Consultant for Methane Emissions Data Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a pioneering initiative focused on 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 aims to facilitate significant reductions in methane emissions to meet the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement. The organization is at the forefront of a methane data revolution, leveraging advanced technology and fostering momentum for methane action across various sectors. IMEO collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including scientific communities and industry partners, to collect and integrate methane emissions data from various sources, including satellites and national inventories. IMEO is also a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, which underscores its commitment to shaping the future of methane mitigation efforts.

Job Overview:
The consultant position at IMEO is centered around the analysis and integration of area source methane emissions data derived from satellite observations. The primary objective is to enhance the understanding of methane emissions on a global scale, particularly through the generation of global flux inversions by country. This role involves investigating the incorporation of point-source emissions into these flux inversions, thereby providing a comprehensive view of methane emissions. The consultant will utilize IMEO’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) to analyze data and compare point source emissions with area source emissions. The position requires a strong analytical background and the ability to produce high-quality outputs that are relevant to policy-making and climate action.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Generate global flux inversions by country to obtain total annual methane emission products for each country.
• Investigate methods for incorporating point-source emissions into flux inversions.
• Conduct detailed analysis of MARS data, focusing on the comparison of point source emissions to area source emissions.
• Advise on the integration of data from new area or low-resolution satellites, such as GOSAT-GW, CO2M, or MERLIN.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to provide actionable information regarding methane emissions events in the oil and gas sector.
• Produce high-quality, policy-relevant outputs based on data analysis.
• Work independently while maintaining effective communication with the IMEO team and other partners.

Required Qualifications:
- A PhD in chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, or a related field is mandatory. - A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in atmospheric science, data assimilation, or satellite remote sensing is required. - Proven expertise in flux inversion modeling and the handling of satellite-based methane datasets is essential. - Familiarity with area-mapping instruments, such as TROPOMI and MethaneSAT, as well as knowledge of methane point-source detection techniques, is necessary. - The ability to work independently and produce high-quality outputs that are relevant to policy is crucial. - Proficiency in programming languages, particularly Python, along with experience in scientific data analysis and visualization, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant field such as chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, or remote sensing. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to perform complex analyses related to methane emissions and satellite data.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in atmospheric science, data assimilation, or satellite remote sensing. This level of experience is critical to ensure that the consultant can effectively analyze methane emissions data and contribute to the organization's goals of reducing emissions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While French is also a working language, proficiency in English is mandatory for effective communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.