Sector Expert - Innovation in Industry and Infrastructure

1. POSITION VACANT: Sector Expert - Innovation in Industry and Infrastructure

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 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 – Innovation in Industry and Infrastructure to support the State Planning Department in collaboration with NITI Aayog and LKI to strengthen socio-economic development, innovation, monitoring, and evaluation ecosystems in the State. The position requires research, policy formulation, stakeholder coordination, and sectoral analysis (industry, infrastructure, MSMEs, crafts, emerging technologies, and handloom) to contribute towards State Vision @ 2047.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Maintain synergy between the State Planning Department, LKI and NITI Aayog.

·       To assist NIoT in achieving its objectives in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the LKI in the respective sector.

·       Evaluation and assessment of existing strategies, methodologies and systems to improve the socio-economic conditions of the state.

·       Preparation of development strategies, sectoral targets, socio-economic goals and State Vision@ 2047, as per the State's requirements and roadmap to achieve the same.

·       Draft policy briefs, presentations and other documents.

·       Coordination with development partners and technical agencies concerned.

·       Support mechanisms for strengthening horizontal and vertical coordination within the Government.

·       Assist the State in strengthening the innovation ecosystem.

·       Assist the State in strengthening the monitoring & evaluation of the ecosystem.

·       Create and facilitate cross learning platforms.

·       Documentation of activities and emerging good practice performed by NIoT.

·       Supporting in preparation of the State, regional and sectoral reports on regular basis.

·       Support regular updates on progress in State using the dashboard/ portal maintained by State/ NITI Aayog.

·       Support in organising workshops and other events related to the NIOT, including preparation of inputs for the workshop.

·       Analyse the present status of industry and infrastructure in the State. Identify the key growth drivers, potential areas for improvement; development of MSMEs; promotion of indigenous crafts, emerging technologies, handloom in different areas of State; Study International best practices; recommend ways to meet the policy gaps in industry and infrastructure sector in the State.

·       Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor (Team Leader) as maybe necessary in the interest of the mission.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

·        Minimum master's degree in economics/ business economics/ MBA or Post Graduate Diploma in Management with a considerable amount of field experience in manufacturing and logistics is essential.

·        Persons with advanced diploma or degree in Material Management/ Start-Up Ecosystem experience, published papers in the relevant field would be preferred.

Experience:

(1)  Minimum 3 (three) years' experience relevant to the job description. Preference will be given to people with work experience in the implementation of Grassroot Innovation Programs. The experience of internship/training will not be considered.

Skills & Competencies:

(1)    Sectoral Sectoral Expertise (Industry, Infrastructure & MSMEs): Ability to analyse sectoral policies, assess growth drivers, identify gaps, and recommend strategies for industry, infrastructure, MSMEs, crafts, handloom, and emerging technologies.

(2)    Policy and Analytical Skills: Capacity to evaluate existing strategies, prepare policy briefs, and contribute to the State’s socio-economic roadmap and Vision@2047.

(3)    Stakeholder Engagement: Skills in coordinating with Government, NITI Aayog, LKI, and development partners to strengthen sectoral initiatives.

(4)    Monitoring and Coordination: Ability to track progress, strengthen reporting mechanisms, and provide updates through dashboards/portals.

(5)    Knowledge and Innovation: Competence in documenting activities, facilitating cross-learning, and promoting innovation ecosystems in relevant sectors.

(6)    Communication: Strong skills in preparing sectoral reports, presentations, and inputs for workshops and consultations.

Required Skill:

(1)  Experience in stakeholder management

(2)  Research and preparing policy briefs

(3)  Drafting reports and reviewing detailed project reports

(4)  Prior experience with Government, UN agencies and other international organizations is desirable

(5)  Knowledge and experience related to National/State planning

(6)  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: SE-III-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

www.sams.co.in

12. APPLICATION PROCESS:

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