IMEO Methane Remote Sensing Specialist

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of service will be expansion and improvement of IMEO’s analysis and integration of area source methane emissions data from satellites. Work LocationRemote Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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, and 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’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) harnesses satellite data to provide direct notifications of major methane emissions events in the oil and gas sector. Through MARS, IMEO integrates satellite data with other industry databases to identify potential operators and emissions sources to provide actionable information to stakeholders on the ground. The consultant will work on generating global flux inversions by country to obtain total annual methane emission products for each country and will investigate how to incorporate point-source emissions into flux inversions. The consultant will be responsible for detailed analysis on MARS data, specifically to compare point source emissions to area source emissions. Finally, the consultant will advise on the use of data from new area or low-resolution satellites such as GOSAT-GW, CO2M, or MERLIN, and assist with their integration. Qualifications/special skills- A PhD in chemistry, physics, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, or a related field. - At least 5 years of experience in atmospheric science, data assimilation, or satellite remote sensing. - Proven skills in flux inversion modeling and handling of satellite-based methane datasets. - Knowledge of area-mapping instruments (e.g., TROPOMI, MethaneSAT) and methane point-source detection. - Ability to work independently and produce high-quality, policy-relevant outputs. - Familiarity with Python, scientific computing, and satellite data processing is an asset. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, experience in scientific data analysis and visualisation, and satellite data processing. LanguagesEnglish and French are working languages for the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. 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.