GIS Developer, SAMS, Jammu/Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
1. POSITION VACANT: GIS Developer, SAMS, Jammu/Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
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.
For more information about UNDP India, please visit https://www.undp.org/india
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
UNDP is implementing the ‘Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Systems for the state of J&K’ project in partnership with the JKSDMA.
Jammu & Kashmir faces a wide spectrum of disaster risks owing to its complex mountainous terrain, seismic activity, harsh climatic extremes, and a concentration of population in narrow valley corridors. Recurrent floods, landslides, avalanches, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and earthquake events significantly disrupt lives, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods across the UT. While the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has taken commendable steps to strengthen disaster preparedness, existing institutional capacities and planning frameworks require substantial support to keep pace with the growing risks exacerbated by climate change.
Recognising these challenges, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) are partnering with UNDP to build a comprehensive, resilient, and forward-looking disaster risk management system aligned with the recommendations of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the Union Territory’s disaster risk management priorities.
UNDPs technical assistance will support a multi-pronged approach, including the development of District and Departmental Disaster Management Plans, Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (HRVAs), Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for mitigation works, and the geospatial and remote sensing capabilities. A dedicated team of experts will provide strategic direction and technical coordination at the UT level. The initiative will further support the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing (DEERS) and DMRRR with a robust spatial data infrastructure, web-GIS platforms, and InSAR-based analysis capabilities to enable real-time risk monitoring and evidence-based disaster management decision-making. This holistic engagement aims to enhance the UT’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond effectively to disasters, while strengthening institutional resilience across all levels of governance.
In this context, UNDP is looking to onboard a GIS Developer on a third-party contract for providing geospatial development and technical support to DMRRR and DEERS. The incumbent will support the design and deployment of spatial data systems, web-GIS platforms, and InSAR/SAR-based analytical pipelines. The position is based at Jammu or Srinagar and will follow the bi-annual capital shift schedule in line with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir’s seasonal secretariat arrangements, reporting to DMRRR/DEERS.
3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):
Reporting to DMRRR/DEERS, the GIS Developer will provide advanced geospatial development, system integration, and analytical support to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR), spatial data management, and decision-making at the UT level. The role involves designing and maintaining geospatial data infrastructure, developing web-GIS and dashboard platforms, conducting SAR and InSAR-based slope movement analysis, and supporting DMRRR and DEERS in building institutional geospatial capabilities. The expert will work closely with DMRRR, DEERS, district GIS analysts, and state technical agencies to ensure deployment of cutting-edge geospatial tools, models, and data products for effective planning, monitoring, and disaster response.
Duties and Responsibilities:
(A) Geospatial Systems Development & Data Infrastructure:
(1) Design, develop, and maintain geospatial databases, spatial data repositories, and web-GIS platforms for DMRRR and DEERS;
(2) Deploy interactive risk dashboards, map viewers, and spatial analytics portals to support disaster risk monitoring and decision-making;
(3) Ensure standardisation, interoperability, and metadata compliance of spatial datasets across district and state systems;
(4) Manage geospatial data pipelines integrating satellite imagery, drone data, DEM products, and field-collected spatial data.
(B) SAR & InSAR Analysis for Slope Movement Monitoring:
(1) Lead the application of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and InSAR (Interferometric SAR) techniques for monitoring slope movements, land deformation, and ground subsidence in landslide-prone districts;
(2) Process and analyse SAR imagery from platforms such as Sentinel-1, and RISAT to generate deformation maps and displacement time-series;
(3) Coordinate with NRSC, DEERS, and district-level GIS analysts to integrate InSAR outputs into risk assessments and DPR site analyses;
(4) Provide technical guidance to DEERS and district teams on interpretation of SAR/InSAR results for operational decision-making.
(C) DPR and HRVA Geospatial Support:
(1) Provide geospatial inputs, spatial analyses, and map products to support HRVA preparation and DPR development for landslide and flood mitigation works;
(2) Develop multi-hazard spatial models integrating topographic, hydrological, geological, and socio-economic datasets;
(3) Generate risk atlases, heat maps, exposure layers, and geospatial visualisations for district and departmental disaster management planning;
(4) Support the Expert Committee on HVRA in its deliberations through high-quality spatial analysis and evidence products.
(D) Technical Support for Planning and Preparedness:
(1) Provide spatial inputs and maps for the development of Disaster Management Plans (DMPs), mitigation strategies, and policy briefs;
(2) Assist in scenario planning, climate-resilient assessments, and modelling of multi-hazard impacts;
(3) Support DMRRR and DEERS in applying GIS and remote sensing for operational preparedness and response planning.
(E) Capacity Building & Stakeholder Coordination:
(1) Conduct hands-on training and workshops for DMRRR, DEERS, and district GIS analysts on advanced geospatial tools, SAR processing, and spatial modelling;
(2) Collaborate with technical institutions (e.g., NRSC, GSI, CSIR-CBRI, NIH), GIS vendors, and academic partners to promote best practices;
(3) Facilitate knowledge sharing on innovations in geospatial technology and InSAR applications for disaster risk management.
(F) Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance:
(1) Contribute to the development of geospatial indicators for M&E frameworks;
(2) Prepare geospatial dashboards, analytics reports, and technical infographics for internal and external stakeholders;
(3) Ensure compliance with NDMA advisories, NRSC spatial data standards, and Government data-sharing protocols.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
Master’s degree in Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing, GIS, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Planning, or related field.
Experience:
(1) Minimum five years of relevant experience in GIS development, spatial modelling, and remote sensing in the context of disaster risk management or development planning;
(2) Demonstrated experience in SAR/InSAR processing and multi-hazard risk mapping;
(3) Experience in developing and deploying web-GIS platforms, spatial databases, and geospatial data infrastructures;
(4) Experience working with SDMA/NDMA, NRSC, or government departments is highly desirable;
(5) Prior experience with donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or development sector projects will be an asset;
(6) Additional experience in procurement of goods and services is desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
(1) Strong expertise in GIS, remote sensing, SAR/InSAR processing, and spatial risk modelling for multi-hazard assessments;
(2) Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing/SAR platforms (e.g., SNAP, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine);
(3) Proficiency in web-GIS development (e.g., GeoServer, OpenLayers, Leaflet, ESRI Web AppBuilder) and spatial databases (PostGIS, PostgreSQL, SpatiaLite);
(4) Expertise in spatial modelling, exposure analysis, and geostatistical techniques;
(5) Strong database management and data visualisation skills (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or custom dashboards);
(6) Ability to synthesize spatial and non-spatial data for risk-informed decision-making;
(7) Strong interpersonal and communication skills for technical coordination and training delivery.
Competencies:
Technical Competencies:
(1) Demonstrated expertise in InSAR interferometry for deformation mapping and slope movement monitoring in complex terrain;
(2) Knowledge of AI/ML applications in geospatial analytics and risk forecasting;
(3) Familiarity with national and State/UT-level disaster management frameworks, including HRVA and DPR processes;
(4) Experience in drone-based data collection, LiDAR processing, and terrain analysis;
(5) Understanding of open data platforms, spatial metadata standards, and interoperability frameworks;
(6) Ability to contribute to real-time risk monitoring systems and digital early warning platforms.
Core Competencies:
(1) Delivers quality and timely outputs aligned with project objectives;
(2) Applies critical thinking and introduces innovative approaches to problem-solving;
(3) Adapts effectively to changing priorities and dynamic field conditions, including seasonal relocation between Jammu and Srinagar;
(4) Demonstrates persistence and accountability in achieving results;
(5) Builds strong partnerships and fosters collaboration with diverse stakeholders;
(6) Promotes inclusive, gender-responsive, and socially equitable planning approaches;
(7) Maintains regular, transparent communication with supervisors, IDA office, government officials, and project partners;
(8) Proficient in using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools for reporting, documentation, and coordination.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of Hindi is desirable.
5. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The monthly consultancy fee for the position is budgeted at INR 85,000/-. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.
6. 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.
7. LOCATION: Jammu/Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
8. REFERENCE: GISD-J&K
9. 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
10. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications, using the link below by or before October 28, 2026.
https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/gis-developer-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-srinagar-jammu-and-kashmir/850