Sector Expert - Food, Nutritional Security & Health

1. POSITION VACANT: Sector Expert - Food, Nutritional Security & Health, SAMS HR Consulting, Kohima, Nagaland

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:  
(1) Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs

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

(3) 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 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been partnering with the Government of India since 1951 to advance human development, reduce inequalities, strengthen governance, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With programmes across all states and union territories, UNDP works with national and subnational stakeholders to deliver people-centric results, especially for vulnerable and marginalized communities.

In Nagaland, UNDP is supporting the Planning & Transformation Department through the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC), which is proposed to be upgraded into the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination and Acceleration Centre (SDGCAC) to strengthen institutional capacity and provide strategic guidance for SDG implementation. In parallel, the Government of Nagaland is establishing the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT) as a state-level think tank to drive governance reforms, policy innovation, and evidence-based planning. UNDP will also provide technical support for the development of the Nagaland Vision 2047, aligned with the North-East Vision 2047, and facilitate Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships, including the design of a CSR Matchmaking Platform to channel private sector investments towards state priorities.

Through these initiatives, UNDP aims to enhance institutional frameworks, mobilize resources, and strengthen Government of Nagaland’s capacity to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in line with both national and global commitments.

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

UNDP proposes to engage a Sector Expert -Food, nutritional security & health to maintain synergy between the State Planning Department, the Lok Kalyan Institute (LKI), and NITI Aayog, while supporting the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT) in achieving its objectives in collaboration with these institutions. The role will focus on evaluating and assessing existing strategies, methodologies, and systems to improve the socio-economic conditions of the state. It will also contribute to the preparation of development strategies, sectoral targets, socio-economic goals, and the formulation of State Vision @ 2047, in line with the state’s requirements and long-term roadmap.

Duties and Responsibilities:
(1) Draft policy briefs, presentations, and other documents.

(2) Coordinate with development partners and concerned technical agencies.

(3) Support mechanisms for strengthening horizontal and vertical coordination within government.

(4) Assist the state in strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Assist the State in strengthening the innovative ecosystem.

(5) Assist the state in strengthening the monitoring & evaluation ecosystem.

(6) Create and facilitate cross-learning platforms.

(7) Document activities and emerging good practices performed by NIoT.

(8) Support preparation of state, regional, and sectoral reports on a regular basis.

(9) Provide regular updates on state progress using the dashboard/portal maintained by the State and NITI Aayog.

(10) Support in organising workshops and other events related to NIoT, including preparation of inputs for workshops.

(11) Analyse records (NFHS-5, HMIS, Poshan Tracker) and prepare action plans for reducing anaemia among children, adolescent girls and women, and lowering infant and maternal mortality rates.

(12) Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor (Team Leader) as may be necessary in the interest of the mission.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification:

(1) A minimum MD (Doctor of Medicine) or master's in nutrition or MBA or Post Graduate Diploma in Health/Hospital Management with considerable amount of field experience in Nutrition Management is essential.

(2) Persons with advanced diploma or degree like MBA in Health/ Hospital Management, published papers in the relevant field would be preferred.

Experience:

(1) Minimum three years experience relevant to the job description. Preference will be given to persons with work experience in implementation of Anemia Alleviation and malnutrition programs.
(2) The experience of internship/training will not be considered.

Skills & Competencies:

(1) Sectoral Expertise (Food, Nutrition & Health): Ability to analyse health and nutrition data (NFHS, HMIS, Poshan Tracker), design action plans to address anemia, infant/maternal mortality, and improve overall nutritional security.

(2) Policy and Analytical Skills: Strong capacity to evaluate strategies, draft policy briefs, and contribute to sectoral goals and State Vision@2047.

(3) Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to coordinate effectively with Government, NITI Aayog, LKI, and development partners in strengthening health and nutrition initiatives.

(4) Monitoring and Coordination: Skills in supporting M&E systems, ensuring horizontal and vertical coordination, and providing updates through dashboards/portals.

(5) Knowledge and Innovation: Competence in documenting best practices, facilitating cross-learning, and fostering innovation in health and nutrition delivery systems.
(6) Communication: Proficiency in preparing sectoral reports, presentations, and workshop inputs for diverse stakeholders.

Required Skill:

(1) Experience in stakeholder management.

(2) Experience in drafting reports and reviewing detailed project reports.

(3) Prior experience with Government, UN agencies, and other international organizations (desirable).

(4) Knowledge and experience related to national and state planning.

(5) Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

5. LANGUAGES:

Excellent verbal and written English and local language skills and demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in a multi- cultural environment.

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

7. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position shall Rs. INR 41,671 PM. 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.

9. LOCATION: Kohima, Nagaland

10. REFERENCE: SDG-NG

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

12. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications, by or before November 20, 2025.