1. POSITION VACANT: Research and Knowledge Management Associate, Andhra Pradesh, 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:

In Andhra Pradesh, Scheduled Castes (SCs) constitute a significant share of the population, accounting for 16.41% as per the Census of India 2011 (post-bifurcation data for the present state), representing roughly 82 lakh persons. This sizeable demographic presence highlights their central role in the state’s social and cultural fabric. Yet, development indicators reveal continuing disparities. According to the Government of Andhra Pradesh (Socio-Economic Survey 2020–21), the overall literacy rate in Andhra Pradesh stands at 67.41%, compared to 64.47% among SC communities, reflecting a gap of about three percentage points. Gender disparities are sharper: Census 2011 data show overall female literacy at 59.15%, while SC female literacy is lower at 54.44%, underscoring persistent educational disadvantage among SC women.

Employment trends further point to structural inequities. Although workforce participation among SCs is significant—driven largely by engagement in agriculture and informal labour—the concentration in low-paid, insecure occupations limits economic mobility and access to social protection. SC women, youth, and persons with disabilities experience compounded barriers in education, employment, and access to services, while rural–urban disparities further widen development gaps. Limited availability of updated, disaggregated data and insu iciently targeted approaches within existing systems constrain e orts to e ectively address these intra-group inequities.

Together, these patterns indicate that while SC communities form an integral and substantial segment of Andhra Pradesh’s population, sustained and evidence-based interventions in literacy, skill development, and equitable employment opportunities remain essential to bridging long-standing social and economic gaps.

Despite efforts by both central and state governments through welfare schemes and targeted programs, significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to opportunities for SC populations. While some progress has been made in reducing social exclusion and improving law enforcement responsiveness to crimes against SCs, the broader development gap in terms of income, education and socio-economic participation remains evident. To bridge this gap and accelerate inclusive development in Andhra Pradesh, a well-structured financial partnership with the Government is essential to amplify interventions that promote education, skill building, economic empowerment, and social equity for Scheduled Castes across the state.

To ensure the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of targeted interventions for Scheduled Caste development, the establishment of a dedicated Technical Project Management Unit (PMU) is critical. A PMU will provide specialized expertise in project design, financial management, and impact assessment, bridging the gap between policy objectives and ground-level execution. It will enable systematic coordination among multiple stakeholders, including government departments, local bodies, and community organizations, ensuring that resources are optimally utilized and outcomes are measurable. Furthermore, the PMU will strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks, facilitate timely reporting, and support evidence-based decision making, thereby significantly enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and sustainability of development programs for SC communities in Andhra Pradesh.

SCOPE – Scheduled Caste Operational Coordination & Empowerment is envisioned as a strategic institutional reform initiative to strengthen the governance architecture of Scheduled Caste development in Andhra Pradesh by embedding integrated planning, cross-departmental coordination, data-driven decision-making, and accountable implementation systems. The project seeks to enhance operational e iciency, build institutional and human capacities, and foster data-driven decision-making to ensure targeted interventions achieve maximum social and economic impact. By promoting partnerships across government departments, civil society, and other stakeholders, SCOPE aims to create a sustainable framework for inclusive growth, accountability, and continuous learning in SC-

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

It is proposed to engage an Research and Knowledge Management Associate to support the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Caste Cooperative Financial Corporation (APSCCFC), Scheduled Caste Welfare Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, in strengthening research, evidence generation, documentation, knowledge management, policy analysis, and dissemination of learnings and best practices related to Scheduled Caste development interventions under SCOPE.

The Research and Knowledge Management Associate will be part of the Project Management Unit and s/he will directly report to the Project Lead-SCOPE PMU and will work under the overall supervision of Managing Director, APSCCFC, Scheduled Caste Welfare Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and project team members and day to day supervision on the implementation issues with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. S/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Support in conceptualization and development of research studies, thematic assessments, policy notes, and analytical papers related to Scheduled Caste development and social inclusion.

·       Assist in facilitation of knowledge building and management by documenting project learnings, innovations, good practices, and success stories emerging from SCOPE interventions.

·       Support preparation of knowledge products including reports, briefing notes, case studies, presentations, newsletters, human interest stories, policy briefs, and advocacy materials.

·       Review and analyse relevant literature, government schemes, policy documents, socio-economic datasets, and regulatory frameworks concerning Scheduled Caste development and welfare programmes.

·       Support in collection, compilation, validation, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights for programme planning, monitoring, and implementation.

·       Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, learning exchanges, and knowledge-sharing events with government departments, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

·       Assist in developing systems and digital repositories for knowledge documentation, information management, and dissemination of project outputs and research findings.

·       Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes by documenting evidence, lessons learnt, outcomes, and emerging trends from programme interventions.

·       Provide support in drafting, communication materials, concept notes, and background documents for meetings, events, and official engagements.

·       Coordinate with technical agencies, consultants, institutions, and knowledge partners engaged under the project for research, documentation, and dissemination activities.

·       Ensure proper documentation and archival of project documents, reports, meeting proceedings, publications, and communication materials.

·       The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Secondary education is required.

Or

A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Conflict Resolution, Development Studies, Human Rights, Rural Development, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology, Journalism, Mass Communication, Social Work, or related field will be given due consideration.

Experience:
Minimum 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) or 7 years (with Secondary education) of work experience in research, monitoring and evaluation, documentation, knowledge management, policy advocacy, development communication, or related field.

Required Skills:

·       Prior experience in research, documentation, report writing, and preparation of knowledge products.

·       Experience in analysis of policies, schemes, and programmes related to social development, inclusion, livelihood, education, or welfare sectors.

·       Experience working with government institutions, development agencies, research organizations, or international organizations is desirable.

·       Strong analytical, writing, editing, and communication skills.

·       Knowledge of data analysis, monitoring frameworks, and evidence-based reporting systems.

·       Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming is an asset.

·       Brings visibility and sensitizes decision makers to relevant emerging issues.

·       Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource.

·       Residents of Andhra Pradesh will have an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

(1)    Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

(2)    Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally

(3)    Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for conte t, or responsive to a stated need

(4)    Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results

(5)    Data analysis: Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

5. LANGUAGES:

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

(2)  A good working knowledge of local language (Telugu) of the duty station will be needed.

6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: Twelve months (Renewable based on performance and other factors)

7. CONSULTANCY FEE:

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

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. 

09. LOCATION: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

10. REFERENCE: RKMA-AP

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 26, 2026.