Remote Sensing and Geo-Spatial Analyst

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all. With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and  subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet. UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:   

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs. 
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the 
• marginalized. 
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability. 

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and  accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture. 

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

The Government of India’s flagship schemes KCC/MISS and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have become important tools to strengthen the resilience of Indian farmers. The schemes ensure maximum benefits for the farmers by providing credit under 5 categories and financial risk protection against natural calamities and catastrophic events including pests, climate uncertainties and environmental shocks. To address agrarian distress, the Kisan Credit Card/ Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide cheap and hassle- free credit for millions of farmers and to ensure continued investment into agriculture to bring in mechanization, modernize agriculture practices and eventually enhance productivity. Additionally, PMFBY also provides comprehensive risk coverage for the entire crop cycle, PMFBY also enables direct claim transfer into farmers’ accounts through e-remittance. UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2023-2027) intended Outcome 2 states that “By 2027, people will benefit from and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth through higher productivity, competitiveness and diversification in economic activities that create decent work, livelihoods, and income particularly for youth and women”. UNDP leverages its expertise in systems strengthening to support the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare (MoA&FW) through setting up of a Central Program Management Unit (CPMU) for the implementation of PMFBY and KCC, to improve institutional and programme responsiveness, increase coverage and better access among marginalized and excluded farm households, offering innovative measures and support mechanisms for Agri-value chain financing. The PMU will also focus on providing Capacity Building and Training support to participating state-level government departments involved in PMFBY and KCC and advancing the scheme among new states for improved uptake.

Reporting To: Remote Sensing Tech Specialist (NPSA 10) 
Reportees to this position (if applicable): NA 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Remote Sensing and Geo-Spatial Analyst - Technical Support Unit will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the National Programme Director-TSU. S/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Joint Secretary & CEO, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare when needed. 

Remote Sensing Data Analysis and Processing 

• Analyse RST data downloading and processing, Crop Mapping using Remote Sensing Data, 
  generation of Smart Sampling points 
• Research and development into RST for crop Yield estimation to complement Crop Cutting 
  Experiments (CCEs) particularly focusing on the states 
• Provide inputs to training on the application of RST and mobile technology to CCE 
• Docusign Envelope ID: 6AED7C31-FC7B-4A20-8A07-BF02FA7BFFC4

Crop Yield Estimation and Data Collection 

• Coordination with different stakeholders for direct crop yield estimation and two step yield 
  estimation approaches. 
• Ground truth data collection, supervise and monitor CCE and CCE data compilation and analysis 
• Prepare report on CCE data discrepancy applications of mobile technology to CCE's. 

Reporting, Documentation and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Provide timely inputs for the timely submission of all progress reports and presentations as may be required by UNDP, the Ministry of Agriculture. 
• Foster partnerships with key National, State Government Departments, State Remote Sensing Application Centre and relevant technical institutions working on technology solution for CCE and agriculture. 
• Perform any other tasks consistent with the level of the post and/ or assigned by the Remote Sensing & Geo-Spatial Specialist and Remote Sensing Tech-Lead– Technical Support Unit.   

Competencies   Core competencies: 

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers 
  quality work by deadline 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, 
  makes improvements  
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from 
  mistakes, asks for feedback 
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is 
  flexible  
• Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of 
  adversity, confident 
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms 
  positive relationships 
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, 
  confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Digital & Innovation

• Geospatial analysis. Skilled in techniques which study entities using their topological, geometric, or geographic properties. 
• Data collection. Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g., mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).
• Data engineering. Ability in programming languages such as SQL, Python, and R, be adept at finding warehousing solutions, and using ETL (Extract, Transfer, Load) tools, and understanding basic machine learning and algorithms. 
• Data governance. Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologies 

Information Management & Technology 

• IT Research and Development. Regular following new technologies and technical trends, research the technologies that are applicable and beneficial to the organization and develop the systems 

Business Direction & Strategy 

• System Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system. 

Required Skills and Experience   Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters’ Degree or equivalent) in Agriculture, Geo Information Science and Earth Observation, Remote Sensing & GIS or related fields is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in Remote Sensing data analysis, Crop Yield Modelling, or Drought Assessment with UN Agencies, national, international, public or private organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Experience in project Management practices and ability to formulate and manage budgets. 
• Broad based knowledge across cross cutting thematic areas such risk management, CCE in agriculture. 
• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and requirements of the post with excellence 
• Possesses the capacity for strategic planning, result – based management and reporting.
• Good facilitation and communication skills. 
• Ability to carry out research and communicate strategic pieces that guide decisions on strategic programme directions 
• Tailors and presents information to diverse audiences using a variety of communication delivery methods (e.g., written, electronic, oral, interpersonal) Documentation 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Ability to lead consultative meeting and provide training at National and State level with partners and senior stakeholders to identify priorities and manage the timely delivery of project activities 
• Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multi-disciplinary teams 
• Hands-on experience in design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects 
• Ability to guide the Project Management Unit in implementing and achieving project outcomes 
• Is open to change and ability to manage complex changing environments.
• Additional years of demonstrable experience in in relevant role with government project in Remote Sensing data analysis/ Crop Yield Modelling. 
• Working experience in Esri’s ArcGIS and associated extensions, and ERDAS IMAGINE; knowledge of other GIS and remote sensing software such as ENVI, QGIS, SNAP, GRASS etc., will be an added advantage 
• In-depth knowledge and experience of Remote Sensing and GIS application in Agriculture/Forestry/Agro-Forestry and related field,
• Experience crop loss modelling or agricultural statistics will be an advantage 
• Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ National/ International / Public private agencies/on similar assignments

Required Languages: 

• Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi

  Disclaimer
  Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
  UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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  Non-discrimination
  UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
  UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 
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