Procurement & Supply Chain Management Associate - TRILINK, SAMS, Andhra Pradesh
1. POSITION VACANT: Procurement & Supply Chain Management Associate - TRILINK, Andhra Pradesh, 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:
Andhra Pradesh is home to one of the largest tribal populations in India, with Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituting 5.53% of the state's population (Census 2011), representing over 2.7 million people. The state is home to 26 notified Scheduled Tribes, primarily residing in the tribal regions of Alluri Sitharama Raju, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Eluru, and other districts. Tribal communities largely depend on agriculture, horticulture, Minor Forest Produce (MFP), livestock, and traditional crafts for their livelihoods. Recognizing the need for inclusive tribal development, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has implemented several flagship programmes and welfare initiatives through the Tribal Welfare Department, Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), and Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) to improve livelihoods, enhance access to markets, strengthen community institutions, and promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities.
Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) is the nodal institution responsible for promoting the economic development of tribal communities by supporting procurement of Minor Forest Produce, marketing of tribal products, supply of essential commodities, value addition, and enterprise development. Over the years, GCC has played a significant role in improving market access, creating livelihood opportunities, and enhancing income generation for tribal producers. As GCC continues to expand its operations and diversify its services, there is a growing need to strengthen its institutional systems and operational capacities to effectively respond to evolving market opportunities and emerging development priorities. GCC works closely with the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), tribal producer groups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and community-based institutions across the tribal districts of Andhra Pradesh to strengthen procurement systems, promote value addition, facilitate market access, and support enterprise development. Through its extensive field network and partnerships, GCC plays a pivotal role in connecting tribal producers with sustainable livelihood opportunities while ensuring better price realization and economic empowerment.
As GCC continues to expand its role in promoting tribal livelihoods and enterprise development, there is a significant opportunity to further strengthen its institutional systems and operational capabilities to meet emerging market demands and leverage advances in digital technologies. Modernizing business processes, enhancing digital integration, strengthening financial and procurement systems, and adopting data-driven decision-making will enable GCC to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and respond more effectively to evolving market opportunities. Further investments in business intelligence, branding, retail marketing, and market linkages will strengthen the competitiveness of tribal products, expand market access, and create a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem for tribal livelihoods and enterprise development.
UNDP has been partnering with the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, under a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the period 2024–2027 to provide technical assistance for strengthening the implementation of tribal development programmes across the state. The partnership focuses on enhancing institutional capacities, improving programme planning and monitoring, strengthening convergence, and supporting evidence-based implementation of key state and centrally sponsored initiatives. Building on the progress and strong collaboration established under the ongoing partnership, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has identified the need for dedicated technical support to further strengthen the institutional and business functions of Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC).
Accordingly, TRILINK – Tribal Livelihoods & Market Linkages Initiative is proposed as a focused technical assistance initiative under the broader UNDP–Tribal Welfare Dep, Government of Andhra Pradesh partnership. Through the establishment of a dedicated Technical Support Cell within GCC, the initiative will provide specialized expertise to strengthen digital transformation, financial management, procurement systems, business analytics, market intelligence, branding, and retail marketing. The initiative will also support improved planning, monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and institutional capacity, enabling GCC to operate more efficiently, enhance the competitiveness of tribal products, strengthen market linkages, and create an enabling ecosystem that contributes to sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment of tribal communities across Andhra Pradesh.
3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):
It is proposed to engage a Procurement & Supply Chain Management Associate to support the Technical Support Cell under TRILINK – Tribal Livelihoods & Market Linkages Initiative at the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC), Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Associate will provide technical support to strengthen GCC's procurement and supply chain systems by improving procurement planning, Minor Forest Produce (MFP) procurement systems, producer registration, vendor management, warehouse and inventory management, logistics, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-enabled procurement, and technology-enabled procurement processes to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability
The Procurement & Supply Chain Management Associate will be part of the Technical Support Cell and will report directly to the Team Lead – Technical Support Cell. S/He will work closely with GCC procurement, operations, finance, and field teams to strengthen procurement systems, streamline supply chain processes, support Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms where applicable, and improve the efficiency of procurement and distribution operations in line with the objectives of the TRILINK initiative. The Associate will also support supply chain optimization, warehouse management, decentralized procurement operations, and implementation of digital procurement systems to strengthen GCC's procurement network and service delivery. S/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement & Supply Chain Management Associate will be responsible for the following:
(1) Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of procurement and supply chain activities to improve operational efficiency and service delivery within GCC.
(2) Assist in strengthening procurement policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and internal systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
(3) Support the development and management of producer registration, vendor databases, supplier performance monitoring, and procurement information systems.
Support the strengthening and modernization of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) procurement systems across GCC procurement centres.
(4) Facilitate the implementation and monitoring of technology-enabled procurement processes, including digital procurement platforms, inventory management systems, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms, wherever applicable.
(5) Monitor procurement operations, inventory movement, warehousing, logistics, and distribution processes to improve efficiency and minimize operational risks.
(6) Support warehouse management, inventory optimization, stock reconciliation, and logistics planning to improve supply chain efficiency.
(7) Identify opportunities for supply chain optimization through improved procurement planning, transportation, storage, inventory control, and distribution systems.
(8) Analyse procurement and supply chain data, prepare periodic reports and dashboards, and provide recommendations to improve procurement planning and decision-making.
(9) Coordinate with GCC field offices, procurement teams, suppliers, tribal producer groups, and other stakeholders to ensure timely procurement, aggregation, and distribution of goods and services.
(10) Support capacity-building initiatives for GCC officials and field staff on procurement procedures, supply chain management, digital systems, and compliance requirements.
(11) Promote gender-responsive procurement practices by encouraging the participation of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), producer groups, and enterprises, wherever feasible.
(12) Undertake regular field visits to procurement centres, warehouses, tribal habitations, producer organizations, and GCC field offices to monitor procurement operations, identify implementation challenges, and recommend operational improvements.
(13) Support data analysis, procurement performance monitoring, and preparation of procurement dashboards and management reports to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
(14) Perform any other procurement and supply chain management-related responsibilities assigned by the Team Lead to support the effective implementation of the TRILINK initiative.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
Secondary education is required.
Or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business Administration, Commerce, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Agriculture, Rural Management, or a related field is required.
Experience:
Minimum 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) or 7 years (with Secondary education) of work experience in procurement, supply chain management, logistics, inventory management, warehouse management, contract management, public procurement, agricultural or Minor Forest Produce procurement, or related fields is required.
Required Skills:
(1) Prior experience in procurement planning, supply chain management, logistics, inventory management, vendor management, and contract administration.
(2) Experience in large-scale procurement operations, decentralized procurement systems, warehouse management, and supply chain optimization is desirable.
(3) Experience in the use of e-procurement systems, inventory management software, ERP platforms, and digital procurement tools.
(4) Experience working with Government departments, public sector organizations, development agencies, or international organizations is desirable.
(5) Experience in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-enabled procurement systems, digital procurement platforms, and producer registration systems will be an advantage.
(6) Good understanding of Government procurement procedures, public procurement policies, Minor Forest Produce procurement systems, supply chain operations, warehouse management, contract management, and inventory control.
(7) Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
(8) Excellent communication, coordination, documentation, and stakeholder management skills.
(9) Ability to use information and communication technology, Microsoft Office applications, and data management tools to support procurement planning and reporting.
(10) Knowledge of and experience in promoting gender-responsive and inclusive procurement practices is desirable.
(11) Knowledge of Telugu and familiarity with the socio-economic context of Andhra Pradesh will be an added advantage.
Skills & Competencies:
(1) Procurement, Supply Chain and Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse procurement and supply chain performance, identify operational improvements, optimize procurement processes, and support evidence-based decision-making.
(2) Planning and Results Orientation: Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize tasks, and deliver quality outputs within agreed timelines.
(3) Communication and Stakeholder Coordination: Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with government counterparts, suppliers, producer groups, and other stakeholders.
(4) Professionalism and Accountability: Demonstrates integrity, sound judgement, attention to detail, and commitment to transparency, compliance, and ethical procurement practices.
(5) Teamwork and Inclusion: Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams while promoting gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion.
5. LANGUAGES:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
(2) A good working knowledge of local language (Telugu) of the duty station will be needed.
6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: Twelve months (Renewable based on performance and other factors)
7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The monthly consultancy fee for the position shall be commensurate with the Government norms, as applicable for the position. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.
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.
09. LOCATION: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
10. REFERENCE: PSCMA-AP
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 August 12, 2026.
Link: https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/procurement-supply-chain-management-associate-trilink-andhra-pradesh-sams-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-visakhapatnam/682