Result of Service

Integration of satellite data into the main data system and develop tools to facilitate the analysis and management of geospatial data.

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. A remote sensing data engineer is needed to support IMEO in its implementation of the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), the first system connecting near-real-time satellite detections of methane emissions with notifications to stakeholders on the ground. The engineer is needed to support the integration of different satellite data and develop tools to facilitate geospatial data analysis and management. The consultant’s main task will be to improve MARS’ internal methane emissions analysis and monitoring tool, which is mainly based on data from multiple satellites and different geodatabases. The consultant will support the correct operation of the MARS alerts system, develop functionalities to facilitate data analysis, implement new tools in the system, optimize processes, and assist the technical needs of MARS data analysts and case managers. The consultant will also ensure that data collected internally is correctly displayed on the IMEO public portal and keep it updated.

Qualifications/special skills

At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data engineering, remote sensing, or a related field. Minimum of three years of proven experience in the development of data processing, analysis, and visualization tools, preferably focused on high-resolution satellite remote sensing data. Knowledge of high-resolution satellite remote sensing and atmospheric plume detection will be an asset, as well as deep learning and AI-based models.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Objectives • Improve internal MARS tools for geospatial data management and analysis. • Create new functions to exploit and store satellite data efficiently • Support the ingestion of new satellite and spatial sensor data • Assist different IMEO groups that need internal MARS data Output Expectations • MARS analysis tools: at the beginning of the contract, the consultant will be provided with a list of tasks to be implemented, including developing specific data analysis functions, creating tables and connections for the integration and interconnection of new satellite and space sensor data, and optimizing the data stream between the different tools that IMEO-MARS uses. • Export internal data: the consultant shall provide the different IMEO members not experts in satellite data or without access to the internal MARS databases with the information they need in the required formats, e.g., time series of emissions in a particular region, plume figures, location of identified emission sources, etc. Performance Indicators • The tasks assigned to the consultant will have implementation deadlines that the consultant will be expected to meet. • The new tools and functions developed should be intuitive for analysts to use and gather feedback and approval from MARS and data team members. For this, good communication and close interaction with the team members will be essential • In case new needs come up in the MARS team, the consultant is expected to have the ability to adapt to new plans and ideas

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.