Project Officer-FRA

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Position Title: Project Officer-FRA
Location: India
Country: India
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been operational in India since 1951, focusing on various aspects of human development. The organization collaborates with the Government of India and other development partners to address issues such as poverty eradication, inequality reduction, local governance enhancement, community resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development. UNDP India has a comprehensive Country Programme for 2023-2027, which emphasizes strong institutions, economic opportunities, social protection, and climate-smart solutions. The organization operates in every state and union territory in India, working closely with national and subnational governments and diverse development actors to achieve people-centric results, particularly for marginalized communities. UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel can contribute to its mission and that underserved populations are represented in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer-FRA will provide technical support to the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department of the Government of Odisha for the effective implementation and monitoring of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 200

• This role involves working under the guidance of the State PMU Coordinator and collaborating closely with the Project Analyst for Tribal Rights at UNDP. The Project Officer will engage with various stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives, focusing on the empowerment of tribal communities and the effective implementation of the FRA. The position requires a proactive approach to capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy to enhance the recognition and management of rights under the FRA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate effective planning and implementation of the FRA, providing technical support in the preparation of action plans.
• Guide the development of mechanisms and systems for tracking and monitoring the implementation of the FRA.
• Support the rollout of the FRA digital portal, ensuring effective data capture and reporting.
• Conduct research and prepare materials for developing guidelines for the convergence of schemes for FRA right holders.
• Facilitate the provision of technical inputs for policy briefs, recommendations, and guidelines for effective implementation of the FRA.
• Lead the preparation of reports, technical papers, and knowledge products.
• Organize capacity-building workshops and consultations to expedite recognition and management of rights under the FRA.
• Prepare training resource materials and annual action plans based on stakeholder needs.
• Monitor the implementation of gender-specific results and support the identification of villages for CFR management plans. 1
• Document human impact stories and project successes, preparing relevant documents for capacity development activities. 1
• Establish partnerships and open channels of communication with various stakeholders involved in tribal development and the FRA.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Forestry, Anthropology, Rural Development, Development Studies, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) combined with two years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Proven experience in governance, convergence, tribal affairs, social justice, and social inclusion.
• Experience in leading capacity-building programs and establishing effective partnerships.
• Knowledge of protective legislation for tribal communities and experience in policy analysis related to tribal issues is desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Forestry, Anthropology, Rural Development, Development Studies, Sociology, or Social Work. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with two years of relevant experience will be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of tribal rights and development issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a bachelor's degree. Those with a master's degree are not required to have prior professional experience. Relevant experience should include capacity building on protective laws related to tribal rights and development, as well as experience in governance and social inclusion.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Odiya is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and guidelines.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in India and is associated with a project that aims to enhance the implementation of the Forest Rights Act. The role involves collaboration with government departments and requires a commitment to gender equality and social inclusion. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment. The organization also reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions.