UNEP is Seeking an IMEO Data Engineer: Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) – Apply Before 10 August 2025

Job Opening ID: 261309
Duty Station: Paris, France
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Deadline: August 10, 2025

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a highly skilled Data Engineer to join the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) and support the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS). This role is central to the advancement and optimization of data management within IMEO’s MARS initiative, particularly focusing on Component 2, which involves stakeholder notifications, feedback, and actions following methane emission events.

About IMEO and MARS

The International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven initiative designed to accelerate significant reductions in methane emissions, the second largest contributor to climate change. Methane represents a critical near-term mitigation opportunity due to its potent impact on global warming. IMEO’s mission is to provide open, reliable, and actionable data that supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement and contributes to global climate goals.

IMEO integrates multiple data sources, including satellite observations, scientific studies, industry reporting under the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0), and national greenhouse gas inventories, to generate an accurate and trusted picture of methane emissions worldwide. As a key partner in the Global Methane Pledge, IMEO plays a leading role in shaping and accelerating global methane mitigation efforts.

The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) leverages these data streams to identify major emission events, trace their sources, and deliver actionable insights to governments, companies, and other stakeholders. Through MARS, IMEO ensures rapid identification and response to methane leaks, supporting informed policy-making and operational improvements in emissions management.

Role and Responsibilities

The Data Engineer will primarily contribute to MARS Component 2, focusing on data related to notifications, feedback, and stakeholder actions following detected methane events. These data are essential for measuring progress in mitigating methane emissions and for improving coordination with stakeholders, particularly within the oil and gas sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and maintaining MARS databases, ensuring high-quality, accurate, and reliable data.
• Supporting the development and enhancement of MARS data systems to accommodate growing datasets and evolving analytical requirements.
• Tracking and analyzing stakeholder responses to MARS notifications, providing actionable insights to internal teams and external partners.
• Coordinating with multiple technical and policy-oriented teams to ensure seamless data integration across IMEO platforms, including the Eye on Methane Platform.
• Responding to internal and external data requests, producing analyses that inform decision-making, policy development, and global reporting.
• Ensuring robust, scalable, and secure data management practices in line with UNEP standards.
• Collaborating closely with data scientists, analysts, and technical officers to continuously improve MARS functionality and data reliability.

The consultant will report to the Acting Head of IMEO and the Programme Management Officer in UNEP’s Climate Change Division.

Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. A minimum of four years of professional experience in data analysis, database management, or data engineering is required. The candidate should have proven experience managing large datasets, integrating data from multiple sources, and coordinating efforts across technical and policy teams. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data visualization tools are highly desirable.

Additional competencies include:

• Ability to design and implement database solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
• Experience in coordinating with governmental and industry stakeholders.
• Capacity to translate complex technical data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with a track record of working in multidisciplinary teams.

Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of additional UN languages is an asset.

Contract and Application Details
This is a consultancy position under the United Nations Environment Programme, with no application fee. The contract duration and terms will be aligned with UNEP policies. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline of August 10, 2025.

This role represents an exciting opportunity for data professionals passionate about climate action, emissions reduction, and sustainable environmental management. By joining IMEO and contributing to MARS, the selected candidate will play a critical role in advancing global methane mitigation efforts and supporting data-driven climate policies.

Visit official website

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.