Job Description

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.CompetenciesCore 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

.Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesDigital & 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

Required Skills and ExperienceEducation:

• 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

Experience:

• 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.

DisclaimerUnder 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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