Project Analyst (Inclusive Growth and Development)

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Project addresses the complex and multidimensional challenges of rural areas of Georgia, specifically the need of unlocking and exploiting opportunities for rural livelihoods (esp. of those most vulnerable) to enhance sustainable growth and create employment. The project complies to the overall objective of the program by addressing call for people-cantered integrated territorial development, with focus on improved rural development governance, inclusive growth and development of rural livelihoods and sustainable use of natural resources for transition to a carbon neutral economy. 

Overall objective of the project as a part of broader rural development effort is to enhance well-being of rural population by strengthening conditions for more inclusive and sustainable growth. It aims to contribute to the revival of rural areas, promotion of balanced and inclusive multisectoral development, in light of the structural transformations that are affecting economic and social fabric of rural communities in target 4 regions of Georgia (Kakheti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi & Kvemo Svaneti and Guria) with sustainability of the approaches on policy and programme level interventions. The project has three specific objectives:

Specific objective 1 is to improve rural development policy and governance system so that it can effectively develop and implement integrated rural development policies by:

• Advancing institutional and technical capacities of MEPA and other competent national authorities.
  Strengthening area-based and bottom-up approaches in Rural Development policy development and implementation.

Specific objective 2 is to enhance inclusive rural development by:

• Addressing the needs of the population with migration background within the state programs.
• Promoting new solutions for improving rural infrastructure. 
• Improving accessibility of public services for disadvantaged, remote and depopulated rural areas.
• Empowering the rural woman.

Specific objective 3 is to improve environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources and climate action by:

• institutionalized under MEPA forest Engineers skills development programme; and
• introducing Renewable Energy Community concept in Georgia. 

Project will (a) contribute to a successful implementation of ENPARD IV financing agreement, (b) serve as complementary support to budget support component (SRPC), and (c) support the implementation of the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy of Georgia 2021-2027. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement for the support to rural development, the harmonization of environmental legislation and enforcement mechanisms, and the improved management of natural resources. Also, the project can make important contribution to the work related to the recent EU membership application submitted by Georgia. 

Developing effective working partnerships with all respective stakeholders involved in ENPARD IV and other relevant rural development programmes and projects and will be essential for the successful and timely delivery of the project expected results. These partnerships will cover several players including: EUD, FAO, ENPARD implementing partners, NGOs, LAGs and GALAG, other donors, national, sub-national and local authorities through enhanced policy dialogue, planning, case-based evaluations and other bilateral coordination and exchange mechanisms, including through the ENPARD stakeholders, Inter-Agency Coordination Council (IACC) and its working groups.
 

Duties and Responsibilities
Provision of content inputs and supporting the planning and implementation of the project activities related to improved rural services, infrastructure, and inclusive rural development: