General

Description of assignment title: Programme Associate – Urban Flood Risk Management

Assignment country: India

Expected start date: 11/06/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 13. Climate action

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNDP

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Chennai

Details

Mission and objectives

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 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.

Context

UNDP is currently working in various areas concerning sustainable development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. The Action for Climate Change and Environment (ACE) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; disaster management and resilience; and access to clean and efficient energy. Extensive and recurring waterlogging and floods disrupts life in Indian cities almost every monsoon. At times sudden but high-intensity cloud bursts generate substantial runoff from the cities’ concrete surfaces that inundates in low-lying areas. Combating sudden or high-intensity occurrences of, till date cities have relied on traditional approaches to flood management. The increasing trend of urban flooding is a universal phenomenon and poses a great challenge to urban planners the world over. Problems associated with urban floods range from relatively localized incidents to major incidents, resulting in cities being inundated for hours to several days. Therefore, the impact can also be widespread, including temporary relocation of people, damage to civic amenities, deterioration of water quality, and risk of epidemics. In India, UNDP is supporting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and city administrations in managing the recurring hazard of urban floods. The XV Finance Commission has earmarked allocations to the major metropolitan cities of India to address the issue of urban floods. UNDP intends to support a few cities in India in strengthening their urban flood management plan. In this backdrop, UNDP seeks to hire UN Volunteer Project Associate to provide backstopping support for the various activities envisaged under this component in the partner cities.

Task description

The National UN Volunteer Specialist, Project Associate will provide overall technical advice to UNDP for the implementation and development of an urban flood risk management programme. The specific activities will include but are not limited to:

•  Interaction with the partner state/city administration to understand the current practice of urban flood management.
•  Map the various programmes, schemes, projects and interventions in the partner cities.
•  Conceptualization and organization of stakeholder consultations and technical workshops
•  Documenting the requirements of the city administrations and proposing technical interventions for UNDP’s consideration
•  The appointee will also have to support the state department in organising and executing various orientation and training programs for multiple target groups
•  The individual will collect the data available for flood risk mapping, such as socio-economic profile, including per capita income, poverty data, demographic trends, growth of primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy, overview of existing infrastructure assets, critical infrastructure and their locations, types and access to services to the populations, damage reports and functions, etc.
•  Assessment of data needs, in particular data needed for the evaluation of flood hazards and flood risks.
•  Analysis of data gaps, including data quantity and quality related to requirements for the completion and application of hydrological and hydraulic models for studying both riverine and urban flood hazards and flood risk assessment.
•  Based on the data gaps identified, provide recommendations for additional geographical surveys and hydro-meteorological monitoring serving flood hazard assessment for the study, in consultation with the municipal authorities and the UNDP task team.
•  Support the city administration in developing the flood risk mitigation strategy
•  Assist in creation of modules for various DRR related orientation and training
•  Assist the State Government in preparation of various proposals, reports, DPRs and carry out any other activities for the harnessing of the funds for Disaster Management under the 15th Finance Commission under the supervision of the State Coordinator for the UNDP program.
•  Support the Programme Officer in providing any other support related to the project as and when required.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in Urban Flood Management or Disaster Management/ Disaster Risk Reduction.

•  Basic knowledge of Disaster Management Functioning Framework at the State Level and well as sound knowledge of the functioning of the State Government is essential.
•  High-level of IT/computing skills (minimum: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
•  Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable.
•  Experience in working with the State/ Central Governments and know about their functioning is desirable.

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes, Energy and environment

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Hydrogeology, Geography, Disaster Management, Environmental Engineering/Sciences, or relevant subjects

Competencies and values

•  Demonstrable research skills.
•  Results-driven, initiative-taking, ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
•  Ability to effectively and efficiently interact with senior members and stakeholders.
•  Must be detail oriented.
•  Communication skills: Able to communicate clear ideas across a variety of mediums
•  Writing and presentation skills: Able to produce high quality reports and presentations.
•  Ability to work independently or with very limited guidance.
•  Good interpersonal and communication skills.
•  Accountability
•  Adaptability and flexibility
•  Creativity
•  Judgement and decision-making
•  Planning and organising
•  Professionalism
•  Self-management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Chennai is among the cities in India with more than a million population, Chennai has the best quality of life, is highly resilient with the best mobility options and is safe and secure. Chennai stands itself out with low living costs and higher rates of housings, startups, and safety. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Chennai. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. This assignment is part of the special programme initiative. As per the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service, Section XVIII, the Conditions for this assignment are amended as follows:

•  The Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) will be INR 90,000/- per month
•  The UN Volunteer is not eligible for one-time Entry Lumpsum allowance or assignment and repatriation travel costs
•  Health insurance will not be provided to dependents of the UN Volunteer
•  Access to UNV learning will be restricted to mandatory courses and free-of-charge learning resources provided by UNV.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy