National Light Detection and Ranging Technology Expert (SC10)

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Bangladesh is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning, and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in Bangladesh and, in collaboration with Regional Office for Asia and Pacific and the departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to the country priorities. The representation also supports the regional office in the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the country, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The office also develops and maintains relations with Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies, the resource partners and other development institution at the country level.

Reporting Lines

The National Light Detection and Ranging Technology Expert is a SC10 and Under the overall managerial administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and work in close consultation with the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) at Dhaka, the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) at FAO Bangkok, the Geospatial Unit at the Land and Water Division in Headquarters, the incumbent will provide technical assistance for the project “Piloting Light Detection and Ranging technology (LiDAR) for fast-tracking agricultural transformation and sustainable development”.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Work closely with the National Project Coordinator (NPC) and Government Counterpart for the project activities and provide support for LiDAR interventions in the project area. • Support stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and collaborations towards improving national elevation datasets across multiple sectors • Develop and conduct a needs assessment that explores elevation data requirements from a variety of users across multiple sectors, including an approach that estimates monetary benefits of LiDAR applications. • Contribute and support the acquisition of LiDAR data for the area of interest. • Develop short review of methodological approaches with available datasets for the AOI associated with LiDAR data. • Develop and conduct training on LiDAR for agricultural uses in consultation with NPC and project consultants. • Arrange meetings with donors and LiDAR data practitioners for coordinating procurement of airborne LiDAR data, ensuring as much as possible consistent geographic coverage and specifications. • Provide inputs to update reports, terminal report, communication materials, and other project management documents. • In consultation with NPC and partners, formulate Terms of Reference for a working group on airborne LiDAR technology. • Write minutes of LiDAR working group meetings, including list of participants and major discussion points. • In consultation with NPC and partners, develop a resource mobilization plan that maps the interests and activities of interested donors. • Arrange an international study tour for government officials to a country that uses LiDAR for agriculture. • Assist international experts in the procurement process of LiDAR data acquisitions, including developing specifications, and evaluations of vendors. • Assist FAO program teams in travel logistics and meeting logistics. • Interpret the data associated with LiDAR technology and interventions, document the results and develop exercises in support to knowledge transfer and capacity to national counterparts. • Perform any other tasks required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Geography/ Geographic Information Systems/ Environment/ Agriculture and other related discipline. • A Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. • Working knowledge (level C) in English and Bangla. • National of Bangladesh or a legal resident in the country

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Working knowledge on climate change adaptation and mitigation issues in Bangladesh. • Ability to use standard office software such as MS-Office, GIS software and LiDER data analysis software’s. • Excellent communication and workshop facilitation skills. • Ability to maintain good relations with relevant stakeholders and principally with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC); • Prior experience with Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Forest and/or Climate Change (MoEFCC) or their agencies preferred. • Experience working with government and UN agencies preferred. • Excellent English and Bangla communication skills.