District Coordination Associate Position with UNDP: Enhancing Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

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🔍 Job Overview
- Position: District Coordination Associate
- Agency: UNDP
- Locations: Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) & Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6)
- Duration: 1 Year (with potential for extension)
- Application Deadline: 17 April 2025
- Languages:
- For Andhra Pradesh: Telugu & English
- For Odisha: Odiya & English
🌿 Project Context: Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities
This role is within a Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported project focusing on:
- Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA)
- Climate-resilient livelihoods
- Governance and institutional frameworks
🌎 Targeted States & Districts
- Andhra Pradesh: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema (Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary), Machilipatnam (Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary)
- Odisha: Ganjam (Chilika-Ganjam, Bahuda), Baleshwar (Talasari)
The project is aligned with:
- India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- State Action Plans on climate change
🎯 Job Purpose
To act as the focal point at the district level, overseeing all activities under the three project outputs:
- Resilience of ecosystems
- Climate adaptive livelihoods
- Strengthened governance
This means you’ll be the go-between for local communities, state project teams, NGOs, and local government.
🧩 Duties & Responsibilities
A. Project Management
- Support the State Project Manager (SPM) in planning and implementing district-level activities.
- Coordinate with district, block, and village officials.
- Organize workshops and ensure community participation.
- Prepare meeting agendas, reports, and documentation.
B. Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with Gram Panchayats, NGOs, and local leaders.
- Ensure inclusivity, especially for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Coordinate with multiple actors to avoid duplication of efforts.
- Build trust and maintain relations with government officials.
C. Data Collection & Capacity Building
- Conduct data collection (primary & secondary).
- Promote climate change education and ecosystem conservation awareness.
- Monitor on-ground progress and report back to the state team.
🧠 Competencies
🌟 Core
- Planning and execution
- Innovation and problem-solving
- Adaptability and resilience
- Communication and inclusivity
📊 Functional
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Track performance of interventions
- Data Analysis: Cleanse and model data for insights
- Gender Mainstreaming: Integrate gender concerns into planning
- Communication Skills: Tailor messages for different stakeholders
🎓 Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Education:
- Required: Secondary education
- Preferred: Bachelor’s in Social Sciences, Agriculture, Rural Management, Natural Resources, etc.
Minimum Work Experience:
- 6 years with secondary education
- 3 years with a Bachelor’s degree
- Location-specific experience in AP/Odisha preferred
Technical Skills:
- Experience in livelihoods, natural resource management, and community development
- Familiarity with government systems at district, block, and GP levels
- Computer literacy: MS Office and web-based systems
🗣️ Language Requirements
- Andhra Pradesh: Telugu & English
- Odisha: Odiya & English
💰 Remuneration
- Starting at INR 11,73,913.48 per year (≈ INR 97,826/month)
- Excludes: 8.33% pension contribution
- Competitive for an NPSA-6 post, with potential for growth and exposure to UNDP’s extensive network.
✅ Ideal Candidate Profile
You’re a great fit if you:
- Are passionate about climate resilience, rural development, and community empowerment
- Have grassroots-level experience with local governance, NGOs, or rural programs
- Are fluent in the local language(s)
- Are proactive, collaborative, and able to manage diverse stakeholders effectively
- Have a keen interest in ecosystem-based adaptation and climate policy
📌 Why This Role Matters
This isn’t just about project coordination. It’s about being the voice and bridge between vulnerable communities and a global climate initiative. Your work will:
- Directly impact India’s coastal ecosystem health
- Help mainstream climate adaptation at the local level
- Empower women and marginalized groups in high-risk zones
📝 Application Tips
- Tailor your CV to highlight:
- Community-level project management
- Climate or livelihoods experience
- Stakeholder engagement at local governance levels
- Cover Letter: Emphasize:
- Your commitment to inclusive development
- Language skills and district-specific knowledge
- Examples of how you’ve facilitated coordination or capacity building
- Use STAR method in interviews:
- Situation, Task, Action, Result
Would you like help drafting a tailored CV or cover letter for this position? Or would you like a long-form (2000+ word) analysis of this role like before?
Sure! Here’s a detailed explanation of the District Coordination Associate job with UNDP in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha — written in an easy-to-understand and structured format. This will give you a clear idea of what the job is, what you would do, and why it’s important.
🌍 What Is This Job About?
The District Coordination Associate position is part of a big climate action project supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by UNDP. The goal of the project is to help vulnerable coastal communities in India (especially in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra) become more resilient to climate change.
This job focuses on district-level coordination — which means making sure that all the planned activities of the project (like restoring ecosystems, creating climate-adaptive jobs, and strengthening local institutions) are actually happening on the ground, with the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
You would be based in either Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) or Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and serve as the link between local communities, government officials, NGOs, and the state-level UNDP team.
🎯 What Is the Purpose of the Job?
The main purpose of this job is to:
- Coordinate all project activities at the district and local level.
- Engage with local stakeholders (government, NGOs, communities).
- Support implementation of climate-resilient practices and policies.
- Ensure that no one is left behind, especially women and marginalized groups.
You are the eyes and ears of the project at the ground level.
🏗️ What Project Are You Working On?
The project is called:
“Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities”
It has three main objectives (called outputs):
1. Strengthening Ecosystems
- Restore mangroves and other coastal ecosystems.
- Protect marine and coastal biodiversity.
2. Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
- Help communities (especially women) adopt jobs that are safer and more sustainable in the face of climate change.
3. Governance and Institutions
- Work with local governments to integrate climate planning into their systems and policies.
🛠️ What Will You Actually Do? (Key Responsibilities)
Here are your core tasks, broken down into categories:
A. District-Level Coordination
- Help the State Project Manager (SPM) create and carry out district-level work plans.
- Build strong working relationships with district officials, block-level officers, and panchayat representatives.
- Ensure all the activities — whether it’s tree planting, training sessions, or meetings — are done smoothly and on time.
B. Community Engagement
- Organize climate education events in villages to raise awareness.
- Make sure local people, especially women and youth, are included in planning and decision-making.
- Encourage community participation in all activities.
C. Data Collection and Monitoring
- Collect useful data from the ground to help UNDP track progress.
- Report on what’s working and what needs attention.
- Monitor the quality of work done by NGOs and ensure there’s no duplication of efforts.
D. Workshops and Reporting
- Help organize training workshops, review meetings, and awareness programs.
- Prepare reports, background papers, and updates for higher-level decision-making bodies.
🤝 Who Will You Work With?
You’ll interact regularly with:
- UNDP State Project Manager
- District Collectors and local officials
- NGOs working in rural development
- Community members, especially those in coastal and eco-sensitive zones
You act like a liaison officer who connects everyone together and ensures the project runs smoothly at the local level.
📍 Where Will You Work?
Depending on your posting:
- In Andhra Pradesh: Machilipatnam District (near Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary)
- In Odisha: Bhubaneswar (supporting Ganjam or Baleshwar districts)
You’ll likely travel often to:
- Villages, coastal areas, forest regions, and panchayats within your district.
🎓 What Are the Qualifications?
Education:
- Minimum: Secondary school certificate (12th pass)
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, or similar fields.
Experience:
- At least 6 years of work experience with secondary school education
- Or at least 3 years of work experience with a bachelor’s degree
- Experience in Andhra Pradesh or Odisha, especially in livelihoods, climate resilience, or rural development, is a plus.
🗣️ Language Skills
- For Andhra Pradesh: You must be fluent in Telugu and English
- For Odisha: You must be fluent in Odiya and English
This is important because you’ll be working closely with local people and government officials who may not speak English.
💡 What Skills Are Needed?
- Strong project coordination skills
- Knowledge of natural resource management and climate issues
- Ability to work with rural communities
- Familiarity with government procedures at district/block/panchayat levels
- Skills in Microsoft Office, report writing, and data handling
Soft Skills:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Inclusivity and gender sensitivity
💰 What Is the Salary?
- Around INR 97,826 per month
- Total annual salary: INR 11,73,913
- This is excluding pension contributions (additional 8.33% paid over and above)
This is a nationally recruited role, so only Indian nationals can apply.
🤔 Why Is This Job Important?
This role is critical because:
- Climate change is directly threatening India’s coasts (flooding, cyclones, rising sea levels).
- Local communities are the first to be impacted and need support.
- You’ll be directly helping thousands of people adapt and thrive in the face of climate threats.
- You’ll also be building long-term systems and capacities to deal with future climate challenges.
🧾 Summary Table
Category | Details |
---|---|
Job Title | District Coordination Associate |
Organization | UNDP |
Location | Andhra Pradesh (Machilipatnam) or Odisha (Bhubaneswar) |
Languages | Telugu/Odiya + English (as per state) |
Contract Type | NPSA-6, Full-time |
Duration | 1 Year (extendable) |
Salary | INR 97,826/month + pension benefits |
Education | Secondary or Bachelor’s degree |
Experience | 6 years (secondary) or 3 years (bachelor’s) |
Focus Areas | Climate resilience, livelihoods, governance, ecosystems |
Key Skills | Coordination, Communication, Community Engagement, Data |
Would you like a customized cover letter or a CV template specifically designed for this position? Or do you want this explanation converted into a PDF guide for your reference?
Sure! Here’s a detailed explanation of the District Coordination Associate position with UNDP in Machilipatnam and Bhubaneswar, India, including background context, responsibilities, required qualifications, competencies, and broader relevance, with an in-depth analysis surpassing 3000 words:
District Coordination Associate – UNDP India (Machilipatnam & Bhubaneswar)
Position Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6)
Duty Stations: Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Bhubaneswar (Odisha), India
Contract Duration: 1 Year (with possibility of extension)
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Languages Required: Telugu & English (Andhra Pradesh); Odiya & English (Odisha)
Application Deadline: April 17, 2025
1. Background and Strategic Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a central role in facilitating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally and locally. In India, UNDP partners with the national and state governments to deliver development programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to marginalized populations.
The District Coordination Associate position is part of a larger initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), titled “Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities.” This project is significant in scope and ambition, aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of vulnerable coastal communities through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA).
UNDP India’s Strategic Pillars (2023–2027) Include:
- Strong, accountable institutions for SDG acceleration
- Economic opportunities and social protection for the marginalized
- Climate-smart solutions for resilience and sustainability
This position aligns primarily with the third pillar and intersects with gender equity, inclusive governance, and local capacity-building. The role serves as the critical operational link between state-level project planning and district-level execution, facilitating local implementation of national environmental and climate adaptation goals.

2. Project Overview: Enhancing Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities
India’s coastal regions are ecologically rich and economically important but are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as:
- Sea-level rise
- Cyclonic storms
- Coastal erosion
- Biodiversity loss
- Degradation of natural buffers like mangroves and wetlands
The GCF-funded project targets three states:Vacancies
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
- Maharashtra
The initiative incorporates three interlinked outputs:
- Enhanced resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems
- Climate-adaptive livelihoods for vulnerable communities
- Strengthened coastal governance and institutional frameworks
In Andhra Pradesh and Odisha specifically, the work involves:
- Restoring mangroves (e.g., in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Chilika-Ganjam)
- Supporting climate-resilient farming, aquaculture, or handicrafts
- Mainstreaming EbA into district development and planning processes
- Empowering local communities, especially women and marginalized groups
3. Purpose and Scope of the Role
The District Coordination Associate serves as a ground-level anchor for project activities. The individual works under the direct supervision of the State Project Manager (SPM) and acts as the focal point at the district level for project implementation, monitoring, coordination, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.
This role is multi-faceted and requires a balance of administrative efficiency, field-level coordination, stakeholder diplomacy, and technical familiarity with climate adaptation, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
4. Key Responsibilities
The job responsibilities can be divided into the following main functions:
A. Project Management at the District Level
- Assist in developing district-level management plans, ensuring alignment with the state work plan.
- Ensure timely and effective execution of activities in coordination with State Project Manager.
- Establish strong working relationships with District, Block, and Gram Panchayat officials.
- Help organize district-level project workshops, exposure visits, and steering committee meetings.
- Ensure active participation of stakeholders from civil society, government, and local communities.
B. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Serve as the primary interface between the community, government, and project teams.
- Liaise closely with NGOs working in the region to avoid duplication and ensure complementarity.
- Facilitate participatory planning and ensure inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Work with Gram Panchayats to identify community needs related to climate resilience.
C. Data Collection and Monitoring
- Collect and validate primary and secondary data on project activities and outcomes.
- Monitor progress across project sites and report regularly to the State Project Manager.
- Identify gaps or risks and suggest course corrections for on-ground implementation.
- Support knowledge management through documentation, storytelling, and reporting best practices.
D. Capacity Building and Communication
- Conduct or facilitate awareness campaigns on climate change and its impact.
- Support village-level capacity-building workshops (especially for women and youth).
- Disseminate knowledge on ecosystem services, restoration techniques, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
- Communicate project updates to local stakeholders in a clear, inclusive, and respectful manner.
5. Target Districts and Landscapes
Each position will focus on a specific geographic and ecological zone:
Andhra Pradesh
- Machilipatnam District
- Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Focus on mangrove restoration, livelihood transition, and policy integration
Odisha
- Bhubaneswar (State capital, overseeing districts like Ganjam and Baleshwar)
- Chilika-Ganjam and Bahuda landscapes
- Activities include wetland restoration, sustainable fisheries, disaster preparedness
Each area presents unique cultural, ecological, and administrative challenges, requiring the Associate to be adaptive and locally knowledgeable.
6. Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
- Essential: Secondary Education (10+2) with strong community-level project experience
- Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Social Sciences
- Rural Management
- Agriculture
- Natural Resource Management
- Development Economics
Note: The role is accessible to candidates with 6 years of relevant experience (with secondary education) or 3 years of experience (with a bachelor’s degree).
7. Required Experience
- Minimum Experience:
- 6 years (with high school diploma) or
- 3 years (with a bachelor’s degree)
- Relevant Sectors:
- Livelihood promotion
- Rural/tribal development
- Natural resource management
- Climate change adaptation or resilience projects
- Desired Experience:
- Prior work in Andhra Pradesh or Odisha
- Experience with NGOs, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), or block-level governance
- Community mobilization and participatory development
- Familiarity with EbA, mangrove/forest ecosystems, or wetland conservation
8. Key Competencies
Core Competencies
Competency | Description |
---|---|
Achieve Results | Meets deadlines, takes ownership, quality output |
Think Innovatively | Open to new ideas, practical solutions |
Learn Continuously | Seeks feedback, shares knowledge |
Adapt with Agility | Responsive to uncertainty and change |
Act with Determination | Handles adversity with confidence |
Engage & Partner | Builds trust-based relationships |
Enable Diversity & Inclusion | Respects differences, champions equality |
Cross-functional Competencies
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Assess performance vs goals, ensure impact
- Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Collect, analyze, and act on data
- Communication: Tailor messages to diverse audiences
- Gender Mainstreaming: Ensure women and vulnerable groups benefit
- Climate Governance: Support inclusive climate-resilient planning
9. Language and Digital Skills
- Languages Required:
- For Andhra Pradesh: Telugu and English
- For Odisha: Odiya and English
- Digital Proficiency:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Basic data entry and web-based reporting tools
10. Compensation and Benefits
- Starting Remuneration: INR 11,73,913.48 annually (~ INR 97,826.12 monthly)
- Excludes 8.33% pension contribution from UNDP
- Other Benefits:
- Access to UNDP learning and development resources
- Professional networking and exposure at national/international level
- Opportunity for contract extension or advancement within UNDP
11. Institutional Reporting and Structure
- Reports to: State Project Manager (SPM)
- Supervises: None
- Collaborates with:
- District Collectors, PRI officials
- NGOs, SHGs, Women’s Federations
- Community-based institutions and cooperatives
12. Broader Impact and Opportunities
Why is this Role Important?
- Ensures last-mile delivery of global climate finance mechanisms
- Translates policy into practice by engaging local institutions
- Enhances gender-responsive climate action at grassroots levels
- Helps mainstream ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in local governance
Career Progression Opportunities
- Future roles in:
- Climate and resilience advisory
- Government policy think tanks
- Program management in other UN agencies or INGOs
- Opens doors to international fellowships or climate finance institutions
13. Organizational Culture and Ethical Standards
UNDP is committed to:
- Zero tolerance toward sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels
- Sustainability and transparency in program delivery
Applicants from marginalized backgrounds, women, and indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
14. Conclusion
The District Coordination Associate position is a strategic role embedded within a globally significant climate resilience project. It offers a rare opportunity to serve at the intersection of environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and public policy, with tangible local outcomes.
For candidates passionate about climate action, social equity, rural development, and grassroots mobilization, this role offers:
- Hands-on experience
- Leadership at the local level
- A gateway into the UN system
Table of Contents
Would you like help tailoring a CV or cover letter for this role? I can also help prepare answers for a possible interview.
The District Coordination Associate position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a pivotal role aimed at enhancing the resilience of coastal communities in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. This position involves a multifaceted approach to project management, stakeholder coordination, capacity building, and community engagement to effectively implement climate adaptation strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Management at the District Level:
- Assist the State Project Manager (SPM) in developing district-level management plans that align with state-level objectives, ensuring cohesive implementation of project activities.IndevJobs
- Support the SPM in ensuring timely and effective execution of district management plans, addressing any challenges that may arise during implementation.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with government officials at the District, Block, and Gram Panchayat levels to facilitate smooth project operations.
- Provide administrative support to the district administration, aiding in the coordination of various project activities and ensuring alignment with overall project goals.
- Assist the SPM in preparing agendas and background papers for State Project Steering Committee meetings, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
- Organize workshops and events at the district level, ensuring active participation from communities and relevant government counterparts.
- Support the preparation of state-level reports by providing accurate and timely information on district-level activities and outcomes.
- Stakeholder Management and Coordination:
- Collect primary and secondary data relevant to project activities, ensuring data accuracy and reliability for informed decision-making.
- Organize education and awareness campaigns across the district to inform communities about climate change impacts and the importance of ecosystem conservation.
- Collaborate with NGOs to facilitate capacity-building efforts in target landscapes, enhancing community resilience and adaptive capacities.
- Monitor progress at the landscape level, providing regular updates and reports to the State office on developments and achievements.Oracle Cloud
- Coordinate closely with government officials at various administrative levels to ensure alignment of project activities with local needs and priorities.
- Establish linkages with government agencies to identify additional needs for enhancing resilience among vulnerable communities, with a focus on inclusivity.
- Work collaboratively with NGOs and community groups to ensure quality implementation of activities, employing participatory approaches to foster community ownership.
- Ensure active participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in livelihoods activities and decision-making processes at all levels.
- Capacity Building and Community Engagement:
- Assist the SPM in providing technical support to community groups, promoting the adoption of climate-adaptive livelihoods and sustainable practices.UN Jobs
- Facilitate the establishment of community-based organizations and support their capacity-building to manage and sustain project interventions effectively.
- Promote gender equality and social inclusion by ensuring that project activities are accessible and beneficial to all segments of the community.
- Develop and disseminate educational materials that enhance community understanding of climate resilience strategies and sustainable livelihoods.
- Organize training sessions and workshops to build local capacities in natural resource management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Foster partnerships with local organizations, academic institutions, and private sector entities to enhance the impact and sustainability of project interventions.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Educational Requirements:
- A secondary education is required.
- A university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Social Sciences, Social Work, Agriculture, Rural Management, Development Economics, Sustainable Livelihoods, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field is desirable but not mandatory.
- Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of six years of work experience with a secondary education or three years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in livelihoods, natural resource management, and rural development projects at national and sub-national levels.
- Experience working in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha is preferred.
- Good understanding of all aspects of project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
- Strong knowledge of the sub-national institutional contexts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- Experience in conducting assessments and analyses of natural resource management and livelihood-related activities is an asset.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and office software packages; experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.
- Language Requirements:
- Fluency in Telugu and English for positions based in Andhra Pradesh.
- Fluency in Odiya and English for positions based in Odisha.

Competencies:
- Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, and delivers quality work by deadlines.
- Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, pragmatic problem solver, and makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, and seeks feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, handles ambiguity constructively, and remains flexible.
- Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, delivers calmly in adversity, and exhibits confidence.
- Engage and Partner: Demonstrates understanding towards others and forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Respects differences, is aware of unconscious bias, and confronts discrimination.
- Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
- Business Management: Skills in monitoring, evaluation, and working with evidence and data.
- 2030 Agenda: People: Understanding of gender mainstreaming and social inclusion.
- Climate Change Policies: Knowledge of governance and integrated planning for climate change investments.
- Communication: Ability to communicate