Maritime Emissions and MRV Consultant, Vanuatu
Result of Service
UNEP is supporting the Government of Vanuatu to update air quality and maritime emissions data, strengthen inventory systems and Measurement, Reporting, Verification (MRV) approaches, identify sectoral mitigation pathways, and develop national and sectoral recommendations for air quality and maritime-related emissions management. Vanuatu is advancing efforts to reduce emissions from the land transport and maritime sectors, supported by the establishment of the National Air Quality Taskforce and initial steps to coordinate mitigation policy. This assignment builds on that progress by mobilizing UNEP’s institutional and technical expertise in air quality management, maritime emissions, and MRV system development across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Through the CBIT Fiji project, UNEP developed a GHG inventory system, institutional arrangements under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, and academic partnerships to embed long-term MRV capacity; in the Maldives, UNEP led the establishment of national tracking systems for mitigation and climate finance, reinforcing transparency under the Paris Agreement. These models will guide Vanuatu’s institutional setup and emissions data systems, together with UNEP’s ongoing electric mobility initiative in Vanuatu. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES • An updated and validated maritime SLCP and GHG emissions inventory for Vanuatu, including supporting calculation files and a practical maritime MRV baseline. • Technical maritime mitigation, policy and action-plan recommendations, informed by stakeholder consultations, to support subsequent development of the National GHG Strategy for Maritime and Shipping.
Work Location
Remote Based
Expected duration
12 Months
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP works with Member States and partners to improve environmental governance, reduce emissions, strengthen climate mitigation, and support evidence-based policy development and implementation. The overall objective of the Industry and Economy Division of UNEP is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, practices, and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals, and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices, and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. Within UNEP, the Sustainable Mobility Unit supports countries in advancing low- and zero-emission transport solutions, improving air quality, and reducing climate and short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emissions from transport systems. This consultancy is delivered under project VU-25-001, “Enhance and develop air quality, emissions standards and national strategies in transport and maritime and shipping sectors”, and under a Climate and Clean Air Coalition-supported programme in Vanuatu. The SMU seeks to engage a Maritime Emissions and MRV Consultant to support delivery of the maritime components of this programme. Under the supervision of the Asia-Pacific Regional Mobility Lead, Ms. Yeonju Jeong, and in close consultation with relevant SMU colleagues and project partners, the consultant is expected to deliver the following results: Activity 1.1.1 – Collect air quality and maritime emissions data; Activity 1.1.3 – Conduct maritime sector emissions assessment and produce updated maritime SLCP and GHG inventory; Activity 1.1.4 – Validate updated air-quality and maritime inventories; and Activity 2.1.1 – Conduct multi-stakeholder consultations and technical review of maritime assessment findings to identify maritime GHG mitigation pathways of the approved workplan.
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in maritime studies, maritime engineering, naval architecture, marine/environmental engineering, transport planning, environmental policy, or a related field. Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in maritime studies, maritime engineering, naval architecture, marine/environmental engineering, transport planning, environmental policy is required. At least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in maritime transport, shipping, port operations, maritime environmental management, or related fields, including substantial experience in maritime GHG and/or air pollutant emissions analysis, inventory development, and MRV system design is required. Demonstrated experience supporting governments, international organizations, or regional bodies on maritime decarbonization strategies, technical assessments, or regulatory or policy measures aligned with IMO frameworks is required. Proven experience drafting senior-level technical reports, strategy documents, or policy recommendations for public-sector or intergovernmental audiences is required. Experience in small island developing states, Pacific contexts, or comparable developing country settings is desirable. Strong knowledge of maritime emissions sources, inventory methodologies, and MRV systems is desirable. Familiarity with IMO decarbonization frameworks and maritime mitigation options is desirable. Excellent technical writing, analytical, presentation, and stakeholder facilitation skills is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Additional Information
Not available.
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.