1. POSITION VACANT: Sector Expert Urban Development, 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 Urban Development 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 Urban Development is expected to work on assessing urban policies and infrastructure, identify gaps, and suggest strategies for creating sustainable and resilient and gender sensitive urban spaces.

The Sector Expert Urban Development 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. S/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:

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

(1) Urban Policy and Infrastructure Review: Assess and review existing urban development policies and infrastructure frameworks to identify gaps and areas where improvements are needed to create more sustainable, resilient, and gender-sensitive urban spaces.

(2) Gap Identification in Urban Systems: Identify gaps in urban planning and infrastructure that hinder the development of sustainable and resilient urban spaces, ensuring that the policies align with state priorities and SDG goals

(3) Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning: Propose strategies for gender-sensitive urban planning that address the specific needs of women, girls, and marginalized groups in urban spaces, including safety, mobility, and access to public services.

(4) Sustainable Urban Development: Recommend sustainable urban development strategies that promote green spaces, sustainable transport, and eco-friendly infrastructure, reducing the environmental impact of urban growth.

(5) Resilience Building in Urban Areas: Develop policies to improve urban resilience, particularly in response to climate change, natural disasters, and other external shocks, ensuring that urban areas are well-equipped to withstand challenges.

(6) Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local government agencies, urban planners, NGOs, and community organizations to develop inclusive urban development policies that meet the needs of all urban residents, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

(7) Promote Access and Inclusivity: Propose solutions for improving access to basic urban services like housing, healthcare, education, public transport, and water and sanitation, ensuring these services are accessible and inclusive for women, youth, and low-income groups.

(8) Monitoring and Reporting: Prepare detailed reports on the state of urban development, highlighting key gaps, challenges, and proposed strategies for creating resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces that are aligned with state development goals.

Any other work assigned by CGRNA.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Regional Planning, Public Policy (MPP), Governance, or Development Studie 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:
(1) 2 years (with Bachelor's degree) of work experience in urban planning, development policy, or infrastructure management.
(2) Experience with government bodies, multilateral agencies, think tanks, or international organizations.

Required Skills: 
(1) Experience in designing and implementing sustainable urban development projects related to Smart Cities, Affordable Housing, Sustainable Transport, Water and Sanitation (AMRUT, Jal Jeevan Mission), Waste Management or Circular Economy

(2) Experience in policy advocacy or project implementation in urban governance, climate resilience, land use planning, and public-private partnerships (PPP) projects with focus on women, youth and low income groups.  

(3) Proficiency in digital and data analytical tools related to GIS, urban planning and data driven decision making.

(4) Experience of working in multi stakeholder environment with stakeholders such as government departments, NGOs, and civil society experts. 

(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. REFERENCE: SEUD-CG

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 February 14, 2026.