Science Lead - Agriculture

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of methane emissions, which are the second largest contributor to global climate change. Established to provide reliable and actionable data, IMEO plays a vital role in the global effort to mitigate climate change by focusing on methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The organization is committed to harnessing advanced technology and data integration to drive significant reductions in methane emissions. IMEO collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, research institutions, and international organizations, to enhance the scientific understanding of methane emissions and develop effective strategies for reduction. IMEO operates on a global scale, engaging in initiatives that span multiple countries and sectors, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Paris Agreement goals.

Job Overview:
The Science Lead - Agriculture will be responsible for developing and periodically updating IMEO’s agricultural methane science strategy. This role involves identifying priority scientific knowledge gaps and emerging research opportunities, providing scientific leadership across IMEO’s agricultural methane portfolio, and representing IMEO in international scientific initiatives and expert groups. The Science Lead will lead the scientific design and provide oversight for the implementation of IMEO Science Studies focused on the agriculture sector. This includes reviewing project deliverables, datasets, technical reports, and publications, as well as coordinating cross-country synthesis of findings and evaluating externally submitted science proposals. Additionally, the Science Lead will contribute to reporting and donor engagement, supporting partnerships and capacity development with governments and international organizations. This position is crucial for strengthening the global evidence base on agricultural methane emissions, which account for the largest share of anthropogenic methane emissions globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Science Lead - Agriculture will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and updating IMEO’s agricultural methane science strategy to ensure alignment with global methane reduction goals.
• Identifying and prioritizing scientific knowledge gaps and emerging research opportunities in the agricultural sector.
• Leading the scientific design of IMEO Science Studies for agriculture, ensuring rigorous scientific standards are met.
• Providing scientific oversight for the implementation of these studies, including reviewing project deliverables and datasets.
• Coordinating the synthesis of findings across different countries and evaluating science proposals submitted externally.
• Engaging with international scientific initiatives and expert groups to represent IMEO and its mission.
• Contributing to the reporting process and engaging with donors to secure funding and support for agricultural methane initiatives.
• Supporting partnerships and capacity development efforts with governments and international organizations to enhance methane quantification and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Science Lead - Agriculture position must possess a Doctorate or equivalent in science, atmospheric sciences, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, or related disciplines. Additionally, the candidate should have professional experience in methane science, environmental science, Earth system science, atmospheric science, or a related field. Experience in developing, managing, and implementing international scientific projects, particularly in developing countries such as those in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, is essential. The candidate should also have a proven track record of collaboration with governments, research institutions, and international partners. Knowledge in methane measurement techniques, agricultural methane emissions, greenhouse gas inventories, data integration, uncertainty analysis, process-based modeling, and scientific data management is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Doctorate or equivalent degree in relevant scientific fields such as atmospheric sciences, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, or related disciplines. This advanced educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of methane emissions and the scientific methodologies required to address them effectively.

Experience:
The position requires significant professional experience in methane science and related fields. Candidates should have a demonstrated history of developing, managing, and implementing international scientific projects, particularly in developing regions. This experience should include collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments and research institutions, to drive impactful scientific initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNEP's IMEO. Proficiency in both oral and written English is required for effective communication and reporting. Knowledge of French is also essential, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additional language skills are considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. It is important to note that 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 maintaining transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.