Methane Transparency Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale. The organization is committed to providing leadership and encouraging partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
The Methane Transparency Consultant will provide technical and coordination support to strengthen the implementation and credibility of the Steel Methane Programme. This role is pivotal in delivering a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework, enhancing data products, and structuring stakeholder engagement to ensure transparent and harmonized tracking of methane emissions across coal and steel supply chains. The consultant will work closely with the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) to ensure that the program meets its objectives effectively. The expected outcome of this role is improved accountability, informed decision-making, and accelerated methane mitigation in the steel sector. The consultant will be responsible for thought leadership on methane transparency and MRV for the coal and steel value chain, providing hands-on technical and analytical contributions, and ensuring structured coordination across IMEO technical teams and external partners. The consultant will also own selected delivery milestones that contribute to the SMP objectives, reporting directly to the Head of IMEO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development, refinement, and implementation of the Steel Methane Programme, as needed.
• Coordinate the development of the MRV Framework for the programme, including preparation, coordination, review, and quality assurance of the framework and associated documents such as Technical Guidance Documents.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate understanding, uptake, and application of SMP and MRV approaches.
• Develop, coordinate, and maintain IMEO data products related to coal and steel methane emissions, including the SMP Transparency Database and Mine to Mill project.
• Contribute to data integration efforts, documentation, and methodological consistency across datasets and public-facing outputs, as well as updates and improvements to transparency tools and platforms.
• Support engagement with external stakeholders, including industry, governments, NGOs, research institutions, and international organizations.
• Maintain regular engagement with key NGOs and other stakeholders to exchange information on IMEO’s work and support coordination and synergies across relevant workstreams.
• Prepare stakeholder-oriented materials and technical briefings.
• Undertake analytical work and research on methane emissions from metallurgical coal and steel supply chains. 1
• Provide technical input to SMP reports, studies, and external publications related to coal and steel methane emissions. 1
• Monitor relevant scientific, regulatory, and policy developments and provide updates to the IMEO team as appropriate. 1
• Support internal organizational workstreams, including contracting, recruitment, and stakeholder workshops. 1
• Contribute to internal documentation and knowledge sharing to support continuity and institutional memory. 1
• Provide cross-cutting support to other IMEO activities, as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in natural or physical sciences, engineering, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in the coal sector is essential.
• Knowledge and research experience in coal and methane are necessary.
• Demonstrated scientific expertise in managing complex projects is required.
• Prior work experience with UNEP is desirable, showcasing familiarity with the organization's operations and objectives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in natural or physical sciences, engineering, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of methane emissions and the methodologies used in the MRV framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of experience specifically in the coal sector. Candidates should have a strong background in research and knowledge related to coal and methane emissions. Experience in managing complex projects is essential, as the consultant will be responsible for coordinating various tasks and ensuring the successful implementation of the Steel Methane Programme. Familiarity with UNEP's operations and previous work experience within the organization is considered an asset.

Languages:
English is the working language of UNEP's IMEO, and proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance engagement efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. The consultant will not be charged any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.