UNDP
INGO Job Circular: Recruitment in UNDP
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has announced the recruitment of manpower in Bangladesh. The organization will hire people for the position of Field Security Associate. Interested candidates need to apply online.
Position Name: Field Security Associate, G7
Position: Not specified
Eligibility: HSC or equivalent pass. Must have seven years of work experience in security related work in government or non-government organization.
Read Paid vs Unpaid Internship: Pros and Cons
Work place: Cox's Bazar
Term of service: Initially one year.
How to apply:
This can be done online. To apply , you need to visit this link (https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=170d27G).
Last date of application: 19 February 2022.
Read Teacher Recruitment Circular: Know the application process
Digital platform for risk-informed development launched
The government has launched a web-based platform under the Planning Commission to integrate disaster risk information into development planning and budgeting, policies, and programmes.
It was launched on Wednesday with assistance from the National Resilience Programme (NRP) and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financed by the Government of Bangladesh, FCDO of the UK government and SIDA of the government of Sweden.
READ: Digital platform ‘Fabric Lagbe’ formally launched
Planning Minister M A Mannan inaugurated the Digital Risk Information Platform (DRIP) at a launching ceremony held at the commission’s NEC conference room.
“Strengthening risk governance and institutionalisation of resilience is a global and as well as a national commitment of the government of Bangladesh,” the minister said.
He said the economic losses due to disaster need to be minimised, and effective use of public money must be ensured through risk-informed investment.
DRIP will provide data and information for disaster and climate risk and vulnerability assessment and potential climate change adaptation options as well as disaster risk mitigation measures to address identified risks and vulnerabilities caused by the project and in the project implementing areas.
It will allow different government ministries and agencies access to more than 300 maps for risk, hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and climate change on this site.
The future scenario of temperature and climate scenario is also available in its software, UNDP said.
The launching ceremony was addressed by Dr Shamsul Alam, State Minister for Ministry of Planning, Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative of UNDP, Nick Harvey, Senior Humanitarian Adviser, FCDO, Christine Johnsson, Deputy Head of Mission in the Embassy of Sweden, Arif Abdullah Khan, Program Analyst of UNDP and Dr. Nurun Nahar, Project Director of NRP in Programming Division.
Sudipto Mukerjee said National Resilience Programme (NRP) with support from the Programming Division of Bangladesh has taken the initiative to establish tools and database to generate a detailed analysis of disaster and climate change-related risks to inform development projects, plans and programmes of relevant key sectors.
READ: World Bank approves $295 million to enhance Bangladesh’s digital economy
“Through Digital Risk Information Platform (DRIP); the proposed screening system will enable the Programming Division and Sector Divisions of Planning Commission to better understand and validate how the projects approved and endorsed may be affected by climate and disaster risks, and thus be more effective in its tasks. It just started of the journey and need continuous support for mainstreaming, updating and skill-building”.
Representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions and scientific organisations were present at the event. Pradip Ranjan Chakraborty, Secretary, Planning Division, presided over the session.
Risk information of eleven hazards, including flood, salinity, landslide, earthquake in 64 districts, is available in the DRIP so that government officials can consider the local risks during project formulation to ensure risk-informed development.
The planning division’s secretary pointed out that the commission has introduced Disaster Impact Assessment (DIA) in the feasibility study format, and inclusion of DIA in project formulation is under process, which will be placed in the next meeting of NEC.
Jaya Ahsan becomes UNDP goodwill ambassador
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has appointed actress, producer and social activist Jaya Ahsan as its goodwill ambassador for Bangladesh for a year, starting in January.
The voluntary service and support of Jaya as the goodwill ambassador will spotlight important issues like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to mobilise support and raise awareness in achieving the goals by 2030.
Read:UNDP, BDF launch “Youth Against Corruption” campaign
"We are fortunate to have Jaya Ahsan, who is not only a very celebrated artiste but also a person committed to social good, to be our goodwill ambassador," said Sudipto Mukerjee, resident representative of the UNDP Bangladesh.
"Having her with us will help to amplify our call to everyone within and beyond Bangladesh to join the UNDP's efforts towards a healthier, happier and more equal planet that seeks to leave no one behind," he added.
"I am honoured to be named the goodwill ambassador of the UNDP and extremely privileged to join the team in working towards these goals," Jaya said.
Read: UNDP, BWJA seal deal to address, redress violence against women
"I will advocate and mobilise action to work on SDGs through online and offline media and all other platforms I have access to," she added.
Jaya will also work with the UNDP to raise public awareness and galvanise support for different campaigns on poverty, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.
Strengthening Zila Parishad crucial for SDGs: Speakers
Speakers at a national workshop on Thursday said Bangladesh should strengthen the local government bodies like Zila Parishad to ensure development and help the country to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The workshop titled "Strengthening Zila Parishad in Achieving SDGs" was jointly organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MLGRD&C) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Read: SDGs performance: Hasina’s leadership earns huge appreciation
Speaking as the chief guest, LGDR and Cooeratives Minister Tajul Islam said thought the local government institutions are now stronger and more people-friendly than any time in the past, but Zila Parishad still needs further support to build their capacity if we want to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
The Minister urged all the development partners to come forward in this regard.
“Zila Parishad can solve their problems by utilizing the local resources properly. Coordination with other local government bodies is essential for that,” he said.
Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, was present in the workshop as a special guest.
She highlighted the number of projects supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which are currently underway through the partnership Between Bangladesh and Switzerland.
"An integrated whole of society approach can ensure inclusive development to achieve SDGs for Bangladesh. I hope that Switzerland's development assistance will continue to strengthen the local government initiatives and implement the Sustainable Development Goals," Nathalie said.
Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative of UNDP, said UNDP has been working with the Government of Bangladesh for many years.
“We are also supporting the Government to localize the SDGs and also strengthening the capacity of Upazila and Union Parishads.”
Chairing the workshop, Senior Secretary to the Local Government Division Helaluddin Ahmed thanked UNDP for their continued support to build the capacity of various local government institutions and hoped the support would continue further to increase the capacity of Zila Parishad.
Read: Bangladesh performing well in fulfilling SDGs, but many challenges ahead
He said, "In order to coordinate development activities at the district level, capable and people-friendly Zila Parishad is necessary."
Earlier, Dr Mobasser Monem, Professor of Public Administration department of Dhaka University, presented the keynote paper on "Zila Parishad: Challenges, Prospects and Way Forward."
Among others, Local Government Division officials, representatives from different local government institutions, development partners, academics and experts, civil society representatives were also present.
Rebeca Grynspan to serve as UNCTAD chief
Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan has taken up her new role as secretary-general of UNCTAD for a four-year term.
Grynspan, the first woman to serve as UNCTAD's secretary-general, was nominated for the post by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and approved by the General Assembly.
"I am honoured to begin work at UNCTAD at a critical time for our world," Grynspan said. "Covid-19 has exposed the widespread inequalities and vulnerabilities of the world and the development model. As we recover from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to rebalance the global economy, boost resilience and ensure shared prosperity."
"We must take action today to transform trade and reshape our global economy to overcome barriers to greater prosperity for all and embark on a sustainable development path that will benefit everyone," she said.
Read: Rebeca Grynspan new Secretary-General of Unctad
Grynspan said UNCTAD's 15th quadrennial conference, slated for October 3-7, will be an important opportunity for countries to make bold decisions to address the massive unmet trade, finance, investment and technology needs of developing countries struggling to meet both the Covid economic fallout and sustainable development challenges.
Before her UNCTAD appointment, Grynspan was the Ibero-American secretary-general. She was the first woman to lead the organisation, too.
She is also a former under-secretary-general of the UN and associate administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and a former regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean for the organisation.
Before joining the UN, Grynspan served as vice president of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998. She was also minister of housing, minister coordinator of economic and social affairs and deputy finance minister.
Grameenphone, UNDP join hands to make Bangladesh's youth future-ready
To equip the country's youth with skills for the jobs of the future, Grameenphone and UNDP are all set to launch a unique virtual learning series.
Titled 'Get Future Ready: Need for Skills', the virtual learning MasterClass series is part of their commitment made on World Youth Skills Day. The sessions will be held from August 28 to September 25.
Read: Grameenphone, Brac team up to support Covid-hit families
A pool of prominent industry leaders and experts will guide the participants with the aim to enable economic opportunities for all, especially in the post-pandemic era.
Sudipto Mukerjee (Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh), Rubana Huq (Past President, BGMEA), Ridwan Kabir (Vice President, AT&T), Zaved Akhtar (CEO, Unilever), and Yasir Azman (CEO, Grameenphone) will interact with participants on Zoom.
The speakers will discuss various aspects of inclusion, entrepreneurship, global professional scenario, innovation, leadership, and other business and career highlights.
Selective university students currently doing the Communication Skills, Digital Marketing & Entrepreneurship course under GP Explorers – a skills-led digital academy by Grameenphone – will join the sessions.
Read: Grameenphone receives Asian Leadership Awards 2021
“We have the crucial advantage of a demographic dividend, which we need to utilise to the fullest,” said a Grameenphone representative.
"Through sessions like masterclass, our youth will get the opportunity to connect and learn directly from a handful of distinguished professionals. They can ask questions to satiate all their queries, from which other young audiences watching the live sessions can also benefit. Hopefully, this is going to be an immensely fruitful initiative for all of us,” he said.
UNDP’s Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee said, “This series of MasterClass, will orient young people to the kinds of soft skills and values which are increasingly considered essential in any workplace and in turn equipping them to become good professionals.
"UNDP is working with all development actors including the private sector to co-create platforms to help youth to not only access more dignified economic opportunities but through that becoming better able to contribute a modern and prosperous Bangladesh for all”.
Read: UNDP launches 'MyResponse' campaign against cyberbullying
The first session of the series shall be conducted by Mukerjee on August 28 from 7.30pm.
All sessions of the MasterClass series will be broadcast live on Grameenphone, UNDP, and Prothom Alo’s Facebook platforms.
Govt. moves to boost climate resilience of vulnerable people, says official document
The government is finalising a project aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of vulnerable communities who live on coastal islands and riverine chars in the country.
The project titled, ‘Adaptation Initiative for Climate Vulnerable Offshore Small Islands and Riverine Charland in Bangladesh’ is under process for approval, according to an official document.
Spanning over five years, the project will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change following UNDP’s National Implementation Modality.
Read: COP26: Global competition launched to find top climate science communicators
This project has four components. First one is: Enhancing climate resilience of households through climate-resilient housing, electrification and climate-proof water provisioning, and the second is increasing climate resilience of communities through climate-resilient infrastructure, climate risk mapping and inclusive cyclone preparedness.
The third component is improving income and food security of communities by innovating and providing assistance to selected households for climate-resilient livelihoods practices while the 4th is boosting knowledge and capacity of communities, government and policymakers to promote climate resilient development on chars.
According to the project proposal USD 2,007,828 is needed for Component 1 whereas USD 2,317,726, USD 3,397,068 and USD 614,700 will be needed for Component 2, Component 3 and Component 4 respectively.
Project execution cost has been fixed USD 875,000 while Total Project Cost is USD 9,212,322.
Implementing Entity Project Cycle Management Fee Of the project is USD 783,047.
The US$ 9,995,369 has been sought from the Washington based Adaptation Fund (AF) to address the knowledge technical, financial and institutional barriers to climate-resilient housing, infrastructure and livelihoods, the document said.
Cattle markets: UNDP, Bangladesh Scouts launch mask distribution, awareness progs
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bangladesh Scouts have teamed up to launch a Covid-19 awareness campaign at the major cattle markets in the country.
Under the campaign, Rover Scouts dressed in PPE will distribute masks among the buyers flocking to markets, with Eid-ul-Azha just around the corner.
The two-day campaign is being carried out targeting the crunch time starting Monday.
The campaign will be carried out at Gabtoli, Aftabnagar and Dhupkhola cattle markets in Dhaka and two major markets of every division.
Booths will also be set up at the markets from where Covid-19 precautionary messaging will be broadcast using loud hailers.
"The government has lifted the lockdown so people can celebrate the festival." Bangladesh Scouts President Md Abul Kalam Azad said. "However, the pandemic is hard to fight if people are not careful about their safety."
Echoing him, UNDP Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee said, "Only wearing masks properly, maintaining sufficient physical distance and practising frequent hand sanitisation, and all of that done together will help us enjoy Eid responsibly while keeping ourselves and everyone else safe. We certainly owe this to ourselves and everyone else."
UNDP & BGMEA pledge to continue collaboration on sustainable growth goals
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have decided to continue collaboration in the area of sustainable development goals (SDGs) reporting by the readymade garment (RMG) sector in the country.
Read:BGMEA seeks customs, VAT, income tax-related support from NBR
A UNDP delegation headed by Khurshid Alam, Assistant Resident Representative, met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at the latter’s office Thursday and discussed the overall sustainability agendas of the association and pledged to ascertain the sector's impact on SDG achievements.
Earlier, UNDP and BGMEA, in association with the Principal Coordinator of SDG Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) launched a report on Bangladesh National Priority Indicators and Sustainable Development Goals.
The report highlights the sustainability initiatives of 47 BGMEA member factories, which conducted sustainability self-reporting translating their impact into the language of NPIs and SDGs.
Read:BGMEA discusses export, FDI opportunities with Bangladesh envoy
BGMEA President Faruque expressed his keen interest on continuing with the collaboration in the area of SDGs reporting in the RMG sector. They also discussed on developing a strategy for disaster resilient supply chain under the National Resilience Program (NRP).
NRP is a partnership between Bangladesh government, UNDP, UN Women, and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) that aims at providing strategic support to develop national capacity to keep pace with the changing nature of disasters.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali and Director Abdullah Hil Rakib were also present at the meeting.
Read:BGMEA seeks 10-yr extension of GSP in Swiss market
The UNDP delegation included Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Head of Programme Management and Partnership Support, Arif Abdullah Khan, Programme Specialist - Disaster and Resilience, and Linda Germanis, Private Sector Engagement Specialist.
UNDP launches 'MyResponse' campaign against cyberbullying
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has teamed up with Puncforon, the winner of its Digital Khichuri Challenge 2020, to launch the "#MyResponse" campaign to raise awareness against online harassment on "Stop Cyberbullying Day."
UNDP, under its "Partnerships for a Tolerant and Inclusive Bangladesh (PTIB)" project, has been working with the government and other partners to improve the digital literacy of youths and prevent violent extremism.
"MyResponse'' campaign is an initiative of UNDP and Puncforon to contain the rising trend of cyber harassment, said the UNDP Friday.
Under this campaign, noted personalities urged everyone to end cyberbullying in Bangladesh.
Also read: ‘80% of cyberbullying victims are women’
"We have to break the silence because cyber offenders get away with the crime when there is no protest. It is time to act together against all forms of cyberbullying," said actor Chanchal Chowdhury.
Singer Partha Barua, actor Rafiath Rashid Mithila and Bangladesh's first transgender news presenter Tashnuva Anan Shishir also joined in the campaign with the hashtag #MyResponse to protest against cyberbullying.
UNGDP encouraged the online communities to speak up against cyberbullying with the hashtag #MyResponse.
Social networks have become a major space for cyberbullying and online harassment, especially against women, girls and minorities, said the UNDP.
Also read: Sadat's crusade against cyberbullying brings home the Children's Peace Prize
Bangladeshi children between 10-17 are increasingly more vulnerable to online violence, cyberbullying, and digital harassment.
The country has a high rate of cyberbullying and 80% of the victims are girls and women aged 14-22. A significant majority of cybercriminals and hackers fall between the age range of 16-17, according to the Cyber Crime Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
The risk can be reduced if internet users can be made more informed. Particularly, children and adolescents should be sensitised on the dos and don'ts of the internet, the experts say.