Project Manager – SDG Policy & Programmes (Team Lead, SDGCAC), SAMS, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
1. POSITION VACANT: Project Manager – SDG Policy & Programmes (Team Lead, SDGCAC), Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, 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:
• 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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework to address global challenges and promote a sustainable future. Endorsed by 193 nations, including India, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been effective since January 1, 2016. In India, the Government has adopted a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to ensure the successful localization and implementation of these goals, with NITI Aayog serving as the nodal agency responsible for coordinating efforts at the national level. To support the implementation of SDGs, India’s model of localization is actualized through the establishment of SDG Coordination Centres (SDGCCs) in collaboration with subnational governments and UNDP India. These centers play a critical role in facilitating and implementing the SDG framework at the state and district levels, ensuring that development priorities align with global goals while addressing local challenges.
The Government of Odisha, through its Planning & Convergence Department, has taken a strategic lead in driving the state's SDGs agenda. As the designated nodal agency, the Department plays a pivotal role in aligning and monitoring developmental efforts across all state departments. It ensures a macro-level convergence of initiatives to harness interdepartmental synergies for achieving the interconnected SDGs. A key milestone in this journey is the creation of the Odisha SDG Indicator Framework, comprising 311 indicators that enable systematic tracking of progress. To deepen impact and foster grassroots implementation, the Department regularly conducts capacity-building workshops and training programs for officials at both state and district levels, ensuring that SDG principles are embedded in planning and execution across governance layers.
Building on the foundation established by SDGCC, the Government of Odisha seeks to accelerate progress through the newly established Sustainable Development Goals Coordination and Acceleration Centre (SDGCAC). This centre, with technical support from UNDP, will lead the state’s efforts towards achieving SDG Vision 2030 in alignment with India’s broader Viksit Bharat Vision for 2047. The SDGCAC will work in convergence with the State Support Mission and the High-Level Task Force. The overall objective of SDGCAC is to consolidate the Government of Odisha’s SDG investments and enhance impact-driven, evidence-based decision-making processes to accelerate progress towards a developed Odisha. By promoting systems thinking, integrating technological innovations, and fostering inclusivity, the centre aims to bridge development gaps and ensure that no one is left behind.
The SDGCAC will focus on embedding systems thinking into policy-making to remove roadblocks and accelerate SDG progress, utilizing science-based tools like data analysis, monitoring, and evaluation for better decision-making. It will prioritize inclusive strategies for vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, while addressing climate risks and building resilient development processes. By adopting a whole-of-society approach, engaging private sector and civil society, and establishing robust data-driven systems for governance, the SDGCAC aims to enhance accountability, promote cross-learning, and foster sustainability through knowledge exchange and South-South cooperation.
3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):
UNDP proposes to engage a Project Manager-SDG Policy & Programmes to lead the SDGCAC in Odisha, an institution designed to move beyond SDG monitoring towards driving measurable acceleration in development outcomes. Building on Odisha’s strong SDG architecture, including OSIF 2.0, the District SDG Indicator Framework, Convergence Matrix, and SDG Budgets, the incumbent will provide strategic leadership to translate the State’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 into actionable, time-bound programmes.
The role requires a dynamic leader who can engage effectively with senior government stakeholders, bring innovative and evidence-based solutions, and ensure end-to-end execution of SDG acceleration strategies positioning Odisha as a national model for SDG implementation.
A.Leadership & Strategic Engagement
(1) Lead the overall implementation and management of the SDGCAC, ensuring alignment with P&C Department priorities and UNDP's programmatic framework.
(2) Serve as the primary strategic resource for the P&C Department proactively providing actionable insights, policy inputs, and innovative solutions for SDG acceleration.
(3) Convene and facilitate high-level strategic dialogues with Secretaries and senior officials to identify bottlenecks and unlock cross-sectoral solutions.
(4) Strengthen coordination across line departments, NITI Aayog, UN agencies, and development partners to drive convergence, policy coherence, and resource mobilisation.
B.Innovation & SDG Acceleration
(1) Reorient existing SDG tools (OSIF 2.0, DSIF, Convergence Matrix, Ready Reckoners) from monitoring frameworks to decision-support and action-enabling tools.
(2) Lead the design and implementation of SDG Acceleration Plans for priority/lagging goals, incorporating root-cause analysis, targeted interventions, and measurable outcomes.
(3) Introduce innovative approaches leveraging systems thinking, behavioural insights, and global best practices to address persistent development challenges.
(4) Promote the use of advanced data and digital tools (including AI-enabled analytics, geospatial systems, and real-time dashboards) to strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
(5) Establish strategic knowledge partnerships with leading institutions (e.g., IIMs, IITs, think tanks, global SDG labs) to co-create context-specific solutions.
(6) Facilitate cross-learning and South-South cooperation by adapting relevant innovations from comparable geographies.
C. Thematic Leadership
(1) Gender: Drive integration of gender-responsive approaches across SDG interventions, with a focus on addressing critical gaps under SDG 5 in collaboration with relevant departments.
(2) SDG Financing: Lead the development and operationalisation of an SDG Financing Strategy, including identification of financing gaps and mobilisation of resources through public, private, CSR, and innovative financing mechanisms.
(3) Provide strategic oversight to SDG financing streams, including convergence of public finance instruments and guide the work of the SDG Financing Specialist.
(4) Vision Alignment: Translate Odisha’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 into an actionable SDG acceleration roadmap, enabling departments to align long-term goals with annual plans and budgets.
D. Project Management & Institutionalisation
(1) Lead and manage the SDGCAC team, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of outputs in line with agreed workplans.
(2) Oversee planning, budgeting, and reporting processes, ensuring compliance with UNDP and Government requirements.
(3) Produce high-quality policy briefs, analytical outputs, and knowledge products to inform decision-making and enable cross-learning.
(4) Any other work as required /assigned by the government nodal officer.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
(1) Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Public Administration, Finance, or related fields. PhD preferred but not mandatory.
(2) A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.
Experience:
(1) Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in programme management, SDG financing, public finance, development planning, or related areas at the national or subnational level
Required Skills:
(1) Proven experience in project management, coordination, and implementation in a government or development context.
(2) Proven track record of designing and implementing development programmes, beyond advisory or coordination roles
(3) Strong understanding of SDG framework, public financial management, and development planning frameworks.
(4) Demonstrated ability to conduct data-driven analysis and prepare technical and policy reports.
(5) Proven ability to lead teams and deliver results, including supervision and coordination of complex projects.
(6) Excellent skills in stakeholder engagement, inter-departmental coordination, and communication.
Competencies:
(1) Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with ability to translate ideas into actionable programmes
(2) Experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects and supervising teams.
(3) Understanding of state-level governance systems, particularly in Odisha or similar contexts.
(4) Prior experience of working with government departments, multilateral agencies or development organisations is desirable.
5. LANGUAGES:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
(2) Working knowledge of Odia is an advantage .
6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: One Year (renewable for 2 more years based on performance and funds availability)
7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The total consultancy fee budgeted for this position is INR 252,496 per month. Applicable TDS and Insurance related costs will be deducted from the professional fees.
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: Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
10. REFERENCE: PM-SDG-OD
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, using the link below by or before June 5, 2026.
https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/project-manager-sdg-policy-programmes-team-lead-sdgcac-bhubaneshwar-odisha-sams-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-odisha-bhubaneshwar/570