State Project Officer

1. POSITION VACANT: State Project Officer, 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 State Project Officer (SPO), based at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in Shimla. The SPO will serve as the focal point for project implementation, ensuring close coordination between UNDP, SDMA, and other line departments. By providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, and day-to-day management, the SPO will be instrumental in delivering the project’s outcome. This position represents a critical leadership role in strengthening disaster resilience in the state.

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

Reporting to Programme Specialist (Resilience), the State Project Officer will lead and manage the implementation of the project, ensuring effective collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority and other stakeholders. The SPO will oversee project activities across the state with a focus on enhancing disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response capacities. Based at the SDMA in Shimla, the SPO will provide both strategic direction and operational management to ensure timely delivery of outputs such as updated disaster management plans, strengthened capacity of institutions, and technical support for hospital and school safety schemes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

(A) Project Leadership and Management:

(1) Provide overall leadership and ensure the successful implementation of the project.

(2) Manage project budgets, human resources, and activities in line with UNDP rules and procedures.

(3) Supervise and guide the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU), including the Research Associate.

(B) Plan Updation Management:

(1) Supervise the review and updation of the State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP).

(2) Oversee the review and updation of District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs) in 12 districts.

(3)Manage the updation of City Disaster Management Plans (Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan).

Guide the updation of Departmental Disaster Management Plans for 30 departments.

(C) Techno-Legal Regime Strengthening:

(1) Commission and manage a gap analysis of building by-laws adopted by urban local bodies.

(2) Oversee capacity building of engineers, architects, and government officials on structural safety.

(3) Guide the preparation of Landslide Risk Maps for Shimla and Dharamshala.

(4) Support the creation of policy bodies for landslide risk mitigation, modeled on the Aizawl Municipal Corporation’s approach.

(D) Capacity Building and Technical Support:

(1) Coordinate provision of technical experts (hydrologists, seismologists, PDNA specialists).

(2) Support the state government in preparing DPRs to access XV Finance Commission funds.

(3) Assist in developing monitoring and reporting protocols as per NDMA guidelines.

(E) Hospital Safety Scheme:

(1) Oversee roll-out of hospital safety training programs.

(2) Supervise Training of Trainers for Rapid Visual Screening & Safety Audits in 12 hospitals.

(3) Facilitate preparation of Hospital Disaster Management Plans.

(4) Organize tabletop exercises and evacuation drills in selected hospitals.

(F) School Safety Scheme:

(1) Standardize training modules for school safety.

(2) Oversee Training of Trainers for safety audits in 50 schools.

(3) Ensure formation of school-level DM Committees, HVAs, and evacuation drills.

(G) Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Management:

(1) Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations and simulation exercises.

(2) Ensure timely and high-quality reporting on project progress.

(3) Document lessons learned and contribute to UNDP’s knowledge base.

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) At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in project management in development or disaster risk reduction.

(2) Demonstrated experience working with state and district governments in India.

(3) Proven expertise in one or more areas: disaster management planning, urban resilience, landslide risk mitigation, institutional capacity building.

(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) Ability to design, implement, and oversee complex projects; skilled in budgeting, expenditure monitoring, procurement, and ensuring compliance with UNDP/donor requirements.

(2) Expertise in reviewing and updating DRM plans and policies, ensuring alignment with NDMA/SDMA guidelines and the Sendai Framework for DRR.

(3) Strong capacity to build partnerships and facilitate collaboration with government departments, academic institutions, civil society, and technical agencies.

(4) In-depth understanding of hazard vulnerability assessments, risk mapping, multi-hazard mitigation strategies, and specific risks relevant to Himachal Pradesh (earthquakes, landslides, floods).

(5) Proven ability to design and deliver training programmes, develop training modules, conduct ToTs, and strengthen institutional and community-level disaster preparedness.

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

Competencies:

Technical Competencies:

(1) Familiarity with GIS tools for hazard mapping, landslide modeling, and disaster risk assessments.

(2) Experience in developing M&E frameworks, indicators, and reporting protocols to assess project outcomes and impact.

(3) Ability to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) and mobilize resources through national funding mechanisms such as XV Finance Commission allocations.

(4) Experience in planning and conducting simulation exercises, mock drills, and tabletop exercises to test DRM systems.

(5) Knowledge of structural safety measures, building codes, and strategies for mainstreaming their enforcement within urban local bodies.

Core Competencies:

(1) Ability to set direction, guide teams, and align project activities with organizational goals.

(2) Strong written and verbal communication skills, with capacity to advocate for DRM priorities to diverse stakeholders.

(3) Analytical ability to identify challenges, evaluate options, and take timely, informed decisions.

(4) Demonstrated capacity to work effectively under pressure, adjust to changing priorities, and maintain productivity in challenging contexts.

(5) Commitment to achieving measurable results, meeting deadlines, and ensuring accountability for quality outcomes.

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: SPO-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.