NABARD’s BIRD Lucknow to Recruit Cooperative Development Officers on Contract

The Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow—an autonomous training institute established by NABARD—is seeking to engage five Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) on contract for its Centre for Professional Excellence in Cooperatives (C-PEC). These positions are designed to enhance the training, accreditation, research, and institutional development of cooperative institutions across the country. Below is a comprehensive overview of the engagement, eligibility, roles, and application process.

1. Position Overview

• Post Title: Cooperative Development Officer (CDO), two levels
  • Level 1 (CDO L1) – 3 positions
  • Level 2 (CDO L2) – 2 positions
• Contract Type: Purely contractual, with an initial duration of 2 years, extendable by 1 year each based on performance (maximum tenure: 4 years)
• Vacancies: 5 total – 3 at L1 and 2 at L2

2. Important Dates

• Release of Advertisement: June 2025
• Last Date to Submit Application: 12 July 2025
• Shortlisted Candidates List: Will be published on BIRD’s official website

3. Age Eligibility (as of January 1, 2025)

• CDO Level 1: up to 50 years
• CDO Level 2: up to 62 years

4. Educational Qualifications & Experience

CDO Level 1

• Minimum: Graduate degree in Economics, Commerce, Management, Agriculture, Computer Applications, or related fields
• Preferred: Additional qualifications in IT or cooperative studies
• Experience: At least 2 years in cooperative institutions, especially in training, digital platforms, computer-based testing, or IEC material development

CDO Level 2

• Minimum: Postgraduate degree in Economics, Commerce, Rural Development, Finance, Development Studies, Management, or Banking
• Preferred: M.Phil./Ph.D. with relevant publications
• Experience: Minimum 4 years in cooperative training, rural finance, or cooperative banking; experience in digital platforms and research is advantageous

5. Role & Responsibilities

CDO Level 1 will:

• Manage accreditation of cooperative training institutes
• Conduct certification programs for cooperative staff
• Standardize training efforts and run trainers’ programs
• Oversee C-PEC membership services both online and offline
• Maintain cooperative databases
• Provide research support and publish sector-related reports
• Assist in organizing training events, workshops, and seminars
• Conduct fieldwork and stakeholder consultations
• Support client engagement and relationship development

CDO Level 2 while performing L1 tasks will also:

• Lead research and consultancy projects in cooperative development
• Manage training seminars, workshops, and hands-on sessions
• Analyze and manage cooperative databases and research outputs
• Maintain a living repository of research publications
• Develop partnerships with cooperative training institutes, ministries, and research bodies
• Undertake field visits and data gathering for policy support
• Author and present research findings in reports and seminars
• Foster client engagement and contribute to service delivery

6. Contract Tenure & Termination

• Initial Term: 2 years, extendable twice by one year on satisfactory performance
• Termination Clause: BIRD may terminate the contract with one month’s notice or compensation; similarly, the candidate may exit with notice or compensation
• Performance Review: Appraisal format to be decided by BIRD
• Termination Grounds: Unsatisfactory performance subject to review

7. Selection Process

• Step 1: Shortlisting based on academic qualifications, experience, and digital proficiency
• Step 2: Written ability test and PowerPoint presentation
• Step 3: Personal interview
• Preference: Candidates with advanced qualifications and relevant experience will be prioritized
• Shortlist Notification: Will be published on BIRD’s website

8. Remuneration & Benefits

• CDO Level 1: ₹65,000 per month (gross, inclusive)
• CDO Level 2: ₹85,000 per month (gross, inclusive)
• Increment: Possible 5% annual increment based on performance, at BIRD’s discretion
• Additional benefits:
  • Reimbursement for statutory costs (e.g., employer contributions to staff welfare)
  • Travel allowance as per BIRD’s policy
• Exclusions: No lounge facility, residential accommodation, medical benefits, or superannuation benefits (PF, gratuity, pension) provided
• Tax: Salaries are subject to income tax deductions at source

9. Other Terms & Conditions

• Presentation of Originals: Academic and professional documents must be produced during the interview stage
• No T.A.: No travel allowance is payable for attending the selection
• Flexibility: BIRD reserves the right to cancel, amend, or restrict the recruitment or panel size
• Final Decision: BIRD’s decisions on selection and compensation are final
• No Correspondence: Queries from ineligible or non-selected candidates will not be entertained
• NOC Requirement: Employees in service must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer before joining

9. Application Fee

• Fee: ₹590 (inclusive of GST) per post
• Multiple Posts: Separate fees apply if applying for both L1 and L2
• Fee payment should be made via online transfer to the Kotak Mahindra Bank account specified by NABARD.

10. How to Apply

• Format: Completely filled application in prescribed format, with digital signature
• Attachments: Self-attested copies of educational, professional, and experience documents, plus payment receipt for application fee
• Deadline: 12 July 2025 (late submissions will not be considered)
• Updates (if any): Will be communicated through BIRD’s official website

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