Legal Associate, New Delhi, SAMS-UNDP
1. POSITION VACANT: Legal Associate, New Delhi, SAMS-UNDP
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:
(1) Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs
(2) Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized
(3) Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Over half of India’s population relies on agriculture, engaging around 54.6% of the workforce, while 57% of rural households directly dependent on it. However, the sector faces challenges like small landholding, declining productivity, rising input costs, adverse impact of climate change etc. These issues contribute to declining farm income and a shrinking agricultural workforce, leading to social and financial repercussions that affect rural incomes GDP, and poverty rates.
The Government of India’s flagship schemes Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and KCC/MISS are vital tools to strengthen the resilience of farmers. The schemes provide financial risk protection against natural calamities and catastrophic events for farmers. Additionally, to address agrarian distress, Kisan Credit Card/ Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide affordable and hassle-free credit for farmers, ensuring continued investment into agriculture, supporting sustainable and climate adaptive agricultural practices and enhancing productivity. ?
UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2023-2027) intended Outcome 2 states that “By 2027, people will benefit from and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth through higher productivity, competitiveness and diversification in economic activities that create decent work, livelihoods, and income particularly for youth and women”.
UNDP leverages its systems strengthening expertise to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW). UNDP has set up the Central Program Management Unit (CPMU) for implementing PMFBY and KCC, to improve institutional and programme responsiveness, increase coverage and improve access for marginalised and excluded farm households. CPMU also supports mechanisms for Agri-value chain financing, risk management and reduce crop loss. Additional focus is on providing Capacity Building and Training support to key stakeholders involved in PMFBY and KCC and advancing the scheme among new states for improved uptake.
Since 2018, UNDP has collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DoAFW), Government of India, to support PMFBY/RWBCIS implementation. The erstwhile Technical Support Unit (TSU) and the recent CPMU, have played a key role in the pan-india implementation of the scheme by strengthening systems processes and building technical, financial and remote sensing capabities to improve farmers’ access to the scheme. The scheme now covers 4 crore farmers across 23 states.
3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):
The Legal Assistant / Legal Associate will provide legal, litigation and case-management support to the CPMU in matters relating to crop insurance schemes, particularly PMFBY/RWBCIS, including cases filed against the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and matters requiring coordination with Government authorities, advocates, Government counsels and other stakeholders.
The position will support effective processing and monitoring of legal cases, preparation and examination of legal documents, briefing of counsels, follow-up of court proceedings and court orders, maintenance of litigation records and monitoring of cases through the LIMBS portal.
The engagement is intended to:
(1) Strengthen legal and litigation support for crop insurance-related matters.
(2) Ensure systematic monitoring and follow-up of court cases filed against MoAFW in relation to PMFBY.
(3) Strengthen coordination between CPMU, MoAFW, State Government authorities, Government counsels, advocates and other stakeholders.
(4) Facilitate timely preparation, vetting and submission of legal pleadings and other case-related documents.
(5) Ensure timely follow-up and compliance with court orders.
(6) Strengthen monitoring and updating of legal cases on the LIMBS portal.
(7) Facilitate timely identification and processing of cases requiring appeals or other appropriate legal remedies.
(8) Maintain an updated and systematic repository of crop insurance-related litigation and legal matters.
Duties and Responsibilities:
(1) Processing and follow-up of legal cases relating to crop insurance schemes filed against the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW).
(2) Monitoring the status of court cases before the Supreme Court, High Courts, tribunals, forums, commissions and other competent judicial/quasi-judicial forums, as applicable.
(3) Assisting in examination and vetting of draft counter replies, written statements, affidavits, rejoinders, written submissions and other pleadings proposed to be filed on behalf of MoAFW.
(4) Preparing case briefs, factual summaries, chronology of events, issue notes and supporting documents required for legal proceedings and briefing of counsels.
(5) Assisting in briefing Additional Solicitors General (ASGs), Senior Government Counsels, Government advocates and other legal representatives regarding facts, records, legal issues and the Government's position in relevant cases.
(6) Coordinating with concerned officers and divisions of MoAFW/DoAFW, State Government authorities, insurance companies, advocates and other stakeholders for timely action on legal matters.
(7) Monitoring court hearings and proceedings and maintaining an updated record of hearing dates, directions, orders, next dates and action points.
(8) Following up on court orders and coordinating with concerned authorities to facilitate timely compliance with directions issued by courts and other competent forums.
(9) Assisting in filing appeals, review petitions, special leave petitions or other appropriate legal remedies before higher courts wherever required and as directed by the competent authority.
(10) Maintaining and updating litigation records, including pleadings, orders, case status, hearing details, legal opinions, correspondence and other relevant documentation.
(11) Monitoring and updating cases on the LIMBS portal and other web-based legal/case- management systems, wherever applicable.
(12) Preparing periodic legal case status reports, trackers and summaries for review by the CPMU and senior management.
(13) Visiting courts, Government offices, advocate offices and other locations in connection with legal matters, as and when required.
(14) Travelling to different cities in connection with court cases, hearings, meetings, consultations and other official legal matters.
(15) Assisting in drafting notes, update legal files and digitiations of legal physicals files.
(16) Assisting in coordination with external legal consultants/law firms/advocates engaged by the project or Government, as applicable.
(17) Providing timely inputs and assistance for legal research and analysis relating to crop insurance schemes, Government policies, applicable laws, rules, regulations, notifications and judicial decisions.
(18) Maintaining confidentiality and proper custody of sensitive legal documents, case records and correspondence.
(19) Performing any other tasks consistent with the level of the position and/or assigned by the National Programme Director, NPC–CPMU, Joint Secretary, DoAC&FW, MoA&FW or other authorized officers.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
(1) Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.) or higher from a recognized university/institution.
(2) Candidates possessing an additional recognized diploma/certification in Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Insurance Law or a related field will be preferred.
Experience:
(1) Minimum 5 year to 7 years with Bachelor’s Degree of relevant professional experience in handling legal/litigation matters for Central or State Government Ministries/Departments, Government bodies, insurance companies, corporates, law firms or similar institutions.
(2) Demonstrated experience in legal case management, litigation support, drafting/vetting of legal documents and coordination with advocates/counsels.
(3) Experience in monitoring court cases and following up on court proceedings and orders.
(4) Experience in preparing legal briefs, case summaries, pleadings and supporting documentation.
(5) Working knowledge of LIMBS or other web-based legal/case-management systems will be preferred.
Desirable:
(1) Experience in handling insurance-related legal matters, including crop insurance, insurance claims, underwriting or related disputes.
(2) Experience of working with Central/State Government Ministries/Departments or Government institutions.
(3) Experience in matters relating to PMFBY, RWBCIS, agricultural insurance or other Government-sponsored insurance schemes will be an added advantage.
(4) Exposure to vigilance matters, administrative law, constitutional law or Government litigation will be an advantage.
(5) Experience of handling matters before the Supreme Court, High Courts, tribunals or other judicial/quasi-judicial forums will be desirable.
Skills & Competencies:
(1) Strong knowledge of legal procedures and litigation case management.
(2) Good understanding of Indian legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to Government and insurance matters.
(3) Ability to analyse legal documents, court orders, pleadings and case records.
(4) Strong legal research, drafting and documentation skills.
(5) Ability to prepare concise case briefs, legal summaries and status reports.
(6) Good knowledge of court procedures and litigation processes.
(7) Ability to monitor multiple cases, deadlines, hearings and compliance requirements simultaneously.
(8) Good working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and other standard office applications.
(9) Ability to use web-based management systems and digital case-management platforms.
(10) Strong coordination and stakeholder-management skills.
(11) Ability to work independently with minimum supervision while maintaining effective coordination with the team.
(12) Strong organizational and record-management skills.
(13) Ability to work under tight timelines and manage multiple priorities.
(14) Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality and high ethical standards.
(15) Demonstrates professionalism and sensitivity while dealing with Government officials, senior counsels, advocates and other stakeholders.
(16) Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
(17) Willingness and ability to travel as required for official legal matters.
Legal / Technical Skills
(1) Sound knowledge of Indian legal and regulatory framework.
(2) Sound understanding of litigation and court procedures.
(3) Knowledge of Government litigation and legal processes.
(4) Knowledge of insurance laws, regulations and insurance claim-related disputes.
(5) Familiarity with agricultural/crop insurance schemes, particularly PMFBY/RWBCIS, will be an added advantage.
(6) Knowledge of constitutional and administrative law will be desirable.
(7) Ability to independently undertake legal research and prepare case briefs.
(8) Ability to interpret and analyse court orders, judgments and legal documents.
Communication Skills
(1) Excellent written and oral communication skills.
(2) Ability to prepare clear, concise and well-structured legal documents and correspondence.
(3) Ability to present case-related information effectively to senior officials and legal counsels.
(4) Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including Government officials, advocates, insurance companies and State authorities.
Coordination and Management Skills
(1) Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
(2) Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships.
(3) Ability to manage multiple legal matters and competing deadlines.
(4) Strong planning, organization and follow-up skills.
(5) Ability to work as part of a team and deliver assigned responsibilities within timelines.
(6) Adaptability and ability to work effectively in a dynamic and evolving project environment.
5. LANGUAGES:
Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi
6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: 3 months (Possibility of Extension)
7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The total consultancy fee budgeted for this position is up to INR 135,000 per month. Applicable TDS 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: New Delhi
10. NUMBER OF VACANCIES:
11. REFERENCE: LA-ND-01
12. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
B-18, Sector-06, Gautam Buddh Nagar,
NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh -201301
Phone Nos.: 0120- 4161355/56
www.sams.co.in | www.samsconsult.com
12. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications by or before October 14, 2026.
Link: https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/legal-associate-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-new-delhi-delhi/827