Policy Specialist, Rural Development

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy will be: a draft methodological framework for the mapping and classification of green works under VB-GRAMG; and a draft KPI framework for permissible works under VB-GRAMG to enable objective monitoring of green outcomes

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UNEP is the voice of the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the sound use of the environment and sustainable development. Located within the Industry and Economy Division, the Finance and Economic Transformations Branch examines how the economy, trade and finance interact with the environment and contribute to sustainable development at the local, national, regional and global levels. Based in Geneva, the Division leads the Green Economy Initiative to help countries integrate environmental considerations into their economic and trade policies. The Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU), under the Finance and Economic Transformations Branch of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, supports countries in advancing sustainable finance frameworks and economic policy reforms aligned with climate, nature, and pollution objectives. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) is a multi-year inter-agency programme jointly implemented by UNEP, International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In India, PAGE is being implemented with UNEP as the lead agency, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) serving as the nodal ministry in coordination with other sectoral ministries to advance an integrated green economy approach. The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is one of the largest ministries of the Government of India and plays a central role in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in rural areas through poverty reduction, livelihood enhancement, social protection, and rural infrastructure development. One of its flagship interventions, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has since 2005 played a significant role in providing wage employment, stabilising rural incomes, and creating basic rural infrastructure. Building on this legacy, the Government of India has notified a new statutory framework, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG) Act, 2025, replacing MGNREGA and aligning rural employment programming with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while strengthening accountability, infrastructure outcomes, and income security. Under this Act, employment generation is integrated with infrastructure development through four priority verticals, namely water security through water-related works, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and special works for mitigation of extreme weather events. Specific tasks and responsibilities Output 1: Methodological note - Criteria and methodology for the classification of green works under VB-GRAMG (10–15 pages): •Review relevant policy papers, scheme guidelines, permissible works, and background documents related to VB-GRAMG and green economy mainstreaming. •Analyse the list of permissible works under VB-GRAMG and develop draft criteria for mapping and classification of green works. •Prepare a draft methodological framework linking permissible works with green outputs, outcomes, and broader green economy objectives. Output 2: KPI framework for monitoring green outcomes under VB-GRAMG •Develop draft Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for selected permissible works under VB-GRAMG to enable objective monitoring of green outcomes. •Consult with UNEP, UNDP, ILO, MoRD, and other relevant experts, and incorporate feedback into the draft outputs. •Submit revised and final outputs in agreed formats and within the prescribed timeline.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in economics/rural management/natural science/ equivalent academic qualification Experience working with UN agencies, government bodies, or other international organizations in areas such as sustainable livelihoods, rural development, or related fields. •At least 5 years of working experience in development sector is required (experience in rural development would be preferred) •Experience of working on local level governance and planning in India, would be desirable. •Strong analytical, research, and writing skills, with the ability to produce policy papers and strategic recommendations.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English, including proven excellent drafting skills, is essential.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.