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 urbanization, 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: Program Associate

With the guidance of the Team Leader, the Program Associate will support in the execution of the operationalisation of the programme. The Program Associate will provide inputs to the content design, planning and management of the programme.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing the activities for operationalising programme; coordinating with stakeholders at NIUA and states, cities and across the urban ecosystem.
• Manage strategy, implementation and optimization of processes associated with the implementation.
• Follow up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports
• Brainstorming with potential partnerships or methods for engagement with the users, maintaining a calendar for outreach events and execute various outreach events.
• Work with key stakeholders to create efficient practices, and provide insights to the program.
• Develop and maintain relationships with program partners at the central, state, city levels and others.
• Identify and communicate opportunities and plans for partners.
• Represent NIUA at forums, conferences, summits and meetings to describe the benefits of the online platform and the programme vision to partners and other industry players.
• Travel to monitor program implementation at state and city level on need basis.

Qualifications

• Urban Planner, Public policy, MBA or any equivalent degrees in a closely related field from a premier institute.
• Total experience of 3-4 years with a demonstrated experience of 2-3 years in related field.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in working with Urban Local Bodies / State Government.
• Skilled at stakeholder management, and coordinating teams and multi-party processes
• Experience of working at Central/State level in the urban sector
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with and

• manage expectations of senior executives/experts and their staff.
• Development of various communication collaterals for the program. Experience of graphic designing is will be preferred
• Experience in developing preliminary communications strategies and campaigns for
• government stakeholders
• Strong analytical, conceptualization and communication skills, good understanding of
• market research techniques and data analytics, outstanding attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, including ability to work independently and autonomously

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.