In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges.
In the programme countries, UNDP supports stabilization, state-building, governance and development priorities in partnership with the host governments, the United Nations system, the development partners and other partners to help the country to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock.
UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. UNDP’s programmes continue to fully integrate a global vision for catalytic change with India’s national priorities. With over 30 projects on the ground in almost every state, today UNDP India works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by transforming traditional models to do development differently. In a rapidly changing global environment, the work of UNDP and the broader UN family aligns with the Government of India's new national development vision, India 2030, and builds upon the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP India's country programme for 2018 -2022 has three major focus areas:
Inclusive growth
Environment and energy
Strengthening systems and institutions
These are supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, a pool of financial and technical resources for greater impact and scale, and South-South expertise.
You are invited to join a team of dedicated development professionals whose primary role is to support the India to achieve the 2030 Agenda. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with multiple stakeholders to find the country specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and to ensure no one is left behind - and we reach those furthest behind first.
UNDP is looking for individuals who have communication, analytical, planning and implementation capacities that can address links, choices and connections across many issues and sectors. We seek individuals who can apply global best practice to national contexts. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to making a positive contribution to Development in India.
Office/Unit/Project Description The Plastic Waste Management Programme (PWM) is designed to minimize negative impacts of plastic pollution and its risks to environment and human health in India. The aim is to enhance sustainable plastic waste management (segregation/collection/recycling) practices through a socio-technical model in line with Swachh Bharat Mission in India, while ensuring compliance with regulations and ensuring improved use of resources. The project targets institutionalization of waste pickers (safai saathis) through improved governance mechanisms, capacity building and improved social conditions. The project also targets community engagement to enhance responsible waste disposal behaviour, and cross-stakeholder engagements for improved action on plastics. To achieve the project objective and outcomes, the project is structured in 4 components:
Component 1 aims to strengthen policy frameworks, institutional systems, and data capabilities to improve national and urban governance of plastics and waste management..
Component 2 focuses on design and implementation of pilots for improved materials management in close coordination with project stakeholders through demonstration of scalable BEP/BAT models
Component 3 is directed mainly to improve socio-economic conditions for waste pickers by enhancing social protection, formal recognition, and gender-responsive support systems through institutionalized service delivery mechanisms.
Component 4 aims towards developing knowledge management, monitoring and communication mechanisms based on in-built adaptive feedback system during the project duration.
Job Purpose and Scope of Work
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Specialist, Circular Economy and Chemicals Management, the incumbent will lead and provide strategic, technical, and operational support for the design and implementation of programme interventions under the Circular Economy portfolio. The position will be responsible for ensuring effective programme planning, implementation, performance management, and stakeholder coordination, in alignment with UNDP policies, donor requirements, and national priorities. The role will drive integration of circular economy approaches, climate co-benefits, and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), while strengthening partnerships, policy engagement, and knowledge systems to deliver sustainable and scalable programme results.
Programme Planning, Delivery and Performance Management
Lead planning and end-to-end implementation of assigned project components in alignment with project documents, donor requirements, and UNDP policies.
Ensure delivery of outputs and outcomes against approved workplans, timelines, and results frameworks.
Analyse programme performance, risks, and challenges, and lead adaptive management to strengthen effectiveness and impact
Technical and Analytical Leadership
Provide technical leadership to integrate circular economy approaches, climate co-benefits, social inclusion and SDG alignment into programme design and delivery.
Develop analytical inputs, technical frameworks, and implementation tools to strengthen programme quality.
Support innovation and application of best practices to enhance programme impact, scalability and sustainability.
Programme Operations and Resource Management
Lead development and monitoring of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), ensuring alignment with budgets, procurement, and recruitment plans.
Oversee end-to-end procurement processes, including development of Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, and participation in technical evaluations.
Ensure effective contract management and vendor performance.
Lead financial planning, budget utilization, and expenditure tracking to ensure efficient and compliant use of resources.
Provide guidance and oversight to project staff and consultants to ensure effective delivery.
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
Establish and manage strategic partnerships with government, ULBs, private sector, civil society, and development partners.
Identify and leverage opportunities for convergence, co-financing, and programme scale-up.
Lead and contribute to resource mobilization through development of proposals, concept notes, and partnership frameworks.
Participate in relevant technical forums, consultations, and stakeholder platforms.
Policy Engagement, Thought Leadership and Capacity Development
Lead policy engagement, research, and advocacy in Circular Economy and related thematic areas.
Provide strategic inputs to policy dialogue and support development of evidence-based policy and programme frameworks.
Design and oversee capacity-building initiatives to strengthen institutional systems and stakeholder capabilities.
Position programme insights to influence policy and sectoral discourse.
Ensure Knowledge Management, Inclusion, and Reporting
Risk Management, Compliance and Quality Assurance
Business Management
Partnership management
2030 Agenda: People
Min. Education requirements
Min. years of relevant work experience
Required skills
- Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Required Language(s)
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.