Production & Input Management Officer

Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

Context: 
The livelihood of a large proportion of India’s population—as the largest private enterprise with ~138 million farm families with an 18% contribution to national GDP—is at risk. Any shock on agricultural production already has social and financial repercussions for both the population and the country as a whole; it impacts rural income levels, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and, in the worst years, poverty rates.

The Government of Odisha (GoO) is focused on doubling farmers income and farmers’ well-being by addressing the constraints, optimal usage of available natural resources and using technology to ensure a growth that is environmentally, economically, and technologically inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. The GoO, to enhance and diversify agricultural production, enhance climate resilience, and improve water productivity in partnership with the Government of India is implementing the World Bank assisted project “Odisha Integrated Irrigation will go a long way in ensuring livelihood security and poverty alleviation through sustainable and community-based management of forests contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. IPCC has also acknowledged that tenurial security over community resources and land can play a significant role towards achieving climate justice.

Project Description:

Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA): The project OIIPCRA is multi sectoral in nature and will be jointly implemented by three line-departments, ., (1) Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha, (2) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Government of Odisha, and (3) Department of Fishery and Animal Resource Development, Government of Odisha, with clearly defined role and responsibilities.

Project Objective:  

The objective of the current project is to provide technical support to the government in its effort to improve economic resilience of farm households to climate risks and natural disasters through intensification and diversification of agricultural production, enhanced climate resilience, and improved water productivity in selected districts of Odisha. It is expected that the Technical Support Unit will support the implementation of the OIIPCRA by developing implementation modalities

Scope of work

Main Purpose:

UNDP proposes to engage a Production & Input Management Officer in Bhubaneswar. S/He will be a part of the Project Management Unit to be established within the office of Directorate of Horticulture and will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Bhubaneswar when needed. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning and technical support :

Coordination with various research institutions/ farms/ processing units for training, demonstration, exposure visit of progressive farmers. Ensure implementation of Environmental Safeguards in project extension. Preparing briefing and providing technical inputs.  Preparing drafts for minutes and reports. 

Coordination and support to the project, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  Support to Director, Horticulture in ensuring smooth supply of key inputs, seed, seedling, quality planting material for demonstration activities under OIIPCRA. Ensure that relevant information, best practices and learned lessons are applied.  Coordinate with various research institutions/ farms/ processing units for training, demonstration, exposure visit of progressive farmers.

Contribute to effective monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Establish relations with stakeholders and line departments for smooth liaising. Coordinating with various research institutions/ farms/ processing units for training, demonstration, exposure visit of progressive farmers. Develop a tracking and record management system of project activities. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional arrangements

Reporting To:  Chief Advisor, Strategic Planning and State Operations, NOD

Repotees to this position (if applicable):  NA

Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction and Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system Business Direction and Strategy Effective Decision Making Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources Business Management

Partnerships Management

Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, priortise and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Business Management Monitoring

Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness Effectiveness Project Quality Assurance Partnership management Resource mobilization Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements Required Skills and Experience Min. academic education Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Agriculture MBA in Agribusiness Management or Rural Management is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Min. years of relevant work experience  Minimum of 2 years (with a master’s degree) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of experience in Agricultural domain, Agribusiness Management or Rural Management.  Required skills  Ability to establish, build, and sustain effective relationships, partnerships, and alliances, advocate effectively, and communicate sensitively.  Identifies problems and proposes solutions. Works as a team member, sound knowledge of liaising, training and demonstration of activities related to Horticulture. The incumbent would be required to undertake travel within the State of Odisha, as and when required Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Working experience with the Government or relevant multilateral institutions. Experience in the field of Horticultural Development or Horticultural Extension Experience in Horticultural Research or Nursery Management or Post Harvest Management or Floriculture or Vegetable Production from Government or Non-Government agencies. Knowledge regarding technologies adapted for horticultural crops specific to the region (Eastern India) Experience regarding Effective demonstration and transfer of technologies including training of officers, field functionaries, farmers and entrepreneurs, in production of planting material of identified horticultural crops and for training and capacity building of farmers / trainers. Knowledge of plant nutrition is expected and experience with crop science is helpful. Required Language(s)  Fluency in English and Odia is required.  Professional Certificates NA The monthly remuneration is including 8.33% pension amount paid over and above the salary- 60,078/- Disclaimer Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications. Applicant information about UNDP rosters Note: 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. Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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