Team Lead and DRR Expert

JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):

Reporting to the Programme Specialist (Resilience) , the Team Leader and DRR Expert (TLDDRE) in close coordination with the Programme Analyst (Resilience) , will drive the National Resilience Programme in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The TLDDRE will be responsible for leading the technical team, and providing coordination support for the implementation of disaster risk mitigation efforts in Uttar Pradesh.

Duties and Responsibilities:
(A) Leading the Technical Unit at the UPSDMA :
(1) Lead and provide direction to a multidisciplinary team of experts engaged in DRR, climate resilience, data systems, and institutional strengthening;
(2) Lead the development and operationalization of a comprehensive strategy for embedding the team within the Relief Commissioners Office/ UPSDMA, ensuring long-term sustainability and institutional ownership;
(3) Define the teams roles, coordination mechanisms, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure synergy across thematic areas of Response, Mitigation, Preparedness and Recovery and integration within government systems.

(B) Strengthening Risk Assessment & Planning Systems:
(1) Lead the formulation of a unified, scalable, and context-specific strategy for conducting Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (HRVAs) (2) Guide the institutionalization of HRVA processes and ensure their integration into evidence-based District/ City Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs), aligned with national and state priorities:
(3) Ensure that DDMPs mainstream gender equity, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and climate resilience.

(C) Steer the Development of DRR Information Systems & Technology Integration:

(1) Provide guidance to UPSDMA and other partners on the development of a robust Disaster Management Information System (MIS) that supports real-time data access, risk mapping, early warning, and monitoring;
(2) Oversee user training, system adoption, and institutionalization of MIS tools for DRR.

(D) Coordinate the Implementation of the Project Interventions:

(1) With guidance from UNDP , manage the day-to-day implementation of the project interventions around Trainings, expert deployments, activity planning etc.;

(2) Contribute to strengthening UPSDMAs programmes around Mitigation, Preparedness and Recovery Planning;
(3) Steer the development of knowledge products emerging from the project outputs.

(E) Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Influence:

(1) Serve as the primary liaison between UPSDMA/Relief Commissioners office, NDMA, UNDP and external stakeholders involved in the project;
(2) Participate in relevant national forums to position Uttar Pradesh as a leader in DRR innovation and practice.

(F) Performance Management & Accountability:

(1) Design and implement a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework to monitor the performance of the expert team and overall project outcomes;
(2) Contribute to Institutionalizing a performance review mechanism that encourages learning, accountability, and continuous improvement;
(3) Align team KPIs with state and national DRR targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

(G) Monitoring, Learning & Reporting:

(1) Guide the development of a robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system for tracking results, assessing impact, and generating insights for adaptive programming;
(2) Ensure compliance with reporting requirements under the XV Finance Commission and other donor mandates;
(3) Lead the preparation of high-quality briefs, technical notes, and progress reports for government decision-makers and UNDP .

(H) Capacity Building & Knowledge Development:

(1) Advocate for a long-term capacity development agenda for state and district-level officials through structured training, mentorship, and exposure visits;
(2) Promote a culture of learning by facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms, documentation of best practices, and publication of thought pieces;
(3) Strengthen institutional memory by integrating DRR learnings into government knowledge systems and training curricula.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification:
Masters degree in Disaster Management, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:
(1) Minimum 10 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, public policy, project management, or related fields. Experience in working with government bodies, community-based organizations, or international development agencies;
(2) Prior experience with donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or development sector projects will be an asset;
(3) Additional experience in procurement of goods and services is desirable

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Proven ability to lead multi-sectoral teams and manage large-scale disaster resilience projects;
(2) Strong expertise in developing disaster management plans, conducting HRVAs, funding mechanisms, and financial planning for disaster risk mitigation;
(3) Excellent communication and negotiation skills for engaging with high-level government officials, donors, and development partners;
(4) Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of disaster risk reduction initiatives;
(5) Knowledge of national and state-level disaster management policies, XV FC funding mechanisms, and climate adaptation strategies.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential.

Competencies:

Technical Competencies:

(1) Experience working with State Disaster Management Authorities or UN agencies;
(2) Familiarity with government reporting systems and XV Finance Commission frameworks;
(3) Prior involvement in developing or supporting Management Information Systems (MIS);
(4) Understanding of gender and social inclusion in disaster risk reduction planning:
(5) Experience in policy advocacy and high-level coordination with government departments;
(6) Ability to navigate complex institutional environments and drive multi-stakeholder collaboration.

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) Delivers high-quality and timely outputs aligned with project objectives;
(5) Applies critical thinking and introduces innovative approaches to problem-solving;
(6) Adapts effectively to changing priorities and dynamic field conditions;
(7) Demonstrates persistence and accountability in achieving results;
(8) Builds strong partnerships and fosters collaboration with diverse stakeholders;
(9) Promotes inclusive, gender-responsive, and socially equitable planning approaches;
(10) Skilled in conducting training sessions and presentations in Hindi and English as required;
(11) Maintains regular, transparent communication with supervisors, UNDP office, government officials, and project partners;
(12) 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 budgeted at INR 1,75,000/-. 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.