Environment Specialist, SAMS, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

1. POSITION VACANT: Environment Specialist, SAMS, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

2. ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Our Client, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development - from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience. With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to support the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

For more information about UNDP India, please visit https://www.undp.org/india

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The project, “Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Systems in Himachal Pradesh”, is a four-year initiative (2024–2027) undertaken by UNDP India in close collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Himachal Pradesh is highly vulnerable to multiple natural hazards due to its geo-climatic conditions and location within the seismically active Himalayan region. The entire state lies in Seismic Zone V, denoting a high risk of earthquakes. It also faces recurring disasters such as floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and forest fires, which lead to severe human and economic losses. The rugged mountainous terrain, fragile rock formations, narrow valleys, and unconsolidated sediments heighten landslide susceptibility. Intense monsoon rains (June–September), snowmelt during winter, and seismic activity further aggravate these risks.

Recognizing these challenges, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has institutionalized several mechanisms such as a State Emergency Operations Center, crisis management protocols, and District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs). However, rising climate and disaster risks necessitate an updated and more robust disaster risk management (DRM) system.

Under this collaborative project, UNDP will support the Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) across several critical areas. This includes updating the State, District, City (Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan), and Departmental Disaster Management Plans through extensive stakeholder consultations and simulation exercises. The project will also work towards strengthening the techno-legal regime for building codes by conducting gap analyses, enhancing the capacities of engineers and architects, and facilitating the adoption of relevant by-laws. To address geohazard risks, comprehensive landslide risk mapping will be commissioned for Shimla and Dharamshala. In addition, UNDP will provide capacity building and technical support to help the state leverage resources under the XV Finance Commission’s recommendations on Disaster Risk Financing, while also supporting the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Furthermore, the project will assist in the implementation of the Government of Himachal Pradesh’s Hospital Safety and School Safety Schemes through targeted training, safety audits, and the development of disaster management plans and committees at institutional levels.

This four-year programme (2024–2027) will be implemented through a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU), based at the State Secretariat in Shimla.

To operationalize this initiative in Himachal Pradesh, UNDP seeks to engage a Environmental Specialist, based at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in Shimla. To ensure that disaster risk reduction and recovery projects are environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, and compliant with ecosystem protection standards.

3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):

The key purpose of the Environment Specialist’s role shall be to integrate environmental safeguards, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation measures into all disaster mitigation and recovery projects; to assess, monitor, and manage the environmental impacts of interventions such as construction, slope stabilization, and bioengineering works; to strengthen institutional and community capacity for eco-friendly, nature-based, and sustainable disaster risk management across the state.

The Environment Specialist shall report to the Programme Specialist (Resilience).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

• Conduct environmental impact assessments for disaster mitigation and recovery projects.
• Identify potential risks and environmental consequences of interventions like slope stabilization, construction, and bioengineering solutions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

Promoting Eco-Friendly Disaster Mitigation:

• Advocate for and implement sustainable practices in disaster management, such as the use of bioengineering techniques and green infrastructure.
• Develop strategies to protect natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, which act as natural barriers against disasters.

Biodiversity Conservation:

• Assess the impact of disaster-related activities on local biodiversity.
• Propose and implement measures to conserve flora and fauna in disaster-prone areas.
• Promote afforestation and reforestation projects to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.

Climate Change Adaptation:

• Evaluate how climate change contributes to disasters like landslides, flash floods, and droughts etc.
• Develop and implement adaptation strategies to build community and ecosystem resilience.

Pollution Control:

• Monitor and mitigate pollution caused by construction and recovery activities under SDMF projects.
• Develop waste management plans for disaster-affected areas.

 Environmental Monitoring:

• Establish baseline environmental data for areas at risk of disasters.
• Monitor ongoing projects for adherence to environmental safeguards and assess their long-term impacts.

Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Advise policymakers on integrating environmental safeguards into disaster risk management policies and plans.
• Advocate for the inclusion of environmental concerns in state and district disaster management plans.

 Training and Capacity Building:

• Train disaster management teams, engineers, and local authorities on environmental considerations in disaster mitigation.
• Raise awareness among communities about sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

 Collaboration and Reporting:

• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, ecologists, and social
• Specialists to ensure holistic disaster management solutions.

Prepare environmental compliance reports and provide updates to the SDMF and other stakeholders.

Community Engagement:

• Work with local communities to promote eco-friendly practices and participatory approaches in disaster mitigation projects.
• Ensure that community needs and traditional ecological knowledge are incorporated into project designs.

Evaluation

• Evaluation of DPRs submitted for the funding to the HPSDMA.

Other Duties

• Assist HPSDMA/Revenue Department (DM) in day-to-day coordination required for smooth implementation of various DRR activities in the State;
• Any other assignment/work on the subject which can be given by the member concerned/ as per the requirement of HPSDMA
• Preparation of Detail Projects Reports

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

(1) Master’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Forestry, or a related field.

(2) Additional training in EIA, climate change adaptation, or environmental management is an advantage.

Experience:

(1) Minimum 3–5 years of experience in environmental impact assessment, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, or eco-friendly disaster mitigation.
(2) Experience working with government agencies, SDMAs, environmental regulators, or large-scale DRR/NRM projects is preferred.

Required Skills:
(1) Comprehensive understanding of environmental impact assessment methodologies, ecosystem functions, and ecological sensitivity in disaster-prone areas.

(2) Knowledge of biodiversity conservation principles, including flora–fauna assessment, habitat protection, and restoration ecology.

(3) Strong grasp of climate change science, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation strategies relevant to landslides, floods, and droughts.

(4) Familiarity with environmental regulations, standards, and guidelines such as EPA rules, Forest Conservation norms, waste management rules, and state/national EIA frameworks.

(5) Technical understanding of sustainable disaster mitigation approaches, including bioengineering techniques, green infrastructure, slope stabilization, and pollution control measures.

Languages:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential.

Competencies:
Technical Competencies:

(1) Strong understanding of EIA processes, environmental safeguards, and regulatory compliance.

(2) Expertise in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem assessments, and nature-based solutions.

(3) Knowledge of climate change impacts on hazards such as landslides, floods, droughts, and ecosystem vulnerability.

(4) Ability to develop and monitor environmental management plans, waste management plans, and pollution control measures.

(5) Competence in preparing DPR evaluations, environmental monitoring reports, and technical documentation.

Core Competencies:

(1) Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with an ecosystem-based approach to DRR.

(2) Effective communication and stakeholder coordination skills with government, communities, and technical teams.

(3) Ability to conduct training, capacity building, and community awareness on environmental conservation.

(4) Project management, planning, and reporting skills for multi-sectoral DRR activities.

(5) Commitment to sustainability, teamwork, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge in project design.

5. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position shall be INR 75,000, commensurate with applicable government norms. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.

6. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The selected candidate shall be engaged as a Consultant on the rolls of SAMS, a third-party payrolling agency, for a full-time consultancy engagement for a period of one year. It is explicitly clarified that this consultancy engagement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of future employment, with SAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project. 

7. LOCATION: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

8. REFERENCE: ES-SAMS

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

www.sams.co.in

10. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to submit their applications on or before December 29, 2025.