Project Associate

1. POSITION VACANT: Project Associate, SAMS, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

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:

Airports are increasingly recognized as engines of local economic growth. As the aviation sector rapidly expands across India, airports are emerging as vital hubs that not only generate employment within their ecosystem but also attract new businesses to their surrounding areas. However, the economic development around airports has often been overlooked, resulting in unplanned land use, haphazard urban expansion, and the emergence of informal settlements lacking basic infrastructure. These conditions hinder the employability of local populations and limit the socio-economic potential of nearby communities.

Recognizing the critical interdependence between institutions and communities, the Airports Authority of India has launched Building Resilient Communities, a CSR initiative in partnership with UNGCN and UNDP India. The initiative seeks to create a supportive ecosystem focused on child welfare, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Targeting underserved communities in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh—especially those living in close proximity to the airport with limited access to services and employment opportunities—the project adopts a holistic, ecosystem-based approach that places human development at its core.

In this context, UNDP is looking to onboard a Project Associate on a third-party contract to oversee the project in Varanasi. The role will involve ensuring end-to-end coordination, execution, and monitoring of project components. This position requires strong project management skills, experience in stakeholder engagement, and hands-on fieldwork to ensure that all activities are effectively aligned with the project's objectives and deliver impactful, sustainable results.

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

Reporting to Programme Specialist (Resilience), the Project Associate (PA) in close coordination with the Programme Analyst (Resilience), will support in driving the implementation of the initiative in Varanasi. This role will be central to coordinating and executing project activities on the ground. S/he will ensure smooth delivery of key project components and maintain oversight across all phases. The PAs work will focus on timely implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder alignment.

The Project Associate will perform the following services:

Duties and Responsibilities:
(1) Serving as the main point of contact in Varanasi for the project and overseeing timely execution of activities in alignment with project objectives, results framework and budgetary constraints. This includes developing detailed work plans, timelines, and resource allocation for solar housing kits and computer labs, coordination with government officials, vendors, schools, and local authorities to align project activities and ensure smooth implementation and facilitating the deploying solar Housing Kits for PMAY households and Computer Labs in schools.

(2) Coordinating with key stakeholders, including PMAY beneficiaries, school authorities, vendors, and local bodies. Additionally, conducting stakeholder mapping to identify and engage relevant partners for streamlined project execution.

(3) Assisting the District/City level administration, National Coordinator and UNDP Action for Climate and Environment Unit in interfacing with other vendors and responsible parties in connection with the implementation of the project.

(4) Collaborating with partner organizations to execute various project activities while offering essential guidance and technical support, if required.

(5) Monitoring project progress, documenting its impact, and preparing evidence-based updates and reports, including success stories. This can be achieved by conducting field visits to verify the quality and functionality of solar kits and computer labs, and ensuring timely data collection.

(6) Maintaining regular communication with UNDP office and state government throughout the course of the project.

(7) Identifying and flag deviations from the approved timelines and project deliverables, anticipate gaps or delays, and take necessary steps for grievance redressal to ensure smooth implementation.

(8) Drafting technical notes, letters, responses, reports and other materials as required with respect to project implementation.

(9) Contribute to effective qualitative and quantitative reporting and arrange appropriate documentation and dissemination of information.

(10) Contribute to Knowledge management initiatives under the project.

(11) Perform other related activities as assigned by the supervisors.

(12) Any other related tasks assigned by UNDP.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

(1) Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Engineering, Urban Planning, or related field is required.
(2) Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines will be an asset.

Experience:
(1) Minimum four years of relevant work experience in project coordination, implementation, or field-based development work;
(2) Experience in working with government bodies, community-based organizations, or international development agencies;
(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 (Knowledge and Technical Expertise):
(1) Ability to develop workplans, monitor timelines, manage budgets, and ensure timely execution of activities in line with project goals, especially in a multi-stakeholder, field-based setting;
(2) Proven skills in engaging with government departments, local authorities, and community beneficiaries, with the capacity to conduct stakeholder mapping and maintain effective communication across various levels;
(3) Experience in field monitoring, impact assessment, and preparing evidence-based reports, including success stories and technical documents for internal and external use;
(4) Capacity to anticipate implementation challenges, flag delays, and contribute to grievance redressal while maintaining alignment with project objectives and UNDP guidelines;
(5) Demonstrates strong skills in data collection, analysis, and knowledge documentation;
(6) Ability to synthesize information and prepare knowledge products, manuals, SOPs, and reports;
(7) Actively contributes to knowledge-sharing initiatives and promotes best practices within the project;
(8) Learns from field experiences and incorporates lessons learned into project planning and execution;
(9) Displays initiative for self-learning and keeps abreast of new technologies, particularly related to renewable energy and digital education;
(10) Supports the development of case studies, success stories, and project learnings for wider dissemination.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. Working knowledge of local language is desirable.

Competencies:

Documentation Skills:
(1) Strong project planning and implementation skills, with the ability to deliver activities within set timelines and budgets;
(2) Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders — including government bodies, vendors, and community groups — to ensure effective project execution;
(3) Proficient in field-level monitoring, verification of deliverables, and identifying gaps or risks in project implementation;
(4) Demonstrates a sound understanding of financial tracking, expenditure monitoring, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports;
(5) Skilled in organizing and facilitating training sessions, stakeholder consultations, and technical workshops;
(6) Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and find practical solutions to operational challenges.

Core Competencies:
(1) Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft technical notes, reports, official correspondence, and knowledge materials clearly and effectively;
(2) Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and maintaining positive relationships with diverse stakeholders;
(3) Ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical audiences, such as local beneficiaries and school staff;
(4) Skilled in conducting training sessions and presentations in Hindi and English as required;
(5) Maintains regular, transparent communication with supervisors, UNDP office, government officials, and project partners;
(6) Proficient in using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools for reporting, documentation, and coordination.

5. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position is attractive. 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: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

8. REFERENCE: PA-VNS-SAMS

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 apply by or before August 22, 2025.