Air Quality Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society. Established to address the urgent need for integrated climate and clean air solutions, the CCAC focuses on reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as methane, black carbon, HFCs, and tropospheric ozone. The coalition aims to facilitate fast action to mitigate climate change and improve air quality, thereby enhancing public health and environmental sustainability. Brazil has recently joined the CCAC and has shown commitment to tackling super pollutants through various national and international initiatives, reflecting its leadership in climate action. The CCAC operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various stakeholders to implement effective policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The Air Quality Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Secretariat of Urban Environment, Water Resources, and Environmental Quality of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (SQA/MMA) in Brazil. This position is focused on advancing an integrated approach to climate and air quality, particularly in relation to short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The specialist will be responsible for providing technical support in areas such as data collection, management, and analysis, as well as policy development and capacity-building initiatives. The role requires close collaboration with the CCAC Secretariat and national air quality stakeholders to ensure that SLCP mitigation measures yield significant air quality and health benefits. The incumbent will also contribute to the Clean Air and Climate Plan for SLCP Reduction, which aims to consolidate Brazil's efforts in mitigating SLCPs and enhancing air quality governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Air Quality Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing technical support to SQA/MMA on the interconnections between air pollution, climate change, and human health; establishing contacts with relevant air quality actors to collect and analyze data; supporting the design and implementation of a national integrated climate and air quality platform; providing technical inputs for the formulation or revision of air quality policies; preparing and reviewing technical documents and training materials; organizing workshops and events related to air quality; supporting discussions within the Brazil SLCP governance structure; ensuring quality assurance for CCAC project outputs; participating in CCAC initiatives and facilitating stakeholder engagement; compiling and managing information related to air quality projects; identifying opportunities for integrating air quality considerations into broader policies; and contributing to technical reports for CCAC and other partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, public health, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with three additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in air quality, environment and health, emissions management, or atmospheric sciences is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in providing technical support for policy development, data analysis, and project delivery related to air quality and climate change. Additionally, knowledge of Brazil’s policy context regarding air quality and climate change is essential, along with strong analytical and technical drafting skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental science, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or public health. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by three additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of air quality management and climate change mitigation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in fields related to air quality, environmental health, emissions management, or atmospheric sciences. This experience should include providing technical support for policy development and implementation, data analysis, and project delivery. Demonstrated experience in preparing technical and knowledge products is also required, along with a good understanding of short-lived climate pollutants and their implications for health and the environment.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, technical documentation, and participation in international initiatives. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, with the possibility of remote work, although regular presence in Brasilia is required as per agreement with SQA/MMA. The role is part of a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Brazil's capacity to address air quality and climate change issues. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.