Data & Research Associate, SAMS, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
1. POSITION VACANT: Data & Research Associate, 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 Data & Research Associate to support the SDGCAC in Odisha by strengthening data systems, monitoring frameworks, and evidence generation. The incumbent will be responsible for tracking SDG progress, analysing trends and gaps, and generating actionable insights to inform policy and programme decisions.
Working closely with the Project Manager and thematic experts, the Associate will play a key role in transforming Odisha’s SDG data architecture into decision-support tools that enable targeted interventions and measurable outcomes.
A. SDG Monitoring & Data Management
(1) Maintain and regularly update Odisha's SDG monitoring systems tracking indicator-wise progress at state and district levels against OSIF 2.0 targets.
(2) Develop and periodically update an SDG gap analysis to identify priority areas, disparities, and lagging indicators at state and district levels.
(3) Support in strengthening data collection and validation processes, ensuring disaggregation by gender, geography, and social groups.
(4) Coordinate with IT teams to maintain and enhance SDG dashboards for real-time, decision-oriented use.
B. Research & Evidence Generation
(1) Support identification of actionable interventions based on data insights to inform SDG acceleration priorities.
(2) Conduct thematic research, benchmarking, and literature reviews to inform SDG acceleration strategies
(3) Translate data into actionable insights through analytical notes, briefs, and presentations.
(4) Support evidence inputs for key outputs such as SDG Financing Strategy and Vision 2047 roadmap.
(5) Support analysis of public expenditure streams, including extra budgetary expenditure, by linking financial data with SDG outcomes and identifying trends, gaps, and efficiencies.
C. Reporting & Knowledge Products
(1) Prepare periodic SDG progress reports (quarterly/annual) consolidating inputs from line departments.
(2) Develop knowledge products including policy briefs, data summaries, and case studies.
(3) Support documentation of best practices and cross-learning for state and national platforms.
D. Capacity Building Support
(1) Support design and delivery of trainings/workshops on SDG monitoring and data use.
(2) Develop training materials and user-friendly data resources.
(3) Facilitate periodic review meetings with departments to track progress against SDG target.
(4) Any other work as assigned by the Project Manager and the government nodal officer.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
(1) Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Experience:
(1) Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in data analysis, research, or monitoring and evaluation in a development sector context.
Required Skills:
(1) Experience in data management systems and governance frameworks, including the development of SDG-related data platforms and tools to enhance transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making is desirable.
(2) Proficiency in data analysis tools and visualisation tools (Excel essential; knowledge of R, Python, STATA, or Power BI desirable)
(3) Familiarity with SDG frameworks, national and state indicator systems (NIF, OSIF), and development monitoring approaches
(4) Ability to translate complex data into clear, accessible reports and visualisations for non-technical audiences.
(5) Knowledge of gender-disaggregated data approaches and inclusion frameworks.
(6) Demonstrated ability to conduct capacity building and training for government officials and local governance bodies on the use of data dashboards and monitoring systems.
(7) Ability to engage with government departments, thematic specialist(s)/technical experts, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to promote data-driven governance and decision-making at all levels.
Competencies:
(1) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
(2) Attention to detail and data quality assurance
(3) Ability to work collaboratively in multi-stakeholder environments
(4) Good planning and time management skills
5. LANGUAGES:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
(2) Working knowledge of Odia is 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 99,101 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: PADR-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/data-research-associate-bhubaneshwar-odisha-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-odisha-bhubaneshwar/566