GIS and Spatial Modelling Analyst, SAMS, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

1. POSITION VACANT: GIS and Spatial Modelling Analyst, SAMS, Lucknow, Uttar 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:

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, faces a wide spectrum of disaster risks owing to its diverse geography, high population density, rapid urbanization, and climatic vulnerabilities. Recurrent floods, seasonal droughts, heatwaves, earthquakes, industrial accidents, and urban disasters significantly disrupt lives, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. While the Government of Uttar Pradesh has taken commendable steps to strengthen disaster preparedness, existing institutional capacities and planning frameworks require substantial support to keep pace with the growing risks exacerbated by climate change.

Recognizing these challenges, the Relief Commissioner’s Office and the UPSDMA are partnering with UNDP to build a comprehensive, resilient, and forward-looking disaster risk management system. The proposal is aligned with the recommendations of the XV Finance Commission, which advocates for proactive disaster mitigation, preparedness, and risk-informed development planning.

UNDP’s technical assistance will support a multi-pronged approach, including and not limited to the development of District and Departmental Disaster Management Plans, Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (HRVAs), Urban Disaster Management Plans (UDMPs), and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). A dedicated team of experts will be deployed at the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (UPSDMA) office to provide strategic direction and technical coordination.

In this context, UNDP is looking to onboard a GIS and Spatial Modelling Analyst on a third-party contract for providing overall strategic direction, coordination, and stakeholder engagement for the effective implementation of the disaster risk mitigation initiative. The incumbent will coordinate a team of experts, facilitate inter-departmental collaboration, and deliver high-quality outputs, including district and departmental disaster management plans, hazard risk vulnerability assessments and MIS integration with state partner.

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

Reporting to Programme Specialist (Resilience), the GIS and Spatial Modelling Analyst will provide advanced geospatial and analytical support to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR), planning, and decision-making efforts in the state. The role involves developing and managing geospatial databases, conducting spatial risk assessments, supporting HRVA and Disaster Management Plan (DMP) preparation, and facilitating integration with the state’s disaster MIS.

The expert will work closely with UPSDMA, UPDESCO, RAHAT, and technical specialists to ensure the use of cutting-edge geospatial tools, models, and data for effective planning, monitoring, and response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
(A) Geospatial Risk Assessment & Spatial Modelling:

(1) Provide Technical advice around GIS, remote sensing, and spatial modelling techniques and multi-hazard spatial risk assessments under the project;

(2) Develop vulnerability and exposure layers using socio-economic, environmental, and physical datasets;

(3) Advise the UPSDMA in integration of satellite imagery, drone data, and digital elevation models (DEMs) into risk assessments;

(4) Generate risk atlases, heat maps, and geospatial visualizations to support District Disaster Management Plans and HRVAs.

(B) MIS and Digital Integration Support:

(1) Support UPDESCO and relevant departments in integrating GIS data into the disaster Management Information System (MIS);

(2) Ensure spatial data alignment with MIS design to enable dynamic risk dashboards and location-based analytics;

(3) Establish standardized formats and metadata for seamless integration and data interoperability.

(C) Technical Support for Planning and Preparedness:

(1) Provide spatial inputs and maps for the development of Disaster Management Plans (DMPs), mitigation strategies, and policy briefs;

(2) Assist in scenario planning, climate-resilient urban assessments, and modelling of hazard impacts;

(3) Support sectoral departments in applying GIS for planning and preparedness activities.

(D) Capacity Building & Stakeholder Coordination:

(1) Conduct hands-on training and workshops for state and district officials on the use of GIS and spatial modelling tools;

(2) Collaborate with technical institutions, GIS vendors, and academic partners to promote best practices in spatial analytics;

(3) Facilitate knowledge sharing on innovations in geospatial technology for disaster risk management.

(E) Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance:

(1) Contribute to the development of geospatial indicators for M&E frameworks;

(2) Prepare geospatial dashboards, analytics reports, and infographics for internal and external stakeholders;

(3) Ensure compliance with NDMA advisories, spatial data standards, and government data-sharing protocols.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Master’s degree in Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing, GIS, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Planning, or related field.

Experience:
(1) Minimum five years of relevant experience in GIS, spatial modelling, and remote sensing in the context of disaster risk management or development planning;

(2) Demonstrated experience in multi-hazard mapping, vulnerability assessments, and risk visualization;

(3) Experience working with SDMA/NDMA or government departments is highly desirable;

(4) Prior experience with donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or development sector projects will be an asset;

(5) Additional experience in procurement of goods and services is desirable.

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Strong expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial risk modelling for multi-hazard assessments;

(2) Proficiency in integrating geospatial data with MIS platforms for disaster planning and monitoring;

(3) Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing platforms (e.g., ERDAS, Google Earth Engine);

(4) Expertise in spatial modelling, exposure analysis, and geostatistical techniques;

(5) Strong database management and data visualization skills (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or custom dashboards);

(6) Ability to synthesize spatial and non-spatial data for risk-informed decision-making;

(7) Strong interpersonal and communication skills for technical coordination and training delivery.

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

Competencies:

Technical Competencies:

(1) Knowledge of AI/ML applications in geospatial analytics and risk forecasting;

(2) Familiarity with national and state-level disaster management frameworks, including HRVA and MIS integration;

(3) Experience in drone-based data collection, LiDAR processing, and urban resilience mapping;

(4) Understanding of open data platforms, spatial metadata standards, and web-based GIS tools;

(5) Ability to contribute to real-time risk monitoring systems and digital early warning platforms.

Core Competencies:

(1) Delivers high-quality and timely outputs aligned with project objectives;

(2) Applies critical thinking and introduces innovative approaches to problem-solving;

(3) Adapts effectively to changing priorities and dynamic field conditions;

(4) Demonstrates persistence and accountability in achieving results;

(5) Builds strong partnerships and fosters collaboration with diverse stakeholders;

(6) Promotes inclusive, gender-responsive, and socially equitable planning approaches;

(7) Maintains regular, transparent communication with supervisors, UNDP office, government officials, and project partners;

(8) Proficient in using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools for reporting, documentation, and coordination.

5. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position is budgeted at INR 1,25,000/-. 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: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

8. REFERENCE: GIS-SMA-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 upload their applications by or before December 30, 2025.