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.

The OGMP is a multi-stakeholder partnership working to improve methane emissions reporting. The updated reporting framework (OGMP 2.0) launched in November 2020, is the most ambitious and comprehensive reporting framework for methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Member companies will report on methane emissions levels from all material sources across the entire oil and gas value chain, including both operated and non-operated assets. OGMP 2.0 is a comprehensive measurement-based methane reporting framework that standardises rigorous and transparent emissions accounting practices.

OGMP reported data will be integrated by the International Methane Emissions Observatory with other data streams (remote sensing data, scientific measurements data, national inventories). A senior technical lead is needed to provide technical guidance and support to the OGMP 2.0 team and member companies regarding methane measurement and mitigation methods.

The OGMP 2.0 Senior Technical Lead oversees the work of the technical task forces on the development of new technical guidance documents; guidelines on uncertainty and reconciliation; and methane detection, quantification, and mitigation technologies and methodologies. The incumbent will lead the engagement of mid and downstream companies into the Partnership and will be the primary point of contact for current and prospective OGMP 2.0 companies from the mid and downstream segments. The OGMP 2.0 Senior Technical Lead will review implementation plans submitted by the companies and provide technical support and feedback to OGMP member companies to assist their reporting. S/he will oversee the organization of the technical experience-sharing workshop from a substantive point of view (develop agenda, identify speakers, review draft presentations from speakers). S/he will support relevant methane science studies coordinated by IMEO.

The OGMP 2.0 Senior Technical Lead will perform the following tasks:

1. Lead OGPM 2.0 technical work:

• Provide technical advice to OGMP 2.0 manager and to companies on implementation plans, methane emissions sources, quantification methodologies and technologies.
• Develop written inputs and feedback on deliverables produced by the Task Forces, with focus on mid and downstream sources.
• Provide technical input to the agenda of the OGMP 2.0 annual conference and technical experience-sharing workshops.
• Develop additional guidance to support OGMP 2.0 company meet reporting requirements.
• Participate in technical calls with current and interested companies.
• Train and lead a team of technical experts.

2. Engagement of mid and downstream companies in the OGMP 2.0:

• Identify opportunities to promote the OGMP 2.0 to mid and downstream companies, with a view to recruit companies in the OGMP 2.0.
• Contribute to the development of outreach materials targeted to the mid and downstream segments.

3. Review, analysis and aggregation of OGMP gas midstream and downstream companies’ annual reports covering:

• Review of the company’s implementation plans.
• Review of technologies methodologies used by OGMP companies, representativeness of collected samples assessed the robustness of reconciliation processes.
• Contribute to the development and update of the IMEO methane data platform.

4. Engage in third-party initiatives to ensure alignment with OGMP2.0 (e.g. Global MMRV Framework, SBTi for the Oil and Gas sector, MiQ certification scheme).

5. Participate in OGMP 2.0 Steering Group, Task Forces and Advisory Group meetings.

6. Contribute technical expertise on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector (mid/downstream) to the methane science studies performed by IMEO, as relevant.

Education

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) preferably in environmental sciences or engineering or other relevant fields is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in the abovementioned fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in the oil and gas sector is required.
• Familiarity with methane emissions sources detection and quantification methodologies and technologies, and mitigation of methane emissions is required.
• Experience with midstream and downstream operations is desirable.
• Demonstrated quantitative skills and experience in performing rigorous analyses and summarizing technical data for a variety of audiences are desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA-3 / ICS-11
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations ICA contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer.aspx

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