Technical Air Quality Expert, at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• This consultancy is managed by UNEP’s Early Warning and Assessment Division. The Early Warning and Assessment Division is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information, and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. In response to requests from the Member States, the Climate Services and Capacity Building Unit builds country capacities in the collection, management, and use of environmental and climate data, information, and knowledge for early warning, planning, policymaking, preparedness, and response actions.
• The International Consultant, Climate Information Services, will report to the Chief, Big Data branch of the Early Warning and Assessment Division, UNEP, based in Nairobi

Under the general supervision of the Programme Coordinator in the Early Warning and Assessment Division, UNEP, based in Nairobi, Kenya. the specific duties and responsibilities of the incumbent will be as follows:

The consultant will implement activities related to Establishing an air quality monitoring framework in Timor Leste under sub-Activity 2.3.2 as follows;

Responsibilities:

• Develop an air quality monitoring framework: Design and establish a comprehensive framework for air quality monitoring, including protocols for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Collaborate with local authorities to ensure co-location and effective coordination.
• Establish a hybrid monitoring system: Implement a hybrid ambient air quality monitoring system combining low-cost sensors for PM2.5/PM10, NO2 diffusion tubes, and reference-grade particle counters. Overlay the system with MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data for enhanced accuracy.
• Conduct technical training and capacity building: Deliver in-country technical training programs to enhance the understanding and application of air quality monitoring information and datasets. Provide training on data management, quality assurance, and reporting to local stakeholders and authorities.
• Develop a customized mobile application: Collaborate with the project team to develop a mobile application that disseminates hyperlocal air pollution forecasts, warning alerts, health impact advisories, and advocacy. Ensure the application is user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Engage stakeholders and conduct workshops: Organize and facilitate stakeholder engagement workshops to increase awareness of air pollution sources, related health risks, and appropriate actions to mitigate impacts. Promote understanding of the link between air quality and biodiversity/ecosystem health.

Qualifications/special skills
Academic:

• An advanced university degree (master’s or Higher) in environmental science, climate change, Electrical Engineering or a similar related field is required.

Experience:

• At least five years experience in air quality monitoring and infrastructure development required.
• In-depth knowledge of air pollution, including the impact of climate change on air quality is required.
• Strong understanding of monitoring methodologies, including low-cost sensors, satellite data integration, and reference-grade instruments is required.
• Experience in developing monitoring frameworks, protocols, and quality assurance procedures is required.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, including the use of relevant software tools is required.
• Familiarity with mobile application development and its integration with air quality data is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders is required.
• Prior experience in delivering technical training and capacity building programs with UNEP is required.
• Knowledge of Timor-Leste's environmental context and air quality challenges is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language is desirable.