IMEO Early Career Remote Research Assistant with UNEP
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority dedicated to addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. UNEP is offering an exciting career opportunity for an Early Career Research Assistant within its International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). This is a remote position and is aimed at individuals interested in contributing to innovative climate change solutions, particularly focusing on methane emissions. As an integral part of UNEP’s methane initiative, the research assistant will be responsible for supporting the development of an extensive global database of methane emissions data. This position provides a rare opportunity to engage with key global data streams and will play a crucial role in advancing global efforts to mitigate methane emissions and combat climate change.
IMEO, a UNEP initiative, aims to tackle the global methane emissions challenge by aggregating and reconciling data from a wide range of sources, including scientific studies, satellites, and industry reports. The goal of this initiative is to produce a global, publicly accessible dataset of empirically verified methane emissions, focusing initially on fossil fuel sources and then expanding to other sectors emitting methane. The data gathered will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of methane emissions on a global scale and help inform regulations, research, and policy-making efforts.
As a Remote Research Assistant, your primary responsibility will be to support IMEO’s data integration activities. This includes researching and synthesizing data from scientific literature to create a robust database that will support IMEO’s efforts to reduce methane emissions worldwide. The position offers an opportunity to work with international teams and contribute to groundbreaking environmental work while gaining valuable experience in the field of atmospheric sciences and data management.
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Tasks
The Early Career Research Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks centered around the aggregation and analysis of scientific literature and data related to methane emissions. These tasks are integral to the ongoing development of the Methane Science Study Database, a key component of the IMEO data platform.
1. Data Aggregation and Analysis
- Research Scientific Literature: The assistant will research and aggregate methane-related data from published scientific studies across different fields of methane science. This includes remote sensing, source-level measurements, site-level campaigns, and methane emission inventories.
- Summarize Key Parameters: Once the studies are reviewed, the assistant will summarize key parameters, methodologies, techniques, and significant findings from each study. These summaries will then be inputted into the pre-formatted database to ensure consistency and usability.
2. Data Entry and Database Management
- Data Input: The primary task involves entering the summarized data into the IMEO database following defined protocols. This includes filling in fields with critical study details, emission data, and other relevant metrics, ensuring the accuracy and clarity of each data entry.
- Enhance Database Structure: The assistant will collaborate with the IMEO team to review the existing database structure, offering suggestions to improve its organization and interpretability. This could include proposing changes to data fields, categorization methods, or entry protocols to ensure easier access and understanding of the data.
3. Collaboration with IMEO Science Team
- Identify Relevant Studies: Work closely with the IMEO science team to identify additional studies and data sources that could enhance the database. This includes tracking new literature, identifying gaps in data, and ensuring that the database remains up-to-date with the latest research.
- Assist in Database Expansion: The research assistant will actively contribute to expanding the database by sourcing studies from academic journals, research papers, government reports, and other reliable sources. The aim is to ensure that the database becomes as comprehensive and globally representative as possible.
4. Reporting and Communication
- Update Team Regularly: The assistant will maintain regular communication with the UNEP team, providing updates on the status of their work, progress on data entry tasks, and suggestions for improving database management. The speed and effectiveness of this communication will be key performance indicators for the position.
- Feedback and Reporting: Provide constructive feedback to help optimize data entry processes, and support the team in resolving any challenges that arise during the database development phase.
5. Contribute to Methane Science Study Development
- Engage with Methane Studies: The assistant will also assist the team in identifying and interpreting additional methane science studies that are critical to understanding anthropogenic methane emissions. This involves exploring studies from a variety of sectors beyond oil and gas, such as agriculture, waste management, and other industries.
IMEO Early Career Remote Research Assistant with UNEP
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have a BA or BS in atmospheric sciences, engineering, geology, or a related field. A strong educational background in environmental science or a related discipline is essential for this role, providing a foundation for understanding methane science and emissions data.
Experience
- Relevant Work or Research Experience: At least one year of relevant experience in a scientific or research-related role is preferred. This could include experience with atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), emissions inventories, or working with scientific literature on methane emissions.
- Familiarity with Methane Emissions: Ideal candidates will have familiarity with methane emissions and their sources, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, and waste management. A background in atmospheric science or a similar field will be highly beneficial.
- Data Compilation Experience: Experience with data compilation, databases, or data management systems is preferred, as the job involves frequent data entry and database management.
- Scientific Literature Familiarity: Candidates should also have experience in reading and interpreting scientific literature related to methane emissions and climate change. The ability to understand complex studies and summarize key data points is crucial.
Skills
- Strong Communication Skills: As part of the role, the assistant will need to collaborate with a global team, so strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. The ability to present complex ideas clearly and concisely is a key skill.
- Attention to Detail: The assistant must be able to carefully review scientific literature and input data into a structured database with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in English: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Candidates with proficiency in additional languages will have a competitive edge but is not mandatory.
Additional Information
- Duration: The position is expected to last for 6 months with the potential for an extension based on performance and project needs.
- Location: This is a remote position, offering flexibility to work from anywhere. However, candidates must be able to work in close coordination with the UNEP team based in Paris.
- Compensation: This is a consultancy role. As with all positions within the UN system, there are no fees charged at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to apply without any concerns regarding fees or financial transactions.
- Performance Indicators: The effectiveness of this role will be evaluated based on:
- The speed and quality of data entry.
- The accuracy and completeness of the methane emissions database.
- Communication and collaboration with the UNEP team, ensuring smooth coordination of tasks.
The work you do in this role will directly contribute to IMEO’s mission to close the knowledge gaps in methane emissions data and support global efforts to reduce emissions, a key element in combating climate change. Your contributions will provide critical support for governments, companies, researchers, and organizations around the world working to address the methane emissions challenge.
If you are passionate about environmental science and data management, this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a global effort aimed at combating climate change.
