Air Quality Analyst (India)

Result of Service The assessment and coordination capacity will deliver a pathway to better implementation of air quality programs: - The activities will build air quality management coordination capacity in India - The assessment will serve as a platform for analyzing and synthesizing the most up-to-date and policy relevant information for policy and decision making in relation to improving air quality, which will energize existing efforts and build upon established governmental processes, including Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) activities.

Work Location India

Expected duration 3.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities Air pollution is one of the biggest health risks in India. Addressing the problem effectively requires reliable, regular, systematic and authoritative assessments to inform both policy development and successful implementation.

Air quality is an important issue for cities across India, as they develop rapidly, and many emission sources remain largely unconstrained. Pollutant emissions and consequently air pollutant concentrations are unnecessarily large due to lack of knowledge, planning, or poor enforcement. Importantly, a large proportion of the poorer parts of the population across India is still dependent on the use of solid biomass for cooking and heating and impacts to health are largely attributed to exposure from particles and gases originating from these sources, disproportionately affecting women and children, in both urban and rural areas.

While availability of ambient air quality concentrations and air pollutant emissions data remains an issue in India, in recent years there has been a significant increase in the interest, ambition and resourcing of work being done in India on air quality. Such data can now be harnessed to review progress towards meeting the requirements of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and give an overview of previous and current policies, and future policy actions and other interventions that could achieve safe air quality levels–with numerous other benefits.

The assignment contributes to two parts—production of a regular assessment report that gives an overview of the air quality status of India, and, secondly, coordination with multiple stakeholders for the mapping of the current and future initiatives with an aim to align efforts and funding.

An important aspect of the assessment process is undertaking it in close consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), this way providing also additional capacity to CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to tackle air pollution.

a) Air quality progress report compilation, drafting and finalization - The report will be compiled in consultation with TERI, CERCA, UNEP, CCAC Secretariat and stakeholders, especially CPCB. - Emphasis of the report will be to present the annual trends of chosen indicators in air quality in recent years. - The report would address any data and information gaps as well as opportunities and prescribe recommendations for the way forward.

b) Field coordination - Day-to-day coordination with stakeholders will be undertaken to map out and align initiatives, efforts and funding in the area of air quality management, and to include information obtained thereby, as relevant, in the process of producing the report.

Qualifications/special skills Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering or related field. - Minimum of five-year Post Master’s professional experience in the field of environment. - A solid understanding of air pollution emissions reduction policies, air quality data, air quality standards and regulations in India. - Environmental assessment experience from India. - Experience dealing with developing countries and international institutions is an asset. - Experience working with the Central Pollution Control Board in India desirable. - Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable but not mandatory. - Familiarity with project management tools and reporting cycles. - Experience in the usage of analytical tools and software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems. - Experience in the usage of social media platforms, computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems;

Languages For the post advertised fluency in oral and written English and Hindi is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.

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.