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 current Country Programme, 2018-2022, is in its final year of implementation. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027), which comes into effect in 2023, 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.
More than half of all livelihoods in India is primarily dependent on agriculture. A massive 54.6% of the total workforce is engaged in agricultural and allied sector activities and 57% of the rural households are directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, the agricultural sector is facing various challenges like small landholding, declining productivity, rising input costs, declining farm income, the adverse impact of climate change, and decline in the percentage share of workers engaged in the agriculture sector. Agricultural production shocks have huge social and financial repercussions, impacting rural income levels, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and poverty rates.
The Government of India’s flagship schemes Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and KCC/MISS have become important tools to strengthen the resilience of Indian farmers. The schemes ensure maximum benefits for the farmers by providing financial risk protection against natural calamities and catastrophic events including pests, climate uncertainties and environmental shocks. Apart from providing comprehensive risk coverage for the entire crop cycle, PMFBY also enables direct claim transfer into farmers’ accounts through e-remittance. Additionally, to address agrarian distress, 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 mechanisation, modernise agriculture practices and eventually enhance productivity.
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 through setting up of Central Program Management Unit (CPMU) for the implementation of PMFBY and KCC, to improve institutional and programme responsiveness, increase coverage and better access among marginalised and excluded farm households, offering innovative measures and support mechanisms for Agri-value chain financing, risk management and reduced crop loss for the rural population in India. 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.
This position directly reports Remote Sensing Tech-Specialist (NPSA 10) and overall reports to National Programme Coordinator (NPSA11).
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Remote Sensing & Geo-Spatial Analyst will be based at New Delhi and shall work under the guidance and supervision of the Remote Sensing Tech-Specialist and work closely with other consultants. Remote Sensing & Geo-Spatial Analyst will be supporting for Remote Sensing analysis, including method development and technical analysis in producing land use/cover maps, crop yield maps and the post- processing, such as spatial analysis and modelling.
- Experience in ArcGIS (Desktop & Server), ERDAS IMAGINE; Knowledge of other Geospatial software such as ENVI, QGIS, SNAP, GRASS etc., will be an added advantage.
- Coordination with different stakeholders for development of tools & methodologies for scaling-up of Remote Sensing and GIS technology-based solutions under the supervision of Lead – Remote Sensing.
- Facilitate for implementation of data driven Smart Sampling, CCE Optimization, two step yield estimation and direct crop yield estimation approaches.
- Contribute toward research & development resulting in quality publications, scientific writing, and reports.
- Provide timely inputs for the timely submission of all progress reports as may be required by UNDP, the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Specialist will be responsible for the supervision of officers, associates and others who focus on remote sensing and spatial analyses.
- Liaise with UNDP, Ministry of Agriculture, relevant government agencies and all project partners, for effective coordination of all project inputs.
- Foster partnerships with key national and state government departments 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 Lead – Remote Sensing and National Programme Director – 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
- Data analysis: Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making.
Digital & Innovation
- Geospatial analysis: Skilled in techniques which study entities using their topological, geometric, or geographic properties.
- Agile’ methodologies and practices: Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.
- 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.
Partnership management
- Emerging partnerships: Ability to engage with emerging partners, develop and manage a strategy and develop approaches to developing and managing these new strategic partnerships.
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.
Required Skills and Experience:
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) of Science in Agriculture, Remote Sensing & GIS or equivalent field. Or A first-level university degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with Master´s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in relevant role in Remote Sensing data analysis/ Crop Yield Modelling.
- Additional years of experience in Remote Sensing data analysis/ Crop Yield Modelling.
- Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ international agencies/on similar assignments will be preferred.
- 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 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.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience in project Management practices and ability to formulate and manage budgets.
- 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.
- 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.
Required Languages;
Remuneration
- Remuneration starting at INR (Annual) 19,59,960 / 1,66,330 INR (Monthly) as per the scale depending on qualifications and experience. The remuneration is excluding 8.33% pension amount paid over and above the salary.
Disclaimer
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.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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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