Job Description

Details:
Mission and objectives:
The Resident Coordinator's Office supports the work of the UN Resident Coordinator in India and coordinates activities of the UN Country Team in its engagement with the Government of India as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). India is currently implementing the UNSDCF 2023-2027.
The Office coordinates activities related to common programming including Agenda 2030, joint programmes, joint programming activities and development coordination work. This is done in conformity with the objectives and priorities of the Government, and the mandates and objectives of the United Nations agencies in India.
The Resident Coordinator's Office led by the Resident Coordinator is focused on the advancement of sustainable development, leaving no one behind, and with the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions as an overarching objective, consistent with the integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Context:
India is the second largest manufacturer of manmade fibres and the third largest exporter of textiles and apparel in the world, with a share of 4.6% of global trade. The textile and apparel industry is India's second largest employer, after agriculture, employing over 45 million people in the country, and contributing over 4% to the nation's GDP, making it the largest manufacturing sector. Currently, India's textile exports are at US$36 billion and are projected to reach US$100 billion by 2030. India is one of the largest producers of cotton and jute in the world, and the second largest producer of silk in the world.
Despite the growing efforts, and enabling policy measures towards sustainability in Textiles sector, the sector is facing multiple challenges, such as inefficiency in use of natural resources, huge environmental footprint, non-compliance to environmental regulations, informality and fragmentation, lack of technologies and skills, as well as needed market access and competitive edge to meet the need of rapidly evolving markets, international regulations.
Building strength and adding value through enhanced collaboration at all levels, offers a promising way forward to make a scalable impact for green economic transition of the textiles sector in India. However, to achieve this objective, a starting point would be to map the ground level challenges, opportunities and solutions, and identify key intervention areas for policy change, technological interventions, capacity building, social inclusion and integrated efforts for a systemic change and impact.
With this objective UN in India, aims to initiate an exercise to map ongoing initiatives, actors, and programmes promoting sustainability and circularity in Indian textile sector, and identify potential areas to develop joint initiative, building on mutual strengths and expertise, and ensuring scalable impact at all levels.
Task description:
UN in India is hiring a United Nations Volunteer, to support research, mapping, documentation, and programme development on circular and sustainable textiles. The ideal candidate will be a team player, eager to contribute to a larger agenda, and committed to delivering quality work under tight timelines in a dynamic environment.
The UN Volunteer will:

• Support the consolidation of information on current actions and actors in India working on sustainable and circular textiles.
• Contribute to the preparation of concept notes and donor pitches for new joint programmes.
• Provide editorial and design support for reports, presentations, and communication materials.
• Support the UNEP team on issues related to consolidation of actions related to circularity and sustainable textiles.
• Any other, related task assigned by the supervisor.

Under the direct supervision of the designated supervisor, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for the following:
a. Mapping and Documentation

• Compile and analyse secondary data and publicly available reports to create a consolidated database of key initiatives.
• Assist in preparing summaries, briefs, and infographics related to circularity and sustainability in textiles.
• Prepare reports, notes on key discussion events and cluster coordination mechanism.

b. Research and Programme Development

• Support background research and evidence gathering for concept notes and project proposals, including the COE work on circularity.
• Contribute to drafting donor pitches and presentations for joint programming with UN agencies and partners.
• Assist in identifying funding opportunities and donor priorities relevant to the sustainable textiles' agenda.

c. Editorial and Design Support

• Provide support in reviewing, editing, and formatting of written documents (reports, notes, presentations).
• Support in developing basic visual aids and layouts using MS PowerPoint and Word.
• Use simple design tools (e.g., Canva or MS Publisher) to improve document presentation.

d. Digital Tools and Innovation

• Leverage AI-based tools to enhance productivity and output quality.
• Identify digital tools and methods that could streamline research or improve communication outputs

Requirements:

• Prior internship or volunteer experience in research, sustainability, or development is desirable.
• Strong writing, editing, and research skills are essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
• Familiarity with digital tools and basic design software (e.g., Canva, AI writing tools) is an asset.
• Knowledge of India's textile and apparel sector and sustainability issues will be an added advantage.

Competencies and values:

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Adaptable to new work environments and flexible in handling shifting priorities.
• Committed to delivering high-quality outputs in a timely manner.
• Eager to learn and contribute to a broader agenda of sustainability and circular economy.
• Able to manage time-sensitive tasks efficiently and meet tight deadlines.
• Respect for diversity and commitment to the UN's core values.

Area(s) of expertise:

• Communication
• Arts and design
• Social work

Required education level:
Bachelor's degree
Other information: The assignment will be based in New Delhi. New Delhi is the capital city of India, experiences a diverse climate and has distinct living conditions influenced by its weather, infra-structure, and culture. A melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, reflecting the diverse nature of India. Overall, living in Delhi offers a mix of modern urban life with deep-rooted traditions and challenges typical of a large, bustling metropolis.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses.
You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator
This Entitlements specific to this volunteering assignment is below:

• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 64,961.50
• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 (equivalent in INR)
• Relocation costs: $200 at beginning and end of assignment if duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): INR 5,413.46 for each month served
• Comprehensive coverage for health and life

Leave entitlements:

• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
• Certified sick leave: 30 days
• Uncertified sick leave: 7 days
• Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months
• Maternity leave: 16 weeks
• Paternity leaves: 10 days

For more information on entitlements please read the Conditions of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).

Skills Required