives, enabling a collaborative approach to achieving the SDG targets.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:

        Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Regional Head (North-East), NPSA 11, the incumbent will:

Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Regional Head (North East), the incumbent will:

• Support Policy Development: 
  Assist in drafting policy documents and guidelines related to the convergence of central and state-level schemes, ensuring they align with Nagaland’s development priorities and the SDG goals.

• Assist in Creating a Convergence Mechanism: 
  Provide support in establishing a structured plan for convergence and help develop strategies to implement synergies between schemes across different government sectors.
  Work closely with other Programme Leads in SDGCC Nagaland and the UNDP Country Office to create linkages that integrate program objectives with broader SDG targets.

• Prepare Reports and Presentations: 
  Assist in compiling data and developing reports, presentations, and other materials that communicate progress, challenges, and impacts of the convergence plan to relevant stakeholders.

• Conduct Field Visits: 
  Travel as required to various districts and villages to provide on-site support for implementing convergence activities and to gather insights on the program’s impact at the local level.

• Engage in Monitoring and Evaluation: 
  Participate in periodic reviews to assess the progress of the convergence plan, identifying gaps and supporting timely updates to ensure its continued relevance.

• Perform Additional Program Duties: 
  Support other program-related tasks as assigned by the Planning Department, Government of Nagaland, and the UNDP Northeast Regional Head to fulfil the program’s objectives.

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

Institutional Arrangement[1]

Reporting To: UNDP Regional Head, Northeast India Region (NSPA 11).

        Reportees to this position (if applicable): NA