About the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA):

National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is a premier institute for research, capacity building and dissemination of knowledge for the urban sector in India. It is a registered as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. NIUA conducts research in emerging themes such as urbanisation, urban policy and planning, municipal finance and governance, land economics, transit-oriented development, urban livelihoods, environment and climate change and smart cities.

One of NIUA’s key mandates is capacity building of officials in cities, states, institutions and industries.

About the Capacity Building Programme (CBP) of ULBs

The delivery of essential municipal services is hindered by institutional deficiencies due to low staffing and reduced technical capabilities. These deficits are further exacerbated by capacity building failures, limited digital enablement, weak data systems, and insufficient collaboration across government, academia and industry. The rapid scale and pace of urbanisation demand innovative solutions in problem solving—leveraging technology, data, planning, and reform in administration systems and capacity building. To address unique institutional and functional gaps across 4,900+ ULBs in the country, it is proposed to adopt a competency‑based model—conducting detailed needs assessments and designing tailored capacity building plans. These plans will guide targeted, demand‑driven technical training programs for municipal personnel, with a hybrid delivery mode for optimal effectiveness.

Therefore, a capacity building program with a dedicated, learner-focused approach to enhance technical knowledge of municipal officials and combining in-person training with self-paced online learning is being conceptualised. Under the proposed initiative, the National Urban Learning Platform (NULP), which is the online capacity building arm of MoHUA, would focus on the technical capacity building of all ULB officials to achieve the specific targets.

Position: Capacity Building Specialist

Under the guidance of the Team Leader, the Capacity Building Specialist will assist in implementing and operationalising the Capacity Building Programme for ULBs. The Specialist will contribute technical inputs and support activities related to institutional strengthening and capacity development within the programme.

Responsibilities:

• Design and support in implementing comprehensive capacity-building interventions to equip city officials with the skills to deliver improved urban services, governance innovations and citizen-centric outcomes.
• Develop state and city-level capacity development plans and strategic blueprints aligned with the programme.
• Support in formulating relevant frameworks, training curricula and learning pathways for ULB officials across thematic areas.
• Conduct research and horizon scanning to integrate insights and innovations emerging from national and global capacity-building initiatives.
• Support in execution of workshops, e-learning modules and other activities for ULB officials.
• Support in developing Communities of Practice, practitioner networks and knowledge collectives to ensure continuous learning across ULBs.
• Support in designing and delivery of exposure visits and other such knowledge exchange initiatives.
• Develop KPIs, assessment frameworks and feedback mechanisms to track training and online learning effectiveness.
• Analyse learning outcomes and prepare progress reports, impact assessments, and performance dashboards.
• Support in developing policy briefs, handbooks, e-modules, case compendiums, and digital learning journeys.
• Support development of knowledge repositories for continuous learning both in classroom training and online approaches.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies or related fields.
• Total 8-10 years of experience with demonstrated experience of 4-5 years in related field.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proven track record in designing and delivering training programmes for ULB officials, civil services, and government reform missions.
• Prior experience in delivering through online learning platforms pan India
• Strong experience in curriculum development, creation of knowledge systems, and development of capacity-building resources and toolkits.
• Skilled in orchestrating training events, workshops, exposure visits and Communities of Practice, ensuring impactful learning outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage senior government officials, subject matter experts and partners.
• Strong analytical and conceptual abilities with sound knowledge of monitoring frameworks, data interpretation, and evidence-based decision-making.

Location: Based out of NIUA, New Delhi, with travel to various Indian states / cities as and when required.

References: Name and contact information of two references

Remuneration: At par with the industry standards, depending on experience and skills. Proof of past remuneration (last received salary/monthly contract payment) will be required.

Notice Period: Notice period for termination from either side will be 30 (thirty) days or salary in lieu of.

Application process: Submit CV and cover letter through the NIUA portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No. of Positions: 1

Last Date to Apply: The application will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is selected for the role.