CCAC AQMx Nitrogen Fertilisers Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is an international partnership convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It includes governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives from the private sector and civil society. The CCAC focuses on integrated climate and clean air solutions to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as methane, black carbon, HFCs, and tropospheric ozone. The CCAC was established to mobilize efforts to improve air quality and mitigate climate change, and it is currently providing secretariat services to the Global Methane Pledge. The organization aims to enhance nutrient use efficiency and reduce emissions from fertilizer production and use, as endorsed by the Belem Declaration on Fertilisers adopted at COP3

• The CCAC launched the Clean Air Flagship for 2024-2026 to support governments in achieving cleaner air and to maximize co-benefits for agricultural productivity and economic development. The AQMx platform, launched on International Clean Air Day 2024, serves as a knowledge hub for air quality management, particularly for Low- and Middle-Income Countries, providing resources and guidance to support governments and stakeholders in meeting air quality targets.

Job Overview:
The CCAC AQMx Nitrogen Fertilisers Expert will be responsible for drafting a Sectoral Guidance paper of approximately 8,000 words that provides actionable recommendations for improved nitrogen fertiliser practices. This role involves identifying at least 30 supporting resources to be included in the AQMx Resource Exchange Library. The guidance will focus on the health, climate, ecosystem, and agricultural impacts of nitrogen fertilisers, and will outline the necessary data and information needed to support effective action. The expert will also investigate relevant business models and financing options, while considering socio-economic equity and inclusion of vulnerable groups. The position requires conducting consultations with stakeholders to ensure the guidance is grounded in the latest research and knowledge in the sector. The ultimate goal is to provide concrete and hands-on recommendations that can be replicated and scaled up in various contexts, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft a Sectoral Guidance paper on improved nitrogen fertiliser use, ensuring it is approximately 8,000 words in length.
• Identify and compile a minimum of 30 relevant resources, including reports, scientific publications, databases, and tools, for inclusion in the AQMx Resource Exchange Library.
• Conduct consultations with stakeholders, including governments, researchers, and relevant organizations, to gather input and ensure the guidance is accurate and research-based.
• Provide an overview of the impacts of nitrogen fertilisers on health, climate, ecosystems, and agriculture.
• Outline the types of data and information necessary to support action on nitrogen fertiliser use and where to find them.
• Break down the design, implementation, enforcement, monitoring, and evaluation of improved nitrogen fertiliser use programs into actionable steps.
• Investigate business models and financing options available to national and local authorities.
• Address issues of socio-economic equity, gender, and inclusion of vulnerable groups in the guidance.
• Highlight successful initiatives, best practices, and case studies related to nitrogen fertiliser use. 1
• Collaborate closely with the Secretariat Team to deliver the Sectoral Guidance and prepare launch materials, including a PowerPoint presentation and key messages.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's level university degree in engineering, agronomy, environmental management, technology, sciences, economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional and/or scientific experience related to sustainable agriculture and nitrogen fertiliser use, as documented in the CV.
• At least 5 years of experience in research or practical implementation of improved nitrogen fertiliser use in collaboration with governments and implementers.
• Demonstrated experience with business models for improved nitrogen fertiliser use through direct project engagement.
• Proven experience in preparing reports on sustainable agriculture and nitrogen fertiliser use, with a reference to one report authored or co-authored in the last 3 years.
• Experience in preparing and delivering presentations.
• Expertise in sustainable agriculture and nitrogen fertiliser use.
• Experience working in developing countries and understanding various country contexts.
• Ability to produce clear, accessible, and concise scientific and technical reports for policymakers.

Educational Background:
A Master's level university degree in fields such as engineering, agronomy, environmental management, technology, sciences, economics, or a related area is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to address the complexities of nitrogen fertiliser use and its impacts on agriculture and the environment.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of professional and/or scientific experience related to sustainable agriculture and nitrogen fertiliser use. This experience should be well-documented in the CV and should include both research and practical implementation aspects. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with governments and implementers on projects related to improved nitrogen fertiliser use, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required for this position. Additional knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an asset, which may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the international context.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 6 months on a part-time basis. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.