IMEO MARS Remote Sensing Lead

Result of Service

Coordinate the satellite component of MARS and support IMEO's remote sensing activities.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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. UNEP’s IMEO launched the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) to further IMEO’s mission. MARS is the first global system connecting satellite detections of major methane emissions to notification processes directly to the stakeholders who can act to reduce emissions. A methane remote sensing expert is needed to lead the MARS satellite component and provide deep satellite expertise for science studies, including coal and baseline studies, as well as advise the broader team on satellite-related requests. The main tasks of the consultant will be to lead the analysis of methane retrievals from high spatial resolution satellite images for the MARS alert system, oversee the ingestion of data from different satellites into the internal system (the Plume Viewer) of MARS, and coordinate remote sensing activities internally at IMEO (including MARS work, science studies, coal and baseline studies), and by partners working with IMEO. The consultant will work closely with the data management team to define the analysis tools that need to be developed or improved in the system. He/she will ensure that the data collected by analysts are correctly connected with the different databases available to IMEO and the information from the other IMEO groups. The consultant will also oversee the quality control of the data exported to the public portal and of the data provided by the partners. In addition, the consultant will be the point of contact for scientific projects with satellite components, providing guidance and ensuring partner’s deliverable reach the expected quality level. Finally, the consultant will lead the technical documentation of MARS and advise on requests from other IMEO teams on satellite-related issues.

Qualifications/special skills

At least a postgraduate diploma in engineering, remote sensing, or equivalent. Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience in high-resolution satellite remote sensing focused on point source methane emission detection. Knowledge in geospatial data, technical knowledge of civil satellite data and operation, and detection of methane emissions from high and moderate-resolution satellites and space sensors is required. Knowledge of the main sources of methane emissions. Knowledge of the oil and gas sector, coal mines, and landfill operations. Previous experience working within the UN system will be an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required for this position. Working knowledge of any other languages will be an asset.

Additional Information

Objectives and output expectations: • Efficiently coordinate the MARS Component 1 team and remote sensing work with the other IMEO teams. • Analyze high-resolution satellite methane data for the MARS alert system, ensure that all detected plumes are notified, and perform country-level analysis as needed by IMEO. • Interconnect methane plumes detected by MARS from satellite systems with other databases. • Coordinate with MARS partners. • Support science and baseline studies in their satellite components. • Keep the wider IMEO group informed about MARS activities and cases of interest. • Implement the pilot of MARS notifications from coal mines. • Perform quality control of the plumes detected by MARS. • Research: In-depth research of case studies of interest. • Documentation: write and keep MARS technical documentation updated.

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.