1. POSITION VACANT: Sector Expert  Monitoring & Evaluation, Chhattisgarh, 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:  

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

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

(c) 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 State Support Mission (SSM), a collaborative initiative between the Government of Chhattisgarh and NITI Aayog, is designed to significantly strengthen the state's governance structure and expedite the successful implementation of its developmental programs. With NITI Aayog’s strategic guidance, the mission will focus on bridging gaps between policy formulation and on-the-ground execution, ensuring that developmental initiatives in critical sectors NITI Aayog’s involvement will bring expert advice and best practices from national and international models, assisting the state in developing tailored solutions to address its unique challenges.

One of the core objectives of the SSM is to build robust administrative capacities at the state level, equipping government officials with the skills and tools needed to effectively manage complex projects. This will include capacity-building programs, data-driven decision-making frameworks, and the integration of advanced technology for better service delivery. The mission will also prioritize enhancing inter-departmental coordination to streamline efforts across various sectors, ensuring that initiatives are not siloed but integrated to deliver holistic outcomes. Furthermore, by encouraging innovation in governance, the SSM will introduce new methodologies, such as real-time monitoring systems, and citizen engagement mechanisms, to make the government more responsive and accountable. 

By leveraging the support of NITI Aayog, the SSM will play a pivotal role in transforming Chhattisgarh’s governance landscape, ensuring that state policies are not only well-conceived but also effectively implemented. In the long run, the SSM aims to create a sustainable, inclusive growth trajectory for Chhattisgarh, addressing regional disparities and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society. Ultimately, the State Support Mission will contribute to building a more resilient, equitable, and forward-looking state that can effectively tackle both current challenges and future opportunities.

The Rajya Niti Aayog, Government of Chhattisgarh, is collaborating with UNDP to efficiently execute and accelerate the implementation of the SSM. This partnership leverages the combined expertise, resources, and strategic insights of both entities to ensure the effective and timely rollout of key development initiatives aimed at enhancing the state's governance, economic growth, and overall development. By working together, the Rajya Niti Aayog and UNDP are focused on aligning state policies with national priorities, promoting sustainable development, and addressing critical issues. This collaboration aims to streamline processes, improve resource utilization, and ensure that the objectives of the SSM are realized efficiently, bringing impactful and transformative change to the people of Chhattisgarh.

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

It is proposed to engage a Sector Expert Monitoring & Evaluation to support the project implementation unit (PIU) under State Support Mission (SSM) at the Rajya Niti Ayog, Department of Planning, Economic and Statistics, Government of Chhattisgarh. The Sector Expert Monitoring & Evaluation is expected to support the collection and analyzing of data ensuring effective implementation and accountability of 2047 and SDG-related projects. Thus contributing to informed decision-making, ensuring that the state's development goals align with the broader SDG framework.

The Sector Expert Monitoring & Evaluation will be part of the PIU, and s/he will work under the overall guidance and supervision of, Rajya Niti Ayog, Department of Planning, Economic and Statistics, Government of Chhattisgarh and project team members and day to day supervision on the implementation issues with the Rajya Niti Ayog. She/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Chhattisgarh. She/He may be deputed to work with concerned Departments and Districts, as and when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

He/She shall liaise with all relevant stakeholders for effective implementation and coordination. As and when required, team members may be stationed in concerned Departments and Districts. The team leader shall also undertake surveys and evaluations of priority schemes, activities, and sectors.

Support in Formulating a Three-Year Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy

(1) Assist in collecting and compiling data to develop the M&E strategy under the guidance of Rajya Niti Aayog.

(2) Help track progress indicators and maintain databases for ongoing monitoring.

(3) Support in coordinating periodic evaluations, mid-term reviews, and assessments as per defined timelines.

Assist in Developing the Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework

(1) Support in data collection, validation, and maintenance of reports related to program outputs and outcomes.

(2) Help in aligning program indicators with state goals by gathering necessary documentation and research.

(3) Assist in preparing reports and summaries for annual reviews and framework improvements.

Assist in Implementing a Plan for Outcome-Level Data Collection

(1) Support in survey planning and execution, including sampling and tool preparation.

(2) Help in coordinating with government departments and research organizations for data integration and validation.

(3) Assist in managing technology-driven data collection systems such as dashboards and MIS platforms.

Support in Adapting and Disseminating Best Practices in M&E

(1) Conduct research to identify successful M&E practices from other states and international models.

(2) Help in organizing training sessions and workshops for district and field staff.

(3) Assist in developing guidelines, reports, and knowledge-sharing materials for uniform M&E implementation.

(4) Support in monitoring feedback loops to continuously refine M&E strategies.

Any other work assigned by CGRNA.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in  Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics & Data Analytics, Statistics, Econometrics, Data Science, Social Sciences & Development Studies or related field is required

Or

A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in similar subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with Bachelor's degree) of work experience with state governments, national statistical agencies, or multilateral donor-funded projects in designing and implementing M&E frameworks for large-scale development programs.

Required Skills:

(1) Experience in M&E strategy development, data visualization, and reporting.

(2) Experience in impact evaluation methodologies (RCTs, quasi-experimental methods, qualitative & quantitative approaches)

(3) Ability to support coordination between state departments, statistical agencies, and multilateral organizations to support setting up of  dashboards and real-time data visualization tools for policymakers.

(4) Experience of working in multi stakeholder environment with stakeholders such as government departments, NGOs, policymakers, researchers, and grassroots organizations

(5) Experience in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and schemes.

Competencies:

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

(2) System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

(3) Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals 

(4) Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.

(5) Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding 

5. LANGUAGES:

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

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

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

7. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The total consultancy fee budgeted for this position is INR 100,000 per month. Applicable TDS will be deducted from the professional fees. The net (in-hand) remuneration payable will be INR 90,000 per month.

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: Raipur, Chhattisgarh

10. Number of Vacancies:  Two

11. REFERENCE: SEM&E-CG

12. 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

13. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications, using the link <<>> by or before February 14, 2026.