State Project Coordinator

The State Project Coordinator will support the National Project Manager in implementing the GEF-GoI-UNDP Land Degradation Neutrality project in the state. The role involves project planning, management, stakeholder coordination, procurement, financial management, and knowledge sharing to achieve sustainable land management and restoration goals.

Responsibilities

• Support / Assist in planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of the project to ensure that its results are in accordance with the project document and project results framework in the state.
• Assume full responsibility of project management on a daily basis in the state – budgeting, ensure adequate information flow, discussion and feedback among relevant stakeholders of the project.
• Develop state specific annual work plans and ensure accurate and timely reporting to MoEFCC and UNDP for activities of the project in the state.
• Guide the team at the landscape level and monitor the work undertaken by consultants employed under the project.
• Assist the NPMU/SPMU/UNDP in independent Mid-term and Terminal Evaluation of the project.
• Ensure regular communication and coordination with the National Project Management Unit, State Project Steering Committee, Landscape Level Committee and Management Unit, UNDP and MoEFCC with respect to project activities in the state.
• Foster partnerships with relevant line departments and technical institutions working on land and forest management and sustainable livelihood to bring convergence in the project.
• Organize, facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings including State Project Steering Committee and State Technical Committee meetings at least once or twice, per year, subject to availability of members and follow up on decisions taken at such meetings.
• Coordinate with other state departments to ensure convergence and sharing knowledge and best practices learnt in the project landscapes for scale up and replication.
• Coordinate with NPMU and LPMU under the project to share lessons and experiences.
• Develop proposals for resource mobilization to augment support to the programme/project.
• Develop Terms of Reference for hiring / engagements of consultants/ institutions/consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities and help the state government/UNDP in contracting processes.
• Commission activities including research studies, state level assessments, conduct and impart training / workshops etc. and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in coordination with the state nodal officer and UNDP.
• Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments.
• Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners.
• Track and manage project expenditure in the state in accordance with the budget, financial rules and procedures of the State, MoEFCC and UNDP to ensure transparency, responsibility and timely achievement of project targets.
• Develop and ensure timely submission of Quarterly Progress Reports, Annual Progress Reports, Project Implementation Report and mid-term progress reports to NPMU and UNDP, based on inputs from the landscape and state.
• Help in identification and documentation of best practices across thematic areas relevant to the project.
• Coordinate with NPMU and LPMU under the project to share lessons and experiences.
• Perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Requirements

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree (bachelor´s degree) in Environmental Science/Forestry/ Agriculture/ Sustainable Development/ Social Sciences/ Public Policy/ Management or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
• Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, social development, or any other related fields.
• Demonstrated technical experience in sustainable land management and socio-economic development, with experience coordinating with government agencies, stakeholders, and Project Management Units (PMUs).
• Experience in preparing technical reports, strategic plans, and progress updates for government and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams and facilitating consultations with government stakeholders to support project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, coordination, and achievement of project objectives and targets.
• Hands-on technical experience in the implementation and monitoring of development, environmental, or natural resource management projects.
• Experience working with Central and/or State Government departments, UN agencies, international organizations, or similar institutions, including coordination with government.
• Fluency in English and Hindi or Gujrati is required.

Skills

• Natural Resource Management
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Sustainable Land Management
• Socio-Economic Development
• Project Coordination
• Technical Report Preparation
• Strategic Planning
• Progress Reporting
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Leadership
• Consultative Meeting Facilitation
• Project Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Government Coordination
• Procurement
• Finance Management
• Knowledge Sharing

Languages

English, Hindi, Gujarati