SDG and Public Finance Specialist, SAMS, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
1. POSITION VACANT: SDG and Public Finance Specialist, 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 SDG and Public Finance Specialist to support the SDG Coordination and Acceleration Centre (SDGCAC) in Odisha in increasing effectiveness of public finance and mainstreaming SDGs into planning and budgeting processes. The incumbent will also support resources mobilisation through innovative financing mechanisms and alignment of financing streams including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards SDG priorities.
Overall, The role will focus on supporting in effective SDG tagging of state budget, enhancing convergence across financing sources, supporting evidence-based financing strategies, and enabling partnerships that accelerate progress on priority SDGs.
A. Public Finance and SDG Budgeting:
(1) Support governments in integrating SDGs into public planning, budgeting, expenditure management, and monitoring systems.
(2) Conduct public expenditure reviews, fiscal analysis, budget assessments, and scheme evaluations to improve efficiency and developmental impact
(3) Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess effectiveness, outcomes, and value-for-money of public investments and development programmes.
B. Sustainable & Innovative Financing :
(1) Identify, assess, and structure innovative and blended finance solutions that mobilize public, private, philanthropic, and development finance towards SDG, climate, and social objectives.
(2) Develop business models, proof-of-concept approaches, and investment strategies for scaling sustainable finance initiatives focused on climate resilience, social inclusion, green growth, and sustainable infrastructure.
(3) Support alignment of external financing with SDG priorities, Vision 2030 and Vision 2047.
C. Resource Mobilisation and Project Preparation:
(1) Identify and support mobilisation of additional financing sources including CSR, philanthropic funds, private sector investments etc.
(2) Develop concept notes, partnership briefs, and proposals to attract funding for priority SDG areas.
Generate project pipelines capable of attracting catalytic capital and impact investments.
D. Convergence & Partnerships:
(1) Facilitate convergence between CSR initiatives, state schemes, and other financing streams.
(2) Engage with private sector, industry bodies, financial institutions, and development partners.
(3) Support development of a state SDG Financing Strategy, including mapping of funding sources.
E. Financing Analysis & Decision Support:
(1) Conduct financial gap analysis, expenditure mapping, and resource tracking for SDGs.
(2) Develop dashboards, financial briefs, and analytical reports to inform decision-making.
(3) Maintain a database of funding opportunities, CSR investments, and partnership pipelines.
F. Coordination & Implementation Support:
(1) Coordinate with government departments, districts, and partners to align financing with SDG priorities.
(2) Support implementation and monitoring of externally financed initiatives.
(3) Facilitate consultations, workshops, and partnership forums.
G. Knowledge & Policy Support:
(1) Track developments in CSR, ESG, and development financing frameworks.
(2) Develop policy notes, case studies, and best practices.
(3) Support documentation and reporting for SDGCAC.
(4) Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager and the government nodal officer
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
(1) Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Public Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields.
(2) A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above fields, with additional 2 years of relevant experience, will be given due consideration.
Experience:
(1) Minimum 3 years (with Master’s degree) or 5 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in public finance, development planning, or programme management, including experience mobilizing/aligning resources through CSR, private sector partnerships, or blended /innovative finance.
(2) Experience working with government systems, preferably at state/district level.
Required Skills:
(1) Demonstrated experience in public finance, CSR frameworks and development financing mechanism
(2) Experience in resource mobilisation and partnership development
(3) Ability to analyse financing data and link it to development outcomes
(4) Strong stakeholder engagement, especially with private sector and government
(5) Strong communication and documentation skills, including advocacy and knowledge dissemination.
Competencies:
(1) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to assess public expenditure and link it to development outcomes.
(2) Ability to translate financing data into actionable recommendations for policy and programme improvement.
(3) Effective stakeholder engagement and coordination skills, particularly with district administrations and government departments.
(4) Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver within timelines.
(5) Ability to build and sustain partnerships across government, private sector, and development organisations
(6) Good understanding of government systems and decentralised planning processes, especially at district level.
(7) Results-oriented approach with focus on efficiency, accountability, and impact of public funds.
(8) Strong communication and documentation skills, including preparation of reports, briefs, and presentations
5. LANGUAGES:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
(2) Working knowledge of Odia will be an advantage.
6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: One Year; with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.
7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The total consultancy fee budgeted for this position is INR 120,058 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: SPFS-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 September 25, 2026.
https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/sdg-and-public-finance-specialist-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-odisha-bhubaneshwar/795