Job Identification : 14087

Locations : New Delhi, India

Posting Date : 10/11/2023, 07:12 AM

Apply Before : 10/25/2023, 06:29 PM

Job Schedule : Full time

Agency : UNDP

Grade : NPSA-8

Vacancy Type : National Personnel Service Agreement

Practice Area : Inclusive Growth

Bureau : Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

Contract Duration : 1 Year

Education & Work Experience : Master’s Degree

Other Criteria : Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of experience

Required Languages : English and Hindi

Vacancy Timeline

2 Weeks

Job Description

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.

Our 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.

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.

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 and will direct report to Remote Sensing Tech Specialist. S/He will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Joint Secretary & CEO, DoA&FW, MoA&FW when needed. Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to the following;

•  Analyse RST data downloading and processing, Crop Mapping using Remote Sensing Data, generation of Smart Sampling points.
•  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.
•  Research and development into RST for crop Yield estimation to complement CCEs particularly focussing on the states.
•  Provide inputs to training on the application of RST and mobile technology to CCE as and when necessary.
•  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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•  Bachelor’ or Masters’ Degree in Agriculture, Geo Information Science and Earth Observation, Remote Sensing & GIS, or equivalent field.

Experience:

•  Minimum of 2 years of work experience (post Bachelor’s) OR 0 years (post Master’s) in Remote Sensing data analysis / Crop Yield Modelling / Drought Assessment with UN Agencies/ national/ international/ public/ 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

Remuneration starting at INR (Annual) 14,35,932 / 1,19,661 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

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.

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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