Result of Service

The consultant will develop methods for detection and accurate quantification of methane emissions detected from high-resolution satellites.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UN Environment Programme (Mitigation Branch) hosts the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). IMEO is a data-driven, action-focused UNEP initiative that takes an innovative approach to address the methane emissions problem by collecting, integrating, and reconciling data from different sources, including scientific measurement studies, satellites, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national inventories. IMEO will create a global public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions, with an initial focus on fossil fuel sources and will interconnect data with actions on research, reporting, and regulation. This will catalyse deep reductions in human-made methane emissions and serve the rapidly growing ecosystem of governments, companies, investors, researchers, NGOs and other entities engaging in this crucial climate challenge. A remote sensing scientist is needed to improve the existing methods of detecting methane emissions from satellites, and to develop new algorithms adapted to new space missions capable of providing methane information, concretely in the MARS project, as this information is an elementary data stream of IMEO. The remote sensing scientist will develop methods for the detection and quantification of methane emissions from satellite data. The focus will be on active and upcoming high-resolution missions, from which the detection of plumes and the attribution to single sources is possible. These methods shall be implemented in operational satellite data processing workflows in IMEO. The consultant should also conduct research to better understand the opportunities and limits of each satellite mission, as well as the uncertainty sources associated to the measurements. The consultant will work closely with data scientists and remote sensing analysts in the IMEO scientific group.

Qualifications/special skills

PhD in Engineering, Physics, Remote Sensing or equivalent Experience with the processing of optical remote sensing data, including both imaging spectrometers (PRISMA, EnMAP) and multispectral instruments (Sentinel-2, Landsat) (required) Experience on methane plume simulations (e.g. WRF-LES) (required) Experience on the estimation of uncertainties in remote sensing data products. (required) Experience with project coordination is preferred.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

The consultant will support IMEO in the implementation of the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) and IMEO Methane Data platform by developing methods for the detection and accurate quantification of point source methane emissions detected from satellites. The remote sensing scientist will conduct research to find the best methods to exploit the information available from methane-sensitive satellites and provide the required data to the data analysts to perform the case study analyses. The consultant will: -Develop methods to map local methane concentrations using hyper- and multispectral high resolution remote sensing data, with the associated uncertainty. -Develop methods to detect and quantify methane plumes from satellite-based methane concentration enhancement maps. -Implement methods for the validation of plume detection and quantification, including simulations, controlled release campaigns, and cross-comparison with data from satellites. -To cross-check the information provided by third parties in order to assess its accuracy and reliability. -Assist in the design and implementation of different measurement campaigns performed at IMEO. -Independently support other “rapid response” and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis. Performance indicators will be the following: -The effectiveness and management of the work. -Quality, reliability, and pertinence of gathered information. -Usefulness and quality of the information and recommendations provided to UNEP staff. -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 the 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.