Ms. Nandita Mathur is currently working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as Lead for Resource Mobilization (RM) and Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) established by Government of Punjab in partnership with UNDP under the Department of Planning. This initiative of UNDP is looking to catalyse the actions around achieving the Global Goals by 2030 by performing the role of a think tank and solutions provider to the state.
Her role as the lead for resource mobilisation and partnerships is to support the state in not letting the budget deficit impact its SDG Vision – 2030. She is working closely with relevant government departments, technical agencies, UN agencies, civil society organisation, industry partners and academic institutions to provide the requisite impetus to the state government’s initiative in rolling out the SDGs.
How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
My journey from IIFM to this current role has been quite an adventurous one, garnering diverse and rich experience in the social development space in the last 8+ years. I have had the opportunity to be a part of diverse entities such as Government’s policy advocacy team for one of its flagship rural development projects, international development agencies supporting the state initiatives, financial institutions complementing rural livelihoods initiatives, and a social enterprise implementing social interventions on the ground.
I was trying to find my foot after graduating from IIFM, and it took three job switches in one year to figure out where my interests lie and what is that I want to pursue long term. I briefly worked with FINO (Financial Inclusion Networks and Operations) for six months as a part of the Monitoring and Evaluation Team. I then moved to IDBI Bank for a brief stint until finally working with National Rural Livelihoods Mission (MoRD) as a Young Professional and subsequently as a Project Executive. Later, I switched to work with a Social Enterprise – Dharma Life Foundation for more on the ground experience and working with CSR and funding agencies. After working with Dharma Life for three years, I switched to my current role as Resource Mobilization and Partnership Lead, SDGCC – UNDP. Each role added to my diverse experience and enriched my skill set.
What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
One of the critical milestones in my professional journey was when I switched from a Government banking job to a contractual job as a Young Professional with the Ministry of Rural Development. Against popular opinion, I made this choice, and I feel that was one of the best decisions since this helped me understand that this is what I want to do long term.
I was nervous about changing three profiles on my CV within a year, but I have realised that so far one explains his or her reason for the choices, it is well accepted in the job market. A key to making a mark anywhere you go is patience and perseverance, and of course, it has become clearer over the years that there is no substitute to hard work. I have been open to change and experiment, and I feel that is what has worked well for me.
What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
My current role gives me an opportunity to work towards SDG Vision – 2030 for the state of Punjab. It gives me the space to work on various thematic areas across the whole gamut of identifying key priority areas, conceptualising innovative solutions, implementation as well as gauging the impact. I have also been working on mobilising resources basis end to end project requirements through consultations with development partners and corporate agencies. Besides, I’m undertaking an overall resource gap analysis for the state that may impact its SDG Vision 2030 and designing a detailed strategy to plug the gap. Working with Government has given me a new and fresh perspective on policymaking and challenges around the end-to-end implementation of social security schemes.
Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
My professional journey started after two years at IIFM. These two years were critical in terms of the exposure I got to the non-corporate side of the business. The orientation programme, field visits, guest lectures, etc. helped me realise the gamut of opportunities that this ‘not so conventional’ management degree offers.
Most importantly, it gave me an opportunity to fine-tune my interpersonal skills in addition to moulding me to become a team player. I feel IIFM provided me with the right mix of academics and field exposure.
What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
My advice to freshers and new IIFM graduates would be that it is not important for you to be clear about your career plan from day 1 – give it time, be sincere and keep your hearts and minds open. You will get there. Also, please remember that opportunities come your way when you least expect them, so don’t lose heart at any point. You ought to keep exploring and keep moving. Also, invest in your writing, presentation and oratory skills – VERY VERY IMPORTANT. While at IIFM, don’t miss out on opportunities outside the campus too – participate in as many B-School competitions/presentations/symposiums as possible to widen your horizon and test the waters before you enter the job market.
What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
Where do I start from…clubs, field trips, Sunday biryani, birthday celebrations, football matches, neem tree chit chats, canteen chai everything. IIFM friends and companions will always have a special place in my heart. Some of my favourite memories also come from my involvement in various events and my role as Cultural Club President.
In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni.. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
Undoubtedly, the set of friends I made during IIFM have been a constant support and motivation throughout my personal and professional trajectory. In addition to the faculty, alumni that I connected with during IIFM or later also provided me with valuable guidance and support to explore new areas. Every time I have reached out to any alumni for support, they have gone out of their way to help me, and that’s what IIFM gives you – a feeling of solidarity. Also, the field exposure, as well as many real-life assignments provided during IIFM, helped me a great deal to work in teams, in pressure situations, infield, etc.
The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
The general camaraderie developed at IIFM is priceless, and the memories lived are countless. Each field trip and fresher/farewell parties were epic. Some batchmates got together and made a fantastic video of our days at IIFM, and I still watch it sometimes to relive those days.
As an alumna, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
IIFM has a lot to offer – take time to soak it in. Don’t fret over placements and internships even before you start your journey – it will happen in due course. Make the most of the resources at hand – library, faculty, alumni interaction sessions, etc. (By the way, these are afterthoughts – I wish I had better utilised these resources but nonetheless)
As most of the students who join IIFM are freshers and thus do not have complete clarity about this space, my advice is to take your time to read about the same and talk to as many people you have access to. Basically, don’t worry too much, experiment, explore, make friends, interact, and have fun – these might turn out to be the best two years of your life.
What is your typical day at the office?
Ours is a new team that has been put together just six months back. So every day is different from the other. A typical day at work involves meetings and interactions with bureaucrats to discuss state priorities and challenges. Most days are desk-bound in terms of ideation, developing concept notes, proposals, etc. for the Government of Punjab. Since partnerships are a critical piece I’m working on, I also spend a lot of time with experts from academia, international development agencies, including UNDP to design and conceptualise these SDG aligned proposals. I also spend a lot of time in aligning resources for these interventions via meetings and discussions with CSR entities, funding organisations, etc. Team meetings and interactions also are a very important aspect of my daily life since, at SDGCC, we pay a lot of attention to the integration and convergence of efforts. Ideating and brainstorming with team members is something I completely look forward to. Not often but sometimes I also have to spend time to prepare notes to move government files in the system.
You would like share about your typical weekends.. Hobbies.. Family..
Weekends are all about the family and spending time with them. I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, and thus some weekends are reserved for that unless I have to run some household errands. Also, I have taken up a few courses for professional and personal growth recently, and I’m actively using my weekends to pursue them. Mostly, weekends are for lazing around and catching up on some or the other series on Netflix or other OTT platforms.
Favorite Books, movies, authors, ..
I too had a Dream, The Kite Runner, Animal Farm, The Gated Republic, Arthur Halley series, The Liberation of Sita, Da Vinci Code, Jeffrey Archer series
IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
I would be happy to interact with students and share my experiences as limited as they may be. I can also help in organising a PFM -12 batch interaction session coordinating with my batchmates. I have always tried to help the students with summer internships and placements and will be happy in continuing to do so.
What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? What do you think is a positive change and what is not?
I have recently been in touch with a few students from the current batch. The changes in curriculum to suit industry needs seems to be in the right direction. Similarly, from what I hear new streams in line with SDGs have also been introduced that sound about right. It seems that the field exposure opportunities have reduced and post COVID scenario, this might pose to be a more significant challenge which needs urgent looking into.
Any suggestions on who from our alumni you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
Dhaval Negandhi, Aatish Mohammad Khan, Vineet Rai, Alark Saxena, Archana Sharma, I will be happy to see more female alumni featured here.