Job Title:Mentor – Organisation Strategy & Government Relations (Preferably a Retired IAS Officer)Location:Flexible (with occasional travel for high-level meetings, reviews, and government coordination)Experience: Minimum 10+ years of senior-level experience in Urban Development, Smart Cities, Municipal Governance, or Industrial Development (Preference for Retired IAS Officers)Compensation:Fixed Monthly Honorarium (commensurate with experience and engagement)About Samvedna Development Society (SDS)Samvedna Development Society (SDS) is a mission-driven development organization with over 15 years of impactful work across diverse sectors. We are committed to enabling sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient growth by partnering with government institutions, urban local bodies, and development stakeholders.Our work spans across urban development, smart infrastructure, livelihoods, and institutional strengthening, where we design and implement high-impact programs that create long-term value for communities and governance systems.As we move into our next phase of growth, SDS aims to significantly scale its impact, deepen institutional partnerships, and build a lasting legacy in the development sector.Role OverviewWe are seeking a distinguished and visionary mentor (preferably a retired IAS officer) who brings decades of experience in public service and governance.This is a strategic leadership role designed for someone who can guide, advise, and strengthen SDS’s organisational vision, policy engagement, and government partnerships.The mentor will play a critical role in helping SDS leapfrog into its next phase of growth, unlocking new opportunities and enhancing its institutional credibility and influence.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic direction and long-term vision for organisational growth and impact Offer policy advisory and insights aligned with government priorities and sectoral trends Strengthen and expand relationships with central, state, and local government bodies Identify and enable new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations Guide leadership on urban governance, smart cities, municipal systems, and industrial development Support in high-level stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and representation Mentor senior leadership in decision-making, positioning, and institutional development Ideal Candidate ProfileFormer IAS officer or equivalent senior government professional with extensive public service experience Deep expertise in urban governance, smart cities, municipal administration, or infrastructure development Strong network and relationships across government institutions and policy ecosystems Demonstrated ability in strategic thinking, policy advisory, and institutional strengthening Passion for social impact, governance reforms, and nation-building initiatives High level of integrity, credibility, and leadership presence Why Join SDS?Opportunity to leverage your lifetime of experience for meaningful social impact Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing development organisation Engage in high-impact initiatives with governments and institutions Contribute to building a legacy that creates lasting change for communities and future generations How to ApplyInterested candidates are invited to share their resume along with a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation at:
Job Title
Mentor – Organisation Strategy & Government Relations