RFP - IC - Consultant SDGs

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About the Organization

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 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.

About the Proposal

The UN in India has been a close and consistent partner of NITI Aayog in its SDG efforts. This partnership has produced SDG progress monitoring and reporting tools, improved awareness on SDGs for different stakeholders, bolstered engagement with the state governments and other stakeholders, strengthened various data systems and platforms, and shared India’s good practices on SDGs at various regional and global forums. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) has been playing a key coordinating role in these efforts, bridging the efforts of the UN agencies with those of NITI Aayog on SDGs, and leading technical support on various SDG-related areas.

To support NITI Aayog in the above areas of work, UN in India is looking for dynamic individual for the position of Consultant, SDGs to be based at NITI Aayog, New Delhi. The Consultant, SDGs will play a crucial role in supporting NITI Aayog's comprehensive SDG efforts, on data, SDG monitoring and reporting, acceleration, and stakeholder engagement. The incumbent should have a good mix of academic and research expertise, understanding of policy issues, analytical capabilities, documentation, coordination, stakeholder management, report writing, and publication record, and familiarity with international debates on concerned issues in the areas, as above. This position is for a period of twelve months and is open for Indian nationals only.

Scope of Work

The Consultant, SDGs will work under the guidance and direct supervision of Programme Director, (SDGs), NITI Aayog and Chief of Staff, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. The Consultant, SDGs will support the attainment of the results envisaged to the required standards of quality, efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of work within the constraints of time and cost. He/ She will be responsible for the following duties and contributions across various areas relevant to NITI Aayog's work in SDGs:

VNR follow-up

• Assist in developing and implementing an action plan based on the recommendations from India's VNR report in 2025.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor and track the progress of initiatives and actions taken in response to the VNR recommendations.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of VNR recommendations and foster collaboration.

Promotion of Data for Development initiatives

• Oversee the collection, management, and maintenance of high-quality data relevant to SDGs and other development indicators.
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis to generate insights and inform policy decisions, program adjustments, and progress tracking.
• Explore and implement innovative data solutions, such as big data analytics, geospatial analysis, and real-time data collection methods, to enhance development outcomes.
• Facilitate NITI Aayog’s engagement in various platforms on Data for Development, such as the Data for Development Coordination Forum on SDGs.

Research and knowledge management

• Create and disseminate knowledge products such as policy briefs, research papers, case studies, and best practice guides to support informed decision-making and policy formulation.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on key development issues, trends, and challenges to generate evidence-based insights and recommendations.
• Assist in establishing and managing knowledge-sharing platforms and repositories to facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices among stakeholders.

Engagement with central ministries and other stakeholders

• Coordinate with central ministries to align their policies and programs with SDG targets.
• Engage with civil society organisations, private sector, international organisations, and other stakeholders to build partnerships for SDG implementation.
• Organise multi-stakeholder consultations and forums to discuss SDG progress and challenges.
• Develop communication and advocacy materials to raise awareness about SDGs among various stakeholders.

Other areas of support

• Assist in the coordination and preparation of NITI Aayog’s participation in regional and global forums, ensuring alignment with national priorities and SDGs.
• Facilitate engagement with key stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and international partners, to ensure cohesive representation and collaboration.
• Provide research, technical and analytical support to NITI Aayog in its SDG-related initiatives.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and other events related on SDGs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between various UN agencies, ensuring cohesive and collaborative efforts towards achieving the SDGs.

Eligibility

• Postgraduate/ Master’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy or a related field.

 Work Experience:

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible work experience in development related activities, advisory role on effective development cooperation, policies, governance, project/ programme management, and capacity development.
• Experience of working with academia/ think tanks/ research institutions and such will be desirable.
• Hands-on experience on economic and social development issues (policy and strategic) will be preferred.
• Experience in managing multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in carrying out research and preparing policy briefs.
• Experience in drafting reports.
• Good communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge about India’s development administration systems.
• Prior experience with government, UN agencies and other international organizations is desirable.

Languages:

• Excellent verbal and written English skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a multi- cultural environment. Working knowledge of Hindi is desirable.

How to Apply

Deadline: 21-Apr-25 @ 08:00 AM (New York time)

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Others