Consultant specialized in forestry and climate change emission inventory

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes 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 grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, operating in over 100 countries with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to develop policies and strategies that address pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical advisory inputs to the Undersecretariat of Environment for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and captures of the UTCUTS sector. This role is crucial in supporting Argentina's efforts to meet its climate commitments as outlined in the Long-Term Low Emissions Resilient Development Strategy (LTS) submitted to the UNFCCC. The consultant will work closely with UNEP's Copenhagen Climate Center and the Regional NDC Act & Invest team, contributing to the development of methodologies for GHG emission captures from restoration and sustainable management of native forests. The position requires a hybrid work model, allowing for both remote work and in-person engagements at the Undersecretariat of Environment in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review national and international cases and background information on systems used for monitoring forest restoration and sustainable forest management, considering their linkage with greenhouse gas inventories and including an assessment of their potential applicability in the country.
• Analyse carbon stock thresholds for different cases or situations of restoration (active and passive) by forest regions.
• Generate a proposal of methodologies for the estimation of GHG emission captures from restoration/reclamation activities and sustainable management of native forest by forest regions, including the identification of the necessary information.
• Analyse the compatibility of each proposed methodology with the INGEI.
• Based on the results of the analysis, develop the methodology for the prioritized activities according to available information, potential for inclusion in the INGEI and co-benefits. Determine the mitigation potential of the prioritized activities.
• Generate dissemination material for sectors and strategic stakeholders to disseminate the results of the analysis, promote improvement and implementation.

Required Qualifications:
● Minimum 5 years of professional experience in projects related to climate change and forestry in Argentina, or related areas (Required) ● Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in developing GHG inventories (Required) ● In-depth knowledge of data management and data reporting (Required) ● Demonstrates very good understanding of Argentina’s national policy related to climate change and of national and international climate reports (Required) ● Demonstrated experience applying IPCC guidelines (Desirable) ● Minimum 2 years of relevant experience assessing strategies, plans and reports under the local legal framework and the UNFCCC (Desirable) ● Demonstrated experience developing international reports to the UNFCCC (Desirable) ● Demonstrated experience developing mid-or long-term climate policy (Desirable) ● Experience working with, and building partnerships with public sector, both national and subnational (Desirable) ● Experience developing monitoring procedures or related processes (Desirable) ● Verifiable professional experience in the public administration (Desirable) ● Previous experience working under the Argentina national administration would be an advantage (Desirable)

Educational Background:
The position requires a strong educational background in environmental science, climate change, forestry, or a related field. A master's degree or higher in these areas is preferred, as it provides the necessary theoretical foundation and analytical skills required for the role. Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of climate change frameworks and policies, as well as practical applications for policy and planning.

Experience:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in projects related to climate change and forestry, specifically within Argentina. This experience should include at least 2 years of relevant work in developing GHG inventories, demonstrating a solid understanding of data management and reporting processes. Experience in assessing strategies and plans under the local legal framework and the UNFCCC is also desirable, along with a proven track record of developing international reports and mid- to long-term climate policies.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is essential for communication with local stakeholders and the preparation of reports. Confidence in English is also required, as the consultant will need to engage with international partners and contribute to reports that may be presented in English. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is hybrid, requiring the consultant to work from home while also attending the Undersecretariat of Environment offices in Buenos Aires for three days a week. The contract duration is expected to be 9 months, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This position is open to both national and international applicants, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to high ethical standards and demonstrate professionalism throughout their work.