UNEP is Hiring: IMEO Data Engineer for Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) – Paris | Apply by August 10, 2025

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a skilled Data Engineer to support the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) — a groundbreaking initiative to track and mitigate methane emissions in real time. This consultancy role is based in Paris, France, and offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of data science, environmental action, and international policy.

If you are a data engineer passionate about climate innovation, this is your opportunity to create real, global impact.

🔍 Job Overview

• Job Title: IMEO Data Engineer – Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)

• Organization: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

• Duty Station: Paris, France

• Contract Type: Consultant (Non-staff)

• Application Deadline: August 10, 2025

• Compensation: Competitive UN consultancy rate

🧪 Background

The International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a flagship initiative under UNEP designed to reduce methane emissions globally. Its MARS program integrates satellite data, industry reporting, and field measurements to track methane leaks and drive rapid mitigation action.

As part of Component 2 of MARS, the IMEO Data Engineer will oversee and enhance data systems for notifications, response tracking, stakeholder engagement, and mitigation impact.

🎯 Responsibilities

• Database Development: Build and maintain robust, scalable databases supporting MARS activities.

• System Enhancement: Improve data flow between stakeholders, satellite sources, and internal platforms like Eye on Methane.

• Data Analysis & Feedback: Analyze response patterns to methane alerts and contribute insights to support mitigation policy.

• Collaboration: Partner with scientific, policy, and technical teams to ensure data consistency and system interoperability.

• Security & Scalability: Implement secure and reliable data systems that adhere to UNEP and UN data governance.

• Documentation: Develop technical documentation and translate findings for diverse stakeholders including NGOs, governments, and UN leadership.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to system audits and feature upgrades based on evolving climate and tech landscapes.

UNEP Is Hiring: IMEO Data Engineer

🎓 Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:

  • Data Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Data Science

  • Environmental Informatics or related fields

• A Bachelor’s degree plus additional years of experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in data engineering, analytics, or systems development.

• Strong track record working with large, multi-source datasets.

• Familiarity with climate data, satellite integration, and emission tracking is a plus.

• Proficiency in Python, SQL, cloud-based environments (AWS, GCP, Azure), and modern data visualization tools.

• Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary, international teams.

• Previous work with government agencies, NGOs, or UN systems is an asset.

🌐 Language Requirements

• English: Required (working language of UNEP)

• Other UN languages: Advantageous (especially French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian)

📍 Duty Station

• Paris, France
  This is a consultancy position. Applicants must be able to work legally in France or via remote contract terms approved by UNEP.

📅 Contract Details

• Type: UN Consultancy (non-staff)

• Fees: No application or recruitment fees.

🟢 Why This Role Matters

Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years. Rapid reductions in methane emissions are essential for near-term climate action. Through MARS, UNEP is leading the charge — and you can help build the systems that power this global response.

📩 How to Apply

Apply via the official UN Careers Portal:

🔗 UNEP Job Application – IMEO Data Engineer (Job Opening)

Deadline: August 10, 2025