Job Opportunity for Project Officer at The United Nations Development Programme in Bhubaneswar, India

**Job Description: Project Officer – Forest Rights Act (FRA)**  

**Location:** Bhubaneswar, India  

**About the Company:**  

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been working in India since 1951, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, and promoting sustainable development. UNDP collaborates with the Government of Odisha to implement projects aimed at empowering marginalized communities, particularly through initiatives like the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The organization is committed to gender equality, social inclusion, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all.  

**Job Purpose:**  

The Project Officer – FRA will provide technical support to the SC & ST Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, to effectively implement and monitor the Forest Rights Act 2006. The role involves coordinating with government departments, stakeholders, and UNDP teams to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives.  

**Key Responsibilities:**  

– Coordinate planning and implementation strategies for FRA in collaboration with government departments and stakeholders.  

– Provide technical guidance in developing mechanisms, systems, and data analysis for monitoring FRA implementation.  

– Support the roll-out of the FRA digital portal and ensure accurate data capture.  

– Conduct research, prepare guidelines, and facilitate capacity-building workshops to enhance stakeholder understanding and compliance with FRA.  

– Monitor progress, prepare reports, and identify innovative solutions to address challenges in FRA implementation.  

– Promote gender equality and social inclusion by ensuring that both women and men benefit from FRA activities.  

**Qualifications:**  

– **Education:** A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Forestry, Anthropology, Rural Development, Development Studies, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field is required. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may be considered if they have at least two years of relevant professional experience.  

– **Experience:** Minimum two years of relevant professional experience in capacity building, governance, tribal rights, and social justice. Experience working on protective legislation for tribal communities (e.g., Forest Rights Act, PESA) is highly desirable.  

– **Skills:** Proven expertise in leading capacity-building programmes, designing interventions, and establishing partnerships. Strong analytical skills and the ability to use information technology effectively are essential.  

– **Languages:** Fluency in English and Odia is required.  

**Competencies:**  

– Ability to plan, organize, and deliver quality work within deadlines.  

– Demonstrated experience in governance, convergence, tribal affairs, social justice, and social inclusion.  

– Strong communication skills and the ability to advocate effectively with diverse stakeholders.  

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of marginalized communities while working in a dynamic and impactful development environment.