IMEO Methane Scientist

Result of ServiceImproved organizational systems, and structures within the IMEO team. Enhance IMEO methane characterization projects around the world. Work LocationRemote Expected duration12-month Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven, action-focused initiative that drives deep reductions in methane emissions– the second biggest contributor to global climate change and a key opportunity to reduce warming in the near-term. IMEO’s mission is to provide the open, reliable, and actionable methane data needed to cut emissions at the speed and scale necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. To do this, IMEO is harnessing a methane data revolution under way thanks to rapidly advancing technology and momentum for methane action. IMEO collects, integrates, and reconciles data from methane-detecting satellites, scientific measurement studies, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national emissions inventories. These initiatives are game-changers for climate action – and as a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, IMEO is shaping the future of methane mitigation. The methane scientist will support the characterization of methane emissions in different regions of the world, as well as partner with local research institutions in those regions, coordinating data collection and their analysis, strengthening the knowledge about methane emission patterns and the opportunities for methane mitigation. Duties and responsibilities: The consultant will support UNEP’s IMEO in the characterization of methane emissions by providing technical and project management support for IMEO’s Methane Science Studies and Baseline Science Studies. The consultant will also support country engagement on other IMEO priorities. Methane Science Studies: • Work with the science team to identify regions and countries that may be feasible for scientific measurement study. • Build and manage partnerships with local research institutions across and within targeted regions. • Engage stakeholders to encourage collaboration with IMEO on methane science studies. • Serve as a Methane Science Study Point of Contact as needed. Baseline Science Studies: • Provide cross-sectoral scientific guidance for UNEP IMEO’s Baseline Science Studies. • Participate in the scientific consortium of collaborators and experts for key baseline study countries. • Provide review of scientific proposals, method design, results, and research papers. • Engage with potential and contracted methane science partners. • Become the IMEO focal point for area source methane measurement methodologies such as flux towers. • Support planning and execution of methodological workshops as needed. • Identify and develop topics for potential scientific papers related to the synthesis of the Baseline Science Studies. Other engagement: • Provide scientific support to IMEO’s methane initiatives and program. • Ensure scientific rigor of IMEO-generated materials, initiatives, and collaborations with diverse stakeholders, including industry, academics, and the public sector. • Keep up to date on climate science literature specifically related to methane measurement from area sources. • Support the deployment of IMEO’s methane mitigation training series • Collaborate with the implementation team on follow-up actions with governments • Provide support to other project development efforts when requested. • Participate and represent IMEO at external meetings, interacting with the scientific community in general. Performance indicators will be the following: • The effectiveness and management of the work • Speediness and quality of emails and communications with UNEP staff. The consultant will work in close consultation with the UN Environment Programme Paris Office. The outputs need to be accepted by the UNEP to be considered satisfactory. The consultant will report to the relevant Programme Management Officer. Qualifications/special skillsPhD in atmospheric science, physical sciences or engineering, or related field, post-doc preferred. 1-2 years of relevant experience. Demonstrated scientific expertise (e.g., record of scholarly publications, involvement in scientific panels, etc.) Experience in performing rigorous analysis with short deadlines. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in English is required. Other languages are useful. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.