Remote Sensing Technical Specialist
Remote | New Delhi
- Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
- Location: Remote | New Delhi
- Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
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Occupational Groups:
- Meteorology, Geology and Geography
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Mechanics and Electronics (Engineering)
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: Closed
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 marginalize.
- 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 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 mechanization, modernize 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 & 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 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.
Within the overall framework of UNDP’s ongoing programme with MoA&FW, institutional strengthening support is extended to MNCFC by setting up a TIC (Technology Implementation Cell) which will provide Remote Sensing and Geospatial support to MNCFC for the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). This will involve carrying out operational activities and R&D activities for using satellite and other collateral data and models and GIS tools for the national crop insurance programme.
MNCFC has been assigned with the responsibility of mainstreaming the geospatial technology solutions under PMFBY’s national initiatives i.e. YES-TECH, WINDS and CROPIC and support other tech interventions like a) Smart sampling locations to States, b) Yield dispute resolution, c) Area discrepancy analysis, d) Crop situation assessment etc.
Direct Reporting To: National Programme Coordinator, CPMU, UNDP
Reportees to this position:
- Remote Sensing Analyst (NPSA 9)
- Remote Sensing Associates (NPSA 7) (4 Positions)
- Data Associate (Statistical) (NPSA 7)
The Remote Sensing Tech Specialist- Technical Implementation Cell will work under the overall guidance of the Head – Sustainable Inclusive Growth, UNDP and supervision of the National Programme Director - CPMU. Remote Sensing Tech Specialist will be responsible overall functioning of TIC, MNCFC and will supervises the Analyst, associates and others, who focus on technical and other aspects of the project and shall act as the Point of contact between the UNDP, DA&FW, MoA&FW and the TIC, MNCFC.
Will be responsible for overall activities of Remote Sensing unit and will supervise specialist, officers, associates and others who focus on remote sensing and spatial analyses.
- Overall guidance to team in close cooperation for developing remote sensing-based solutions in crop insurance domain.
- Manage development, evaluation, monitoring and implementation of technology solutions based on remote sensing.
- Evaluation of new datasets and technology models related to agriculture insurance Implementation and monitoring of YES-TECH, WINDS and CROPIC activities of PMFBY
- Providing technology support to solve various issues of PMFBY, such as Area Discrepancy, Yield Disputes, Prevented/Failed Sowing, Loss characterization, etc.
- Supporting the state in Smart Sampling of Crop Cutting Experiments.
- Establish metrics and frameworks for monitoring the effectiveness of remote sensing solutions in improving the accuracy and efficiency of crop loss assessments and payouts.
Substantively contribute to Research & Development and Project Management
- Conduct and provide technical guidance for pilot studies for various technology implementation (technology-based yield estimation for non-cereal crops, CROPIC etc.).
- Lead preparation of SOPs, Manuals, Protocols and Guidelines for use remote sensing and geospatial technology for Crop Insurance.
- Initiate and lead innovative projects leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning for improved crop monitoring and risk assessment under PMFBY.
- Create knowledge repositories through peer-reviewed publications and disseminating research outcomes to enhance innovation and knowledge exchange in technology-based crop insurance.
Facilitate Capacity Building
- Capacity Building of PMFBY stakeholders in use of RS and Geospatial technology for PMFBY
- Collaborate closely with state, national authorities, international institutions, and technical experts for knowledge exchange and collaboration in remote sensing applications for agriculture.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Core competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
People Management competencies:
- UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
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
- Data storytelling and communications: Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion.
- 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.
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.
General
- Event planning and execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.
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
- Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Agriculture / Remote- Sensing / GIS / Geomatics / Geoinformatics along with Physics, Computer Science, Geoinformatics, Agriculture or relevant degree is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
- Minimum 5 Years (with master’s degree) or 7 years’ (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant demonstrable experience in Remote Sensing data analysis / Crop Yield Modelling / Crop loss assessment is required;
- Relevant Experience at the national level working with Governments and private entities (InsureTech or FinTech) is required;
- At least 5 years Project Management experience in Remote Sensing data analysis / Crop Yield Modelling / Drought Assessment is required.
- Experience in project Management practices and ability to formulate and manage budgets is required;
- Proven research experience and ability to communicate strategic pieces that guide decisions on strategic programme directions is required;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required;
- Experience in strategic planning, result – based management and reporting is required;
- Demonstrated experience in tailoring and presenting information to diverse audiences using a variety of communication delivery methods (e.g., written, electronic, oral, interpersonal) Documentation is required.
- Demonstrated 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 is required.
- At least 4 years of experience and In-depth knowledge of Remote Sensing and GIS application in Agriculture/Forestry/Agro Forestry and related field is desired. Prior experience of technical advisory services in the insurance sector is an asset;
- Experience in coordinating with different stakeholders for development of tools & methodologies for scaling-up of Remote Sensing and GIS technology-based solutions is desired;
- Experience in implementing data driven Smart Sampling, Crop Mapping and Yield estimation models for direct crop yield estimation approaches is desired;
- Records of research and development resulting in quality publications, scientific writing and reports is an advantage;
- Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ international agencies/on similar assignments will be preferred;
- Experience crop loss modelling or agricultural statistics will be an advantage;
- At least 05 years of 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.
Required Languages:
- Proficiency in English and Hindi is required.