Operations Analyst

Role overview

This position supports the implementation of the Mayors Challenge in Visakhapatnam through the SDG Local Action project. The role is centered on helping the V-PULL platform turn community ideas into practical climate resilience solutions that improve neighborhood safety, comfort, and liveability for vulnerable residents.

V-PULL functions through a three-layer governance model: the Margadarshak Group, chaired by the GVMC Commissioner, provides strategic direction and resolves major coordination issues; the Core Working Team manages the innovation pipeline and learning process; and the Operational Support Team, made up of ward staff and resident groups, carries out implementation and upkeep on the ground.

The Operations Analyst will work closely with the Project Manager to ensure projects in the V-PULL portfolio meet their objectives, stay on schedule, remain within budget, and are positioned for long-term sustainability.

Tiered application process

This vacancy follows UNDP’s tier-based eligibility system for many roles. Applicants should carefully confirm the tier stated in the vacancy title, if any, and apply only if they meet the applicable eligibility criteria.

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments whose positions will be abolished, or whose contracts will end or not be renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments.
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff on temporary appointments, regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers.
• Tier 3 or no tier shown: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, as well as external candidates.

Key duties

Reporting to the Project Manager and coordinating with the municipal institutional representative, the Operations Analyst will support project delivery across operations, monitoring, quality assurance, and knowledge sharing.

Operations and coordination

• Manage daily project operations and help coordinate implementation with the Core Working Team and Operational Support Teams, under the guidance of the Project Manager and Municipal Commissioner.
• Serve as the main communication link between the city, the UNDP procurement team, and contracted service providers.
• Prepare terms of reference needed for procurement activities aligned to project objectives.
• Support the development and execution of contracting, sourcing, quality management, supplier selection, and procurement improvement approaches.
• Oversee the work of service providers, consultancies, and private entities involved in project delivery, including performance reviews in line with UNDP rules and procedures.
• Track payments to providers and gather deliverables, invoices, and supporting documents to enable timely fund disbursement.

Monitoring and results tracking

• Maintain intervention-level impact metrics, financial reports, data collection, and delivery plans.
• Support continuous learning, capacity building, and the incorporation of lessons into future delivery.
• Oversee the full 10-step V-PULL process, from idea sourcing through co-design, pilot execution, scaling, and longer-term sustainability.
• Coordinate with the Margadarshak Committee and other governance bodies to remove delivery bottlenecks and support multiple workstreams at once.

Quality assurance and technical support

• Check that quality standards and resilience requirements are met.
• Ensure field implementation stays aligned with approved technical designs.
• Spot technical risks and recommend mitigation actions.
• Validate technical outputs together with the Project Manager.
• Support the review of information needed for procurement planning and monitor the plan’s implementation.
• Help sequence project activities and manage technical planning.
• Work with the Project Manager to set priorities, implementation timelines, and resource allocation from a technical standpoint.

Knowledge sharing

• Assist in sharing relevant data and lessons learned within the country office and across the region.
• Stay informed on new national, regional, and international best practices relevant to the project.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Help compile, organize, and distribute project knowledge products, tools, and learning materials to partners.

Other information

The incumbent may also be assigned other duties within the same functional profile as needed for the effective operation of the office and the organization.

Education

A master’s degree, or equivalent, in Management, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture, or a related discipline is required.

A bachelor’s degree in one of these areas may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience in place of the advanced degree.

Experience

No professional experience is required for applicants holding a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent must have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in project management, operations, climate resilience, sustainability project delivery, or a similar area.

Preferred background

• Experience working with local or regional governments in India is considered an advantage.
• Exposure to logistics coordination is beneficial.
• Ability to manage multi-disciplinary field teams is an advantage.
• Experience working with national or global think tanks, academic institutions, and private-sector partners is an advantage.
• Familiarity with UNDP operational and financial reporting systems is an advantage.

Language requirements

• Strong command of English and Hindi is required.
• Knowledge of Telugu will be an added advantage.

Equal opportunity and conduct

UNDP states that it is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Hiring decisions are made on merit and suitability, without discrimination.

The organization also emphasizes an inclusive workplace where all personnel are supported to contribute, grow, and access fair career opportunities.

Harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority are not tolerated. Successful candidates will be subject to relevant checks and must follow the organization’s standards and principles.

Selection and application notes

UNDP may appoint one or more candidates from this vacancy. Applications may also be considered for similar roles at the same grade level with comparable responsibilities, experience, and education requirements.

Applicants are encouraged to review UNDP guidance on responsible AI use during recruitment and selection.

Scam warning

No fee is charged at any stage of the recruitment process.