Result of ServiceThe consultant will improve AI models for the Methane Alert and Response System that for the automatic detection of plumes in satellite images and advise on topics related to the use of AI applied to satellite data at IMEO. Work LocationRemote Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe UN Environment Programme's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven, action-focused initiative that drives deep reductions in methane emissions– the second biggest contributor to global climate change and a key opportunity to reduce warming in the near-term. IMEO's mission is to provide the open, reliable, and actionable methane data needed to cut emissions at the speed and scale necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. To do this, IMEO is harnessing a methane data revolution under way thanks to rapidly advancing technology and momentum for methane action. IMEO collects, integrates, and reconciles data from methane-detecting satellites, scientific measurement studies, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national emissions inventories. These initiatives are game-changers for climate action – and as a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, IMEO is shaping the future of methane mitigation. The AI engineer consult will be responsible to deliver AI model for methane plumes detection and deliver it on the IMEO data platform. The AI engineer we will also lead research on methane detection methodologies as well as collaborating with external institutions. The IMEO AI Engineer will support the development and implementation of AI models for the Methane Alert and Response System. In particular, the contractor is expected to strategically advise on the development and implementation of AI models for multispectral and hyperspectral satellites and will help co-develop the strategic AI roadmap of MARS. Additionally, the contractor will co-lead a benchmark dataset project based on the existing MARS database targeting specific MARS key performance metrics. The goal of this benchmark is to unify evaluation criteria to compare different AI models on the plume detection task. The contractor shall collaborate and consult external research institutions for feedback. The consultant will report to Head, International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), Programme Management Officer. Qualifications/special skillsPhD in engineering, computer science, remote sensing, or equivalent. 1 years of experience in processing large volumes of satellite data especially focused on the detection of methane emissions, and in particular from high-resolution point-source imagers (Sentinel-2, Landsat) Proficiency in data processing methods, including those based on machine learning, and remote sensing data processing tools. Skills in geospatial information and analysis. Knowledge of the main methane emission specific sources within the fossil fuel sector; familiarity with energy infrastructure and facilities databases is a plus. Demonstrated scientific expertise, including but not limited to a record of scholarly publications. LanguagesFluency in English language. Additional Information1. Advise on the development and implementation of AI model in MARS operational satellite data processing pipeline. 2. Define AI roadmap and research plan for MARS for next 12 months. 3. Co-lead the development of a benchmark dataset for AI-based plume detection. No FeeTHE 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.