Consultant for Climate Science and Transparency Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), specifically under the Global Climate Action Unit. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives and programs. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Climate Science and Transparency Programme Coordination Project (CS&T PCP) by conducting an analysis of methodologies and a country inventory assessment across multiple nations. This position is focused on addressing the challenges that countries face in meeting their reporting commitments to the UNFCCC, particularly in compiling national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. The consultant will also explore how third-party measurement initiatives (TPMIs) can enhance the accuracy and trustworthiness of these inventories. The work will involve a comprehensive examination of the methodological difficulties and structural issues that impact the quality and use of national GHG inventories. The consultant will be expected to produce a technical report that bridges the gap between national reporting and third-party data, ultimately contributing to improved transparency and accountability in climate action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a comparative analysis of methodologies used in national GHG inventories and TPMIs, mapping emission factors, and assessing the spatial and temporal resolution of data. They will be responsible for compiling case studies that illustrate the alignment or discrepancies between national inventories and TPMIs. The consultant will create a matrix summarizing methodological consistencies and discrepancies across key subsectors and will synthesize stakeholder interviews and surveys from selected countries. They will also inventory legal and policy constraints that limit the use of TPMIs, assess institutional readiness, and identify operational barriers. The consultant will evaluate TPMI initiatives with public-access platforms and open data policies, and will identify successful models where TPMIs have improved stakeholder engagement. Additionally, they will develop a framework for assessing the credibility of TPMI data and provide recommendations for public communication tools. The consultant will also analyze risks associated with data use and propose governance models for integrating TPMI data into national contexts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in environmental engineering, data science, statistics, or a related field. Proficiency in advanced data processing methods is essential, along with a solid understanding of IPCC methodologies and UNFCCC tools and software. Strong experience in UNFCCC reporting, particularly in the development of national GHG inventories and tracking of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), is required. Candidates should also have knowledge of contemporary climate science and methodologies for carbon accounting, as well as experience in ensuring transparency and accuracy in climate-related data.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as environmental engineering, data science, statistics, or similar disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate data and methodologies necessary for effective reporting and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in UNFCCC reporting processes, particularly in the development of national GHG inventories and tracking NDCs. Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting is essential, with a focus on ensuring transparency and accuracy in climate-related information. Familiarity with the challenges and methodologies associated with climate science is also important.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, as it is the primary language used within the UN. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be full-time and remote, with international travel required for certain aspects of the work. The position does not specify a deadline for applications, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages, ensuring that the recruitment process is free from financial barriers.