Senior Expert in Climate Change Mitigation Modelling

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Expert in Climate Change Mitigation Modelling will lead the modelling and quantitative analysis that underpins Tanzania's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). This role involves close collaboration with the Vice-President's Office – Division of Environment (VPO-DoE), the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), and various sector ministries to ensure that the modelling outputs are integrated into the national strategy. The expert will be responsible for developing a fully calibrated and documented set of long-term low-emission scenarios for Tanzania, which will include a greenhouse gas (GHG) baseline, business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios, and sector-specific pathways to achieve net-zero emissions by 205

• The position requires a comprehensive understanding of climate change mitigation strategies, scenario modelling, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable policy recommendations. The expert will also focus on capacity building within national institutions to ensure the sustainability of the modelling efforts beyond the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Expert will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Defining and validating the methodology and modelling architecture for the LT-LEDS, including the selection of appropriate modelling tools.
• Establishing a GHG baseline and BAU scenario by compiling and harmonizing sectoral activity data and emission factors.
• Developing long-term low-emission and net-zero-by-2050 scenarios, including sectoral decarbonization pathways and identifying key uncertainties.
• Conducting cost-benefit and macro-economic assessments of proposed pathways, ensuring alignment with national climate objectives.
• Facilitating capacity transfer to national institutions through training programs and producing user guides for the modelling tools.
• Engaging with stakeholders to ensure the integration of feedback into the modelling outputs and maintaining a risk and uncertainty register throughout the assignment.
• Producing high-quality deliverables that meet the standards of technical accuracy and policy relevance, and ensuring timely submission in line with the agreed work plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in climate change, energy or environmental engineering, environmental economics, energy systems, integrated assessment modelling, or a closely related field. A PhD is considered an advantage. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in climate change mitigation modelling, long-term low-emission strategy development, or NDC/LT-LEDS preparation is required, with at least 8 years specifically in integrated, energy-system or sectoral GHG modelling. Candidates should demonstrate hands-on experience with widely used modelling platforms and familiarity with land-use and AFOLU emissions modelling approaches. Documented experience in applying decision-making methods under uncertainty and producing GHG baselines consistent with IPCC guidelines is essential. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Tanzania or the East African Community, is a strong asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as climate change, energy or environmental engineering, environmental economics, or integrated assessment modelling is required. A PhD in a related discipline is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in climate change mitigation modelling and strategy development. Candidates should have at least 8 years of specific experience in integrated, energy-system or sectoral GHG modelling, demonstrating a strong background in the field. Experience in producing GHG baselines and BAU scenarios, as well as familiarity with various modelling platforms, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory. The candidate must possess the ability to produce publication-quality technical reports and communicate complex information effectively to a variety of stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and the expert will be required to engage closely with national institutions to ensure the sustainability of the modelling efforts. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.