Research Associate

1. POSITION VACANT: Research Associate, 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 Research Associate based at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in Shimla. The Research Associate will play a critical role in supporting the PMU by providing technical, analytical, and programmatic assistance, contributing to the smooth execution of project interventions across multiple sectors.

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

Reporting to Programme Specialist (Resilience), the Research Associate will provide essential technical and programmatic support to the Project Monitoring Unit in leading the Disaster Risk Management programme in Himachal Pradesh, facilitating the identification and deployment of appropriate expertise and agencies to strengthen the state's resilience against natural hazards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

(1) Provide technical support to the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) as offered by UNDP India.

(2) Assist the PMU in identifying the appropriate expertise required for various project activities.

(3) Support the PMU in the deployment of technical agencies in line with the state’s specific requirements.

(4) Support in the coordination and organization of stakeholder consultations for the review and updating of Disaster Management Plans.

(5) Assist in the preparation and review of Action Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disaster management across various levels and departments.

(6) Support the organization and execution of simulation exercises, tabletop exercises, and mock drills to test disaster management plans.

(7) Contribute to activities related to strengthening the techno-legal regime for building codes, including supporting gap analysis reports and implementing capacity building programmes for engineers/architects and government officials.

(8) Provide assistance in the development and commissioning of landslide risk maps for identified cities, including data collection and coordination.

(9) Support the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for accessing various funding windows, aligning with XV Finance Commission recommendations.

(10) Assist in providing technical support to the Hospital Safety Scheme, including organizing training programmes, rapid visual screening, safety audits, and preparing Hospital Disaster Management Plans.

(11) Support the School Safety Scheme, including the standardization of training modules, conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) for safety audits, and facilitating the formation of school-level DM Committees and evacuation exercises.

(12) Contribute to the monitoring and tracking of programme interventions through the development and implementation of M&E frameworks.

(13) Undertake knowledge management activities as required by the project.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or related fields from an accredited institution.

Experience:

(1) Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in project support, research, or programme implementation, preferably in disaster risk reduction, climate change, or development sectors.

(2) Prior experience in coordinating with government agencies, NGOs, or technical institutions is an asset.

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

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

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Strong analytical and research skills with ability to synthesize complex information.

(2) Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.

(3) Demonstrated ability in technical documentation, report writing, and presentation development.

(4) Good organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

(5) Knowledge of DRR frameworks and national/international guidelines.

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

Competencies:

Technical Competencies:

(1) Familiarity with GIS tools and hazard mapping techniques.

(2) Experience in organizing consultations, trainings, and capacity building programmes.

(3) Understanding of project M&E tools and methodologies.

(4) Knowledge of government procedures and institutional mechanisms in India.

Core Competencies:

(1) Ability to work effectively within the PMU and with external stakeholders.

(2) Capacity to prioritize and deliver tasks efficiently.

(3) Demonstrated ability to take ownership and provide solutions.

(4) Ability to work under pressure and adjust to dynamic project needs.

(5) Commitment to delivering high-quality, results-based outputs.

5. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position shall be 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: RA-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 by or before November 21, 2025.