Research Assistant-Tribal Development

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. UNDP’s 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 in partnership with the Government of India, aims to fast-track development in difficult geographies inhabited by tribal populations by strengthening capacities, options and opportunities for them to move out of deprivation. Within the tribal portfolio, the primary objective is to strengthen implementation and monitoring of national/state programmes and schemes. Additionally, we aim to demonstrate innovative, scalable, integrated development solutions in tribal dominated regions.

The Tribal portfolio is anchored in Pillar 2 on the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023-2027. Under the umbrella of the SDG Acceleration Unit, the tribal portfolio encompasses multiple interventions spread across the country. The overarching goal of the portfolio is to establish synergy and coordination between the central and state governments, thereby facilitating the effective implementation of schemes and programs for tribal development. UNDP serves as a catalyst for collaboration, facilitating improved coordination to ensure the intended beneficiaries receive the benefits of various initiatives through proper implementation.

Under the portfolio, there are several projects being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and various State Tribal Departments. These projects are focused on enhancing the operational effectiveness of the tribal development programmes, strengthening the capacities of the tribal department and functionaries, promoting data-driven decision-making, and advancing knowledge management.

UNDP is looking for a Research Assistant- Tribal Development to support the work of the Tribal Development team, UNDP Country Office, New Delhi. The Research Assistant will work under the direct supervision of Programme Lead, Tribal Development, UNDP.

Under the direct supervision of Programme Lead, Tribal Development, the UN University Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support in undertaking secondary research and generating data and evidence to map how recognition of rights under Forest Rights Act (FRA) will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Assist in collecting, analysing and synthesising data and support the preparation of socio-economic profile of selected Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across different states.
• Support in identification and compilation of women community champions who are managing and governing their land and forest resources recognized under Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• Assist in organising workshops, seminars, cross learning events, and roundtable discussions.
• Contribute to the development of factsheets, flyers, audio-video, e-book and other documentation showcasing good case studies related to tribal development.
• Support in creation of social media content/messaging on tribal development. This includes preparing power point presentations, infographics, GIFs, videos, stories, etc. and other multimedia content as required.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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 instance 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 publications/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.