Programme Manager (Science Affairs)

Job Posting Organization:
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership that includes governments, intergovernmental organizations, private sector representatives, and 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 CCAC is unique in its international approach to tackling these issues and is currently providing secretariat services to the Global Methane Pledge. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the CCAC Secretariat at its Economy Division in Paris, which plays a crucial role in coordinating scientific advisory activities and translating scientific findings into actionable policy insights. The CCAC aims to enhance the science-policy interface and ensure that its activities are informed by robust evidence, thereby contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager (Science Affairs) will be instrumental in supporting the delivery and quality of the CCAC's scientific products. This role involves ensuring that scientific assessments and analytical outputs are not only scientifically robust but also strategically aligned with the needs of policymakers and partners. The Programme Manager will contribute to the timely development and dissemination of these scientific outputs while enhancing the science-policy interface through active engagement with the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), partners, and key stakeholders. The position requires a proactive approach to coordinating flagship scientific assessments and publications, ensuring that CCAC activities are grounded in the latest climate and air pollution science. The Programme Manager will also facilitate collaboration with contributing scientists and partner organizations, thereby strengthening the overall impact of the CCAC's initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Manager (Science Affairs) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Delivery of high-quality scientific products such as assessments, science briefs, and analytical outputs, ensuring adherence to UNEP publication standards and timelines.
• Coordination of scientific inputs and review processes, managing contributions from authors, reviewers, and partner organizations effectively.
• Strengthening engagement with the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) by preparing for meetings and producing clear, actionable outputs like Chair’s summaries and briefs.
• Enhancing science-policy integration through contributions to Science-Policy Dialogues (SPDs) and outreach activities, ensuring alignment of scientific outputs with CCAC strategic priorities.
• Supporting the delivery of Super Pollutant Science Products by managing project timelines, facilitating review processes, and consolidating technical inputs.
• Contributing to strategic initiatives aimed at advancing super pollutant science and supporting donor reporting as necessary.
• Coordinating CCAC engagement in relevant multilateral science-policy processes and managing the science-policy interface.
• Providing scientific review and quality assurance for CCAC communications and technical materials to ensure scientific accuracy and clarity.
• Undertaking other ad hoc tasks as required by the Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in climate science, atmospheric science, data science, public policy related to climate or environment, or a closely related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in climate or air quality research or related fields is required. Candidates should have experience in synthesizing and communicating complex scientific information into policy-relevant analytical products for non-technical audiences. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar analytical tools, are essential. Knowledge of climate change and air pollution science and policy is required, as well as experience supporting science-policy processes and international environmental initiatives. Familiarity with super pollutants and mitigation strategies is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as climate science, atmospheric science, data science, public policy related to climate or environment, or a closely related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate and air quality issues and for effectively contributing to the CCAC's scientific outputs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in fields related to climate or air quality research. Candidates should have a proven track record of synthesizing and communicating complex scientific or technical information into policy-relevant outputs. Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering results under tight deadlines is essential. Familiarity with international organizations, scientific institutions, or multi-stakeholder partnerships is also desirable, as is experience in supporting science-policy processes and environmental assessments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. Additional knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent recruitment process and does not require any financial information from applicants.