Project Scientist – II (Urban Heat Expert)

The result of services is to support UNEP cities in achieving extreme heat resilience. Service is required in carrying out Urban Heat Assessments in 50 cities in India, following UNEP-CEPT UHIE Assessment methodology. This will include urban heat island effect assessments and approaches to adapt cities to rising temperatures, including providing medium- and long-term adaptation and mitigation strategies such as increasing nature-based solutions, cool surfaces, shaded and pervious surfaces and other passive cooling approaches into the city heat governance and local action plans.

India, remote

12 months

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's Climate Change Division has as objective to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. Its work is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, and alignment to global climate goals and needs of individual countries. The Climate Change Division works with Member States and partners to accelerate and support a just transition by addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation through enhancing implementation capacity, provision of data, information and knowledge, access to finance and technology, and building resilience. It promotes sustainable development and effective policies for climate stability; supports action so that countries progress on decarbonization, dematerialization and resilience pathways in line with their climate commitments, aspirations and needs; and fosters transparency in reporting. The Cool Coalition is a UNEP-led global multi-stakeholder platform that supports governments, cities, businesses and international partners to deliver sustainable cooling solutions that advance climate mitigation, climate resilience, air quality, energy access and sustainable development goals. The Cool Coalition is part of the Climate Change Division under the Cooling and Buildings Unit, Sectoral Transformation Section. The consultant’s assignment is to provide technical expertise to national and subnational implementation activities on sustainable urban cooling in India (urban design, passive cooling, district cooling) including direct technical support to subnational governments and real estate developers; development of knowledge products, tools, training material and communication pieces. Consultant will be part of the Buildings and Cooling Unit of the Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Specifically, they are needed to support the delivery of UNEP’s India Cooling Programme which is being implemented by UNEP under the framework of the Cool Coalition.

The consultant should have PhD or Post Doctoral with post graduate qualification in environment planning, urban planning, Climate Science, Urban meteorology, energy engineering or related field. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a relevant field of work, preferably with a focus on extreme heat, cooling, urban & environment planning, and climate science. Practical experience in India is essential in scientific assessments, climate analysis, urban heat island analysis and city engagement. Experience in working with diverse research, academic and international organizations is essential. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of Hindi is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.

Not available.