Scientist for Methane Emissions Validation and Verification

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Position Title: Scientist for Methane Emissions Validation and Verification
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a pioneering initiative focused on reducing methane emissions, which are a significant contributor to climate change. Established to provide reliable and actionable data on methane emissions, IMEO aims to support global efforts in mitigating climate change by leveraging advanced technology and collaborative approaches. IMEO operates on a global scale, engaging with various stakeholders, including governments, industries, and scientific communities, to drive impactful changes in methane emissions management. The organization is committed to transparency and data integrity, ensuring that its findings contribute to achieving the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.

Job Overview:
The position of Scientist for Methane Emissions Validation and Verification is critical to the mission of IMEO, which is to develop a comprehensive multi-year validation and verification program for methane emissions quantification. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and leading this program, which will involve evaluating and validating the performance of various methane measurement technologies. This role requires a deep understanding of atmospheric science, particularly in measurement validation, and the ability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders. The scientist will also contribute to scientific writing, engage in stakeholder collaboration, and assist in shaping the methane science direction at IMEO. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while still requiring active engagement with the IMEO team and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Scientist include:

• Supporting the development of a multi-year validation and verification program for methane emissions quantification.
• Designing technical guidance documentation that outlines the strengths and weaknesses of various quantification approaches applicable to specific emission sources.
• Collaborating with the IMEO science team and external stakeholders to identify measurement, reporting, and validation needs.
• Engaging with stakeholders to foster collaboration on the MRV program development.
• Collecting data and facilitating scientific studies that align with core tasks.
• Presenting findings at international conferences and internal meetings.
• Ensuring that the developed program meets state-of-the-art standards and provides value to the methane measurement community.
• Maintaining effective communication with UNEP staff and ensuring that outputs are satisfactory to UNEP standards.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a PhD in a relevant field of atmospheric science, with a focus on measurement validation. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience or a minimum of 6 years of applicable experience in atmospheric methane or related scientific fields. A strong understanding of various methane measurement platforms, including ground, aerial, and satellite-based systems, is essential. Experience in collecting and analyzing empirical data related to greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution is highly desirable. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks surrounding methane or air quality is advantageous but not mandatory. Experience with large scientific projects, particularly those involving remote deployment, is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a PhD in atmospheric science or a closely related field, ideally with a focus on measurement validation. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of methane emissions and the technologies used for their measurement and validation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral experience or at least 6 years of relevant experience in atmospheric methane or related scientific fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on scientific projects that involve measurement validation and data analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for collaboration with international stakeholders and the scientific community. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role expected to last for 12 months. It is a remote position, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will not incur any fees during the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment. The role is designed for a full-time commitment, and the consultant will work closely with the UN Environment Programme Paris Office to ensure that all outputs meet the required standards.