1. POSITION VACANT: Team Lead 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 Team Lead Project Implementation Unit 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 Team Leader Project Implementation Unit is expected to work overseeing the day-to-day operations of the PIU, ensuring that 2047 initiatives & SDG-related projects are implemented effectively and in alignment with the state's priorities.

The Team Leader Project Implementation Unit will lead 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/ Districts, as and when needed

Duties and Responsibilities:

The team Leader 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.

Formulation of a Three-Year Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy

(1) Develop a structured three-year roadmap for M&E under the guidance of Rajya Niti Aayog.  Define quantitative and qualitative indicators for tracking progress across various initiatives. Establish data collection methods (e.g., surveys, administrative data, digital dashboards) to ensure reliable tracking.

(2) Set specific timelines for periodic evaluations, mid-term reviews, and final assessments. Integration with Existing Systems: Ensure alignment with state planning frameworks and integrate M&E with ongoing government reporting mechanisms.

Development of an Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework for the State

(1) Establish a comprehensive system to track both outputs (immediate deliverables) and outcomes (long-term impact). Define measurable indicators linked to key government programs and initiatives.

(2) Alignment with State Goals: Ensure the framework supports the state’s development agenda and policy priorities. Data Collection & Verification: Implement a robust mechanism for real-time data collection, validation, and reporting. Schedule annual reviews to assess the effectiveness of interventions and suggest course corrections.

 Formulate a Plan of Action for Collecting Outcome-Level Data

(1) Survey Planning & Design: Develop detailed guidelines for outcome-level surveys (sampling methods, frequency, tools). Identify opportunities to leverage ongoing national and state surveys (e.g., NFHS, NSSO, UDISE+). Engage departments, research organizations, and statistical agencies to refine data collection methodologies.

(2) Establish technology-driven mechanisms for capturing real-time data through dashboards, mobile applications, or MIS systems. Ensure comprehensive data collection every three years to measure program impact effectively.

Adapting Best Practices in M&E and Dissemination

(1) Research & Benchmarking: Identify and document successful M&E practices from leading states, Union Territories, and international models. Adapt best practices to align with the socio-economic and governance structure of the state.

(2) Conduct workshops and training sessions for district officials, field staff, and key stakeholders. Knowledge Sharing Mechanism: Develop guidelines, reports, and digital repositories to ensure uniformity in implementation across districts.

(3) Establish learning loops to refine M&E strategies based on evolving challenges and insights.

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 with 2 years of qualifying.

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 4 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 designing and operationalizing M&E frameworks for large-scale projects through developing Theories of Change (ToC), Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame), and Results-Based Management (RBM) models.

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

(3) Ability to coordinate with state departments, statistical agencies, and multilateral organizations to set up 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 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 150,000 per month. Applicable TDS will be deducted from the professional fees. The net (in-hand) remuneration payable will be INR 135,000 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: TLM&E-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.