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 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:

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.

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.

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