Result of Service

The consultant will support IMEO in the implementation of MARS by strengthening engagement on satellite data to action through MARS. The consultant will also support country engagement on other IMEO priorities, working in close consultation with relevant IMEO managers. Performance indicators will be the following:

The effectiveness and management of the work.
Speed and quality of delivery of tasks.
Quality of communications with UNEP staff and external stakeholders.

Work Location

Paris with remote possible.

Expected duration

12 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven, action-focused initiative that drives deep reductions in methane emissions– the second biggest contributor to global climate change and a key opportunity to reduce warming in the near-term. IMEO’s mission is to provide the open, reliable, and actionable methane data needed to cut emissions at the speed and scale necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. To do this, IMEO is harnessing a methane data revolution under way thanks to rapidly advancing technology and momentum for methane action. IMEO collects, integrates, and reconciles data from methane-detecting satellites, scientific measurement studies, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national emissions inventories. These initiatives are game-changers for climate action – and as a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, IMEO is shaping the future of methane mitigation. IMEO manages the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), which uses satellite data to identify major methane emissions events and notify relevant stakeholders who can act to mitigate these emissions. The IMEO MARS consultant will engage with key government officials regarding the satellite data provided through the Methane Alert and Response System. This will entail developing technical working relationships with government and company officials, delivering capacity building efforts to drive MARS response, and advising on priorities and actions for mitigation where feasible. In addition, the consultant may support other regional priorities as relevant, in particular on country-specific engagement related to the Methane Science Studies and Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0. The consultant will report to MARS Programme Manager.

Qualifications/special skills

A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience working in government, industry or related fields in the Middle East and North Africa.

A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience working in government, industry or related fields in the Middle East and North Africa
Experience working directly with government officials and national oil companies on methane emissions is desirable.
Experience with satellite-based methane monitoring is desirable.
Strong coordination and organizational skills, with a proven ability to handle multiple concurrent workstreams and competing priorities.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English. English is the working language of UNEP's IMEO. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

Additional Information

OUTPUTS:
Develop and maintain contact lists for countries within the region, including representation from relevant government bodies, national oil companies, and other groups as needed
Notify groups of detected emissions events and provide follow-up to ensure action is taken
Coordinate, as appropriate, technical support from IMEO partners to address the emissions event
Collect and synthesize feedback from stakeholders on emissions event, notification process, and mitigation efforts
Identify technical needs and priorities for mitigation action
Provide country-specific advice and guidance on other IMEO project priorities.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

IMEO MARS Regional Case Lead, Middle East and North Africa