Research Assistant, SAMS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
1. POSITION VACANT: Research Assistant, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 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.
UNDP India, in partnership with the Planning and Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu (GoTN), established the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) Tamil Nadu in 2022 to support the State in strengthening its developmental actions in line with global standards and accelerating the localisation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGCC was established in line with India’s approach to SDG localisation, led by NITI Aayog, and serves as a dedicated technical and knowledge resource for the Government of Tamil Nadu. Through the partnership, UNDP provides technical expertise and advisory support to strengthen cross-departmental coordination and promote an integrated development agenda for accelerating progress towards the SDGs in the State.
SDGCC Tamil Nadu functions as a think tank and knowledge centre within the Planning and Development Department, providing policy, technical and integrated advisory support to State departments for advancing economic, social and environmental priorities. The Centre facilitates collaboration among government, the private sector, academia, civil society and other development partners to support evidence-based solutions and strengthen institutional capacities for SDG localisation. The SDGCC currently focuses on key thematic areas including (i) Health & Nutrition, (ii) Inclusive Skilling, Employment & Livelihood, (iii) Mobility & Energy Transition, and (iv) Women and Gender Mainstreaming. It also supports the Government of Tamil Nadu in localising the SDGs through the development of Panchayat and Urban Indicator Frameworks, sensitisation and capacity-building programmes for line departments, and identification and engagement of potential partners, including individual experts, voluntary organisations and private sector entities, to strengthen localisation and facilitate last-mile delivery.
In this aspect, UNDP proposes to engage three Research Assistants for facilitating the research and documentation work in the SDGCC Tamil Nadu.
3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):
UNDP proposes to engage three Research Assistants to support the State SDG Coordination Centre (SDGCC), Government of Tamil Nadu, in strengthening SDG monitoring, data systems, research, evidence generation, and knowledge management. The incumbent will support the collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of SDG-related data, undertake policy and thematic research, and contribute to the preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products.
Working under the overall guidance of the Policy Specialist (SDGs) and in close coordination with the SDGCC team and the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Research Assistant will support evidence-based planning, interdepartmental coordination, and the development of decision-support tools for SDG implementation and localisation.
Duties and responsibilities
A. SDG monitoring and data management
(1) Support in scheme mapping, SDG Budgeting exercise and Expenditure monitoring,
(2) Support the compilation, validation, and analysis of SDG-related data from line departments and other relevant sources.
(3) Maintain and regularly update SDG monitoring databases,dashboards and tracking systems for state and district-level indicators.
(4) Assist in monitoring progress against SDG targets and identifying trends, gaps, disparities, and priority areas.
(5) Support the preparation of indicator-wise progress analyses, district comparisons, and thematic assessments.
(6) Coordinate with relevant departments and technical teams to strengthen data quality, consistency, and timely reporting.
B. Research and evidence generation
(1) Conduct policy research, thematic studies, literature reviews, and benchmarking analyses on SDG-related sectors and development priorities.
(2) Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to generate evidence-based insights for policy and programme decision-making.
(3) Support the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, analytical notes, presentations, and background papers.
(4) Contribute to the identification of SDG acceleration priorities through data-driven analysis and evidence generation.
(5) Support research inputs for state development strategies, SDG localisation initiatives, and thematic policy interventions.
C. Reporting and knowledge management
(1) Support the preparation of periodic SDG progress reports, analytical summaries, and review documents.
(2) Develop knowledge products including policy briefs, data summaries, dashboards, case studies, and thematic publications.
(3) Document best practices, innovations, and lessons learned from SDG implementation across departments and districts.
(4) Maintain a repository of datasets, research outputs, reports, and knowledge resources.
D. Coordination and stakeholder engagement
(1) Coordinate with government departments, research institutions, academic organisations, development partners, and subject matter experts for data and research activities.
(2) Organise and coordinate meetings, consultations, workshops, webinars, and technical discussions related to SDG monitoring and research.
(3) Support the preparation of concept notes, meeting briefs, presentations, proceedings, and follow-up documentation.
(4) Maintain regular engagement with partner institutions and networks of researchers and technical experts.
E. Capacity building and programme support
(1) Assist in the design and delivery of training programmes and workshops on SDG monitoring, data analysis, research methodologies, and evidence-based planning.
(2) Support the preparation of training materials, analytical tools, templates, and user-friendly data resources.
(3) Facilitate periodic review meetings with departments to track SDG progress and strengthen data utilisation.
(4) Provide research and coordination support for ongoing SDGCC initiatives, including liaison with implementing partners and support for field-level activities.
(5) Undertake any other data, research, documentation, or coordination-related assignments as assigned by the SDGCC and UNDP.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
(1) Bachelor’s in social sciences, public policy or economics is required.
(2) Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field. Masters' degree in the related field is desirable but not a requirement.
Experience:
(1) Minimum 4 years of relevant experience 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 is a plus)
(3) Familiarity with SDG frameworks, national and state indicator systems 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) Knowledge of SDGs
(2) Prior exposure to data analysis, research methodology and policy evaluation.
(3) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
(4) Attention to detail and data quality assurance
(5) Ability to work collaboratively in multi-stakeholder environments
(6) Good planning and time management skills
5. LANGUAGES:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English & Tamil is essential.
6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: One Year
7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The total consultancy fee budgeted for this position is INR 87,376 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: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
10. NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 03
11. REFERENCE: RA-TN
12. 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
13. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications, using the link by or before October 23, 2026.
https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/research-assistant-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-tamil-nadu-chennai-tamil-nadu/844