Senior Methane Science Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and aims to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. The organization operates globally, working with Member States and partners to address climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhance implementation capacity, provide data and knowledge, and build resilience. UNEP's Climate Change Division is focused on promoting sustainable development and effective policies for climate stability, supporting countries in their decarbonization efforts, and fostering transparency in reporting. UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is dedicated to providing reliable data to help reduce methane emissions, particularly in the fossil fuel sector, and aims to shift from inaccurate estimates to real-world data.

Job Overview:
The Senior Methane Science Coordinator will be responsible for leading the coordination and strategic oversight of IMEO's Methane Science Studies. This includes designing and executing studies that align with UNEP's strategic goals, overseeing engagement with research organizations for scientific measurement studies, and integrating cutting-edge science into IMEO's policy frameworks. The incumbent will orchestrate high-impact methane measurement campaigns across various sectors, drive collaboration with research institutions and industry leaders, and act as a focal point for scientific activities related to methane emissions. The role also involves coordinating activities related to methane emissions from the fossil fuel industry, strengthening institutional infrastructure for methane measurement in developing countries, and promoting methodologies and techniques for methane management. Additionally, the coordinator will be responsible for communication and outreach to donors and stakeholders, enhancing UNEP's role in information exchange on methane emissions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, execution, and strategic direction of IMEO’s Methane Science Studies, ensuring alignment with UNEP’s and IMEO’s strategic goals.
• Oversee engagement of research organizations for scientific measurement studies of methane emissions across multiple jurisdictions.
• Integrate cutting-edge science into IMEO’s policy frameworks, ensuring data credibility and actionable insights.
• Orchestrate high-impact methane measurement campaigns leveraging both satellite and ground methodologies.
• Drive collaboration with research institutions, governments, and industry leaders to implement large-scale studies.
• Spearhead partnerships with key stakeholders to advance IMEO’s collaboration on methane science.
• Act as focal point for scientific activities of IMEO, coordinating data integration efforts.
• Participate in the development of IMEO’s annual publication and coordinate the methane science section.
• Strengthen institutional infrastructure for methane measurement in developing countries. 1
• Promote the development and transfer of methodologies for methane management. 1
• Coordinate awareness-raising and capacity-building activities on methane emissions. 1
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights through data visualization methods. 1
• Oversee preparation of high-level substantive reporting to donors. 1
• Enhance UNEP's role in promoting information exchange on methane emissions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge and understanding of project and programme management concepts, approaches, and tools. They should have deep technical expertise in methane science, particularly in emissions measurements across all emitting sectors, with a strong focus on the energy sector. Proven capacity to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, academia, NGOs, and the private sector, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, planning, and organizing skills, and a commitment to gender balance in staffing.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental or atmospheric science, physics, chemical engineering, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in methane science, focusing on methane emissions measurements at national and international levels is required. Experience in managing and coordinating multi-stakeholder methane science research, including fieldwork, data collection, and peer-reviewed dissemination, is essential. Candidates should have experience working on diverse methane emissions sources and measurement technologies, as well as providing scientific data for policy frameworks. Project management experience, including budget oversight and donor reporting, is also required. Experience with satellite-based and airborne methane detection technologies is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term appointment limited, and renewal is contingent upon these factors. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.