Result of Service

The consultant will develop and maintain connections in governments in Central Asia in support of the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS).

Work Location

Remote, based in Central Asia

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-focused, action-oriented 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. MARS will be comprised of four components: 1. Component 1 – Detect & Localize / Attribute & Analyze 2. Component 2 – Alert & Notify 3. Component 3 – Assess & Mitigate 4. Component 4 – Track & Coordinate IMEO seeks a Case Lead for Central Asia to support the management of the notification process of Component 2 and coordination, alongside partner organizations, of Component 3. The Case Lead will develop and maintain contact lists of stakeholders in Central Asia, will collaborate with partners to notify this list when an event is detected, and will work with contacts to receive feedback and share with the IMEO team. In particular, the Case Lead will support ongoing work in Turkmenistan. UNEP’s IMEO is in the process of organizing a work program, in collaboration with the Government of Turkmenistan and other regional partners. The Case Lead will support strategy development and implementation, including interfacing with government officials on technical topics, coordinating with partners on shared priorities, and managing delivery and follow-up on projects and initiatives.

Qualifications/special skills

Masters degree in energy/environment, policy, international relations, or a related field At least five years of experience working in government, industry or related fields in Central Asia, preferably Turkmenistan Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks effectively and on time. Works collaboratively with colleagues in the IMEO team to achieve organizational goals; is willing to learn from others; Supports and acts following final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

Languages

Be fluent in written and spoken English, with a near-native level of Russian. Other languages, particularly Turkmen, are useful.

Additional Information

The consultant will support IMEO in the implementation of MARS by managing a region for engagement in the notification and mitigation processes. The consultant will also support country engagement on other IMEO priorities. MARS: • Develop and maintain contact lists for countries within Central Asia, 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 Methane Science Studies: • Work with the science team to identify regions and countries that may be feasible for scientific measurement study • Engage stakeholders to present opportunity and agree to collaborate with IMEO on science studies • Support the collection of location data, acquisition of flight permits, and other items necessary for the successful completion of scientific studies Other engagement: • Support the deployment of IMEO’s methane mitigation training series in the region • Collaborate with the implementation team on follow-up actions with governments • Engage relevant government and NOC contacts to encourage membership to the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 Performance indicators will be the following: • The effectiveness and management of the work • Speediness and quality of emails and communications with UNEP staff. The consultant will work in close consultation with the UN Environment Programme Paris Office. The outputs need to be accepted by UNEP to be considered satisfactory.

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.