Technical Associate

Strategic Alliance Management Services Pvt Ltd.; Jammu district; On-site; INR 1,016,000 - 1,216,000; Full time

Job summary

SAMS invites applications for a Technical Associate to support UNDP's Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Systems in Jammu and Kashmir. Based at SDMA in Jammu or Srinagar, you will help the PMU coordinate technical inputs, manage stakeholder consultations, and prepare plans and DPRs.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in disaster management or related field and a minimum of three years’ experience in project support, with GIS knowledge and strong written communication.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering or related fields.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in project support, research, or programme implementation.
• Experience coordinating with government agencies, NGOs, or technical institutions is an asset.
• Experience with donor-funded projects or UN agencies is an asset.
• Procurement experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the PMU of UNDP India.
• Assist the PMU in identifying the appropriate expertise required for various project activities.
• Support the PMU in the deployment of technical agencies.
• Support in the coordination and organization of stakeholder consultations for the review and updating of Disaster Management Plans.
• Assist in the preparation and review of Action Plans and SOPs for disaster management across various levels and departments.
• Support the organization and execution of simulation exercises, tabletop exercises, and mock drills to test disaster management plans.
• Contribute to activities related to HRVA undertaken at the districts.
• Provide assistance in the development and commissioning of landslide risk mitigation interventions, including data collection and coordination.
• Support the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for accessing various funding windows, aligning with XV Finance Commission recommendations.
• Assist in providing technical support to the School Safety Scheme, including organizing training programmes, rapid visual screening, safety audits, and preparing School Disaster Management Plans.
• Contribute to the monitoring and tracking of programme interventions through the development and implementation of M&E frameworks.
• Undertake knowledge management activities as required by the project such as organizing workshops, events, seminars, knowledge products.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Documentation

Organization

DRR knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering

Tools

GIS

Hazard mapping

Job description

Strategic Alliance Management Services Private Limited

Location:

Jammu & Kashmir

Level:

Mid - Senior

Function:

Monitoring and Evaluation, Program Implementation, Project Management

Experience:

3-4 Years

Sector/ Thematic Areas:

1. POSITION VACANT: Technical Associate, 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.

The project, “Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Systems in Jammu and Kashmir”, is a three-year initiative (2026–2029) undertaken by UNDP India in close collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JKSDMA).

Jammu and Kashmir is highly vulnerable to multiple natural hazards due to its geo-climatic conditions and location within the seismically active Himalayan region. The entire UT lies in Seismic Zone V, denoting a high risk of earthquakes. It also faces recurring disasters such as floods, landslides, cloudbursts etc which lead to severe human and economic losses. The rugged mountainous terrain, fragile rock formations, narrow valleys, and unconsolidated sediments heighten landslide susceptibility. Intense monsoon rains, snowmelt during winter, and seismic activity further aggravate these risks.

Recognizing these challenges, the Government of J&K has institutionalized several mechanisms and rolled out multiple initiatives. However, rising climate and disaster risks necessitate an updated and more robust disaster risk management (DRM) system.

Under this collaborative project, UNDP will support the Government of J&K across several critical areas. This includes updating the UT, District and Departmental Disaster Management Plans through extensive stakeholder consultations and simulation exercises. The project will commission detailed Hazard Risk Assessments at the District level and roll out Landslide Risk Mitigation Initiatives in 3 districts. In addition, UNDP will provide capacity building and technical support to help the UT leverage resources under the XV Finance Commission’s/Central Grant allocations on Disaster Risk Financing, while also supporting the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Furthermore, the project will assist in the implementation of the Government of J&K’s School Safety Schemes through targeted training, safety audits, and the development of disaster management plans and committees at institutional levels.

This three-year programme will be implemented through a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU), based at the Secretariat in Jammu and/or Srinagar.

To operationalize this initiative in J&K, UNDP seeks to engage a Technical Associate, based at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in Jammu/Srinagar. The Technical Associate will support the Project Monitoring Unit in implementing the programme, ensuring close coordination between UNDP, SDMA, and other line departments.

3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):

Reporting to Programme Specialist (Resilience), the Technical Associate will provide essential technical and programmatic support to the Project Monitoring Unit in leading the Disaster Risk Management programme in J&K, facilitating the identification and deployment of appropriate expertise and agencies to strengthen the UT’s resilience against natural hazards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Technical Associate will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

(1) Provide technical support to the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) of UNDP India.

(2) Assist the PMU in identifying the appropriate expertise required for various project activities.

(3) Support the PMU in the deployment of technical agencies in line with the UT’s specific requirements.

(4) Support in the coordination and organization of stakeholder consultations for the review and updating of Disaster Management Plans.

(5) Assist in the preparation and review of Action Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disaster management across various levels and departments.

(6) Support the organization and execution of simulation exercises, tabletop exercises, and mock drills to test disaster management plans.

(7) Contribute to activities related to HRVA undertaken at the districts.

(8) Provide assistance in the development and commissioning of landslide risk mitigation interventions, including data collection and coordination.

(9) Support the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for accessing various funding windows, aligning with XV Finance Commission recommendations.

(10) Assist in providing technical support to the School Safety Scheme, including organizing training programmes, rapid visual screening, safety audits, and preparing School Disaster Management Plans.

(11) Contribute to the monitoring and tracking of programme interventions through the development and implementation of M&E frameworks.

(12) Undertake knowledge management activities as required by the project such as organizing workshops, events, seminars, knowledge products.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification:

Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering or related fields from an accredited institution.

Experience:
(1) Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in project support, research, or programme implementation, preferably in disaster risk reduction, climate change, or development sectors.

(2) Prior experience in coordinating with government agencies, NGOs, or technical institutions is an asset.

(3) Prior experience with donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or development sector projects will be an asset.

(4) Additional experience in procurement of goods and services is desirable.

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Strong analytical and research skills with ability to synthesize complex information.

(2) Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.

(3) Demonstrated ability in technical documentation, report writing, and presentation development.

(4) Good organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

(5) Knowledge of DRR frameworks and national/international guidelines.

Technical Competencies:
(1) Familiarity with GIS tools and hazard mapping techniques.

(2) Experience in organizing consultations, trainings, and capacity building programmes.

(3) Understanding of project M&E tools and methodologies.

(4) Knowledge of government procedures and institutional mechanisms in India.

Core Competencies:
(1) Ability to work effectively within the PMU and with external stakeholders.

(2) Capacity to prioritize and deliver tasks efficiently.

(3) Demonstrated ability to take ownership and provide solutions.

(4) Ability to work under pressure and adjust to dynamic project needs.

(5) Commitment to delivering high-quality, results-based outputs.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential. Knowledge of the local language is desirable.

5. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position is budgeted at INR 1,00,000/-. 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 ofSAMS, 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, withSAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project.

7. LOCATION: Jammu/Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

8. REFERENCE: TA-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