CCAC National Expert on Biodigesters for Manure Management (for Mexico)

Result of ServiceThe CCAC National Expert on Biodigesters for Manure Management will be responsible for collecting records on the use, distribution, and operating status of biodigesters for livestock manure management in Mexico at large LPUs and LSPs. This information will serve as a baseline for developing methane reduction strategies and to define a realistic increase in methane ambition for Mexico’s NDC update (NDC 3.0). Work LocationMexico Expected duration9 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society. The CCAC is the only international initiative working on integrated climate and clean air solutions to reduce the rate of near-term warming. It focuses on fast action to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) including methane, black carbon, HFCs, and tropospheric ozone. More information on the CCAC is available at: www.ccacoalition.org. Guidance on the CCAC’s National Planning Methodology for reducing short-lived climate pollutants is available in the Resource Library. Mexico has demonstrated its commitment to reducing methane emissions by participating in the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. Currently, the country has been estimating livestock emissions in 2025 and is building the roadmap for reducing livestock methane emissions to increase the mitigation ambition of Mexico’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). This roadmap includes livestock manure management to reduce methane emissions. Biodigesters are identified as a sustainable technology for livestock manure management that recovers methane for renewable energy use and also produces bio-fertilizers. In the late 2000s, a diagnostic study was conducted to evaluate the status of installed anaerobic digesters in Mexico, utilizing both documentary sources and stakeholder interviews. The study identified 345 biodigesters, of which 82% were reported as constructed and operational. More recently, in 2018, a consultation with experts revealed the existence of 720 operational biodigesters between 2005 and 2012, followed by an additional 100 units deployed from 2012 to 2018. However, it was estimated that the majority of these systems were non-operational at the time of the assessment. Currently, there is limited data on the application of this technology for bovine manure management, highlighting a critical knowledge gap regarding the implementation, geographic distribution, and operational efficiency of different biodigester systems across the country. The CCAC is therefore seeking a National Expert on Biodigesters for Manure Management, to develop a comprehensive inventory of anaerobic digestion systems. The objective is to identify and document the deployment of these technologies in bovine Livestock Production Units (LPUs) –specifically larger scale operations, i.e. over 100 breeding females-, as well as among Livestock Service Providers (LSPs, that include feedlot operators, trades etc.). This national inventory of biodigesters will provide critical data to optimize methane recovery, to assess their methane emission mitigation potential, and to evaluate their national level impact on greenhouse gas reduction. This information will serve as a baseline to support decision-making and policy formulation, to develop methane reduction strategies and to define a realistic increase in methane ambition for Mexico’s NDC update (NDC 3.0) based on evidence. The assignment includes conducting field visits to various locations within the national territory in order to apply the data collection tool to a small sample of producers, and to verify its operation (pilot test). These trips, along with associated expenses (including transportation, accommodation, per diems, and other related costs) are accounted for within the total approved budget of the consultancy. Possible trips to Chiapas, Veracruz, Durango, Coahuila, Estado de México y Queretaro have been identified. The trips will be defined in consultation with the consultant and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the basis of project requirements. Outputs: (a) Data collection tool validated by national authorities, for the inventory of biodigesters to bovine manure management in larger LPUs and LSPs. (b) Pilot test report to adjust data collection tool, detailing the methodology used. (c) Biodigesters Inventory: database of biodigesters used for bovine manure management in large LPUs and LSPs. The database should include, but is not limited to: Coordinates of location (lat/long) - Type of technology - Date of installation and time of use - Biodigester efficiency - Operational status - Feedstock - Maintenance frequency - Costs (installation, operation, maintenance) (d) The database must include a “Data Dictionary” that explains the meanings of the database variables. (f) General findings report: spatial distribution patterns, gaps, and opportunities for scaling up the biodigesters for livestock manure management, including recommendations for integrating livestock manure management biodigesters as methane mitigation strategies into national and sub-national policies, and NDC 3.0. (g) Proposal for the maintenance and updating of the national inventory of biodigesters for livestock manure management. Qualifications/special skills- Bachelor´s degree in veterinary zoo-technician, agricultural engineering, biology or a related field is required. Postgraduate studies is desirable. - At least four years of professional experience in livestock production systems and relevant areas to manure management is required. - Experience in data collection analysis, and inventory development is required. - Excellent written and spoken communication skills is required. - Fieldwork experience in surveying and stakeholder consultations is required. - Familiarity with livestock manure management technologies is desirable. - A good knowledge of the national context of livestock production and national environmental policy is desirable. Languages- Fluency in Spanish (written and spoken) is required. Basic level in English (written) is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.