1. POSITION VACANT: Gender & Inclusion Specialist, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, SAMS

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.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on the prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:  

·       Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs

·       Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized

·       Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability

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

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework to address global challenges and promote a sustainable future. Endorsed by 193 nations, including India, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been effective since January 1, 2016. In India, the Government has adopted a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to ensure the successful localization and implementation of these goals, with NITI Aayog serving as the nodal agency responsible for coordinating efforts at the national level. To support the implementation of SDGs, India’s model of localization is actualized through the establishment of SDG Coordination Centres (SDGCCs) in collaboration with subnational governments and UNDP India. These centers play a critical role in facilitating and implementing the SDG framework at the state and district levels, ensuring that development priorities align with global goals while addressing local challenges.

The Government of Odisha, through its Planning & Convergence Department, has taken a strategic lead in driving the state's SDGs agenda. As the designated nodal agency, the Department plays a pivotal role in aligning and monitoring developmental efforts across all state departments. It ensures a macro-level convergence of initiatives to harness interdepartmental synergies for achieving the interconnected SDGs. A key milestone in this journey is the creation of the Odisha SDG Indicator Framework, comprising 311 indicators that enable systematic tracking of progress. To deepen impact and foster grassroots implementation, the Department regularly conducts capacity-building workshops and training programs for officials at both state and district levels, ensuring that SDG principles are embedded in planning and execution across governance layers.

Building on the foundation established by SDGCC, the Government of Odisha seeks to accelerate progress through the newly established Sustainable Development Goals Coordination and Acceleration Centre (SDGCAC). This centre, with technical support from UNDP, will lead the state’s efforts towards achieving SDG Vision 2030 in alignment with India’s broader Viksit Bharat Vision for 2047. The SDGCAC will work in convergence with the State Support Mission and the High-Level Task Force. The overall objective of SDGCAC is to consolidate the Government of Odisha’s SDG investments and enhance impact-driven, evidence-based decision-making processes to accelerate progress towards a developed Odisha. By promoting systems thinking, integrating technological innovations, and fostering inclusivity, the centre aims to bridge development gaps and ensure that no one is left behind.

The SDGCAC will focus on embedding systems thinking into policy-making to remove roadblocks and accelerate SDG progress, utilizing science-based tools like data analysis, monitoring, and evaluation for better decision-making. It will prioritize inclusive strategies for vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, while addressing climate risks and building resilient development processes. By adopting a whole-of-society approach, engaging private sector and civil society, and establishing robust data-driven systems for governance, the SDGCAC aims to enhance accountability, promote cross-learning, and foster sustainability through knowledge exchange and South-South cooperation.

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

UNDP proposes to engage a Gender & Inclusion Specialist to support SDGCAC in Odisha by ensuring systematic integration of gender and inclusion across all SDG interventions. The incumbent will lead efforts to mainstream gender considerations in policies, programmes, and data systems, with a focus on accelerating progress on SDG 5 and strengthening inclusive development outcomes.

Working closely with the Project Manager and government stakeholders, the Specialist will generate evidence, support policy development, and build institutional capacity to embed gender-responsive approaches within the state’s SDG framework.

A. Gender Mainstreaming & Policy Support

(1) Lead integration of gender and inclusion lenses across SDGCAC outputs, including policies, programmes, and frameworks.

(2) Develop policy briefs and strategic inputs on key gender priorities (e.g., women’s empowerment, gender inclusion, green skilling for women).

(3) Support review and strengthening of state policies (including women and gender-related frameworks) through a gender lens.

(4) Contribute to analysis of gender-responsive budgeting and fund utilisation trends.

B. Research, Evidence & Knowledge

(1) Conduct analysis on gender gaps across SDGs using available data and generate actionable insights.

(2) Develop knowledge products including policy briefs, case studies, and business cases on gender equality and economic outcomes.

(3) Document best practices and scalable models on gender-responsive interventions.

C. Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement

(1) Design and deliver capacity-building programmes for government departments, SHGs, and stakeholders on gender mainstreaming.

(2) Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations and roundtables on gender and inclusion issues.

(3) Support awareness initiatives on gender-related laws, policies, and entitlements.

D. Communication & Advocacy

(1) Support development of communication and advocacy materials to highlight gender-related SDG outcomes.

(2) Contribute to newsletters, briefs, and digital content to strengthen visibility of gender initiatives.

(3) Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager and the government nodal officer.

 4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

(1) Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields.

(2) A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above fields, with additional 2 years of relevant experience, will be given due consideration.

Experience:
(1) Minimum 3 years (with Master’s degree) or 5 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in gender mainstreaming, gender policy, or inclusion-focused development programmes.

(2) Experience working with government institutions, development agencies, or civil society organisations is desirable

Required Skills:

(1) Proven experience in integrating gender and inclusion perspectives into policies, programmes, or institutional frameworks.

(2) Strong understanding of gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and SDG 5 frameworks.

(3) Experience in research and development of policy briefs, reports, and knowledge products.

(4) Demonstrated ability in capacity building and stakeholder engagement, including with government and community institutions.

(5) Ability to translate gender analysis into actionable policy and programme recommendations.

(6) Strong communication and documentation skills, including advocacy and knowledge dissemination.

Competencies:

(1) Strong gender analysis and conceptual clarity, with ability to apply inclusion lenses across policies and programmes.

(2) Effective stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, particularly in government and multi-stakeholder settings

(3) Ability to translate analysis into actionable recommendations and support implementation

(4) Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver within timelines

(5) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to diverse social and cultural contexts

(6) Demonstrated results orientation and accountability, with attention to quality and detail

5. LANGUAGES:

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

(2) Working knowledge of Odia is advantage.

6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: One Year (renewable for 2 more years based on performance and funds availability)

7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The total consultancy fee budgeted for this position is INR 120,058 per month. Applicable TDS and Insurance related costs will be deducted from the professional fees.

8. 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. 

9. LOCATION: Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

10. REFERENCE: GIS-OD

11. 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

12. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications by or before June 5, 2026.