Project Scientist - II (Urban Heat Expert)

Organizational context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development. The Climate Change Division focuses on climate stability through mitigation and adaptation strategies. This role sits within the Cool Coalition, a UNEP-led platform supporting sustainable cooling solutions.

Job purpose: This role supports UNEP's cities in achieving extreme heat resilience by conducting Urban Heat Assessments in 50 Indian cities. The purpose is to analyze urban heat island effects and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies, including nature-based solutions and passive cooling approaches. The position contributes to integrating these strategies into city heat governance and action plans, supporting UNEP's India Cooling Programme and the Cool Coalition's objectives for sustainable urban cooling.

Responsibilities: Conduct Urban Heat Assessments in 50 Indian cities using UNEP-CEPT UHIE Assessment methodology. Analyze urban heat island effects and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies, including nature-based solutions, cool surfaces, and passive cooling. Integrate these strategies into city heat governance and local action plans. Provide technical expertise for national and subnational implementation activities on sustainable urban cooling in India, covering urban design and district cooling. Offer direct technical support to subnational governments and real estate developers. Develop knowledge products, tools, training materials, and communication pieces for the UNEP India Cooling Programme.

Education: A PhD or Post-Doctoral degree with postgraduate qualifications in environment planning, urban planning, Climate Science, Urban meteorology, or energy engineering is required. Fluency in written and oral English is essential. Knowledge of Hindi is also required.

Work experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is required, with a focus on extreme heat, cooling, urban and environment planning, and climate science. Practical experience in India, specifically in scientific assessments, climate analysis, urban heat island analysis, and city engagement, is essential. Experience with diverse research, academic, and international organizations is also necessary.

Skills: Urban Heat Island Assessment, Climate Science, Urban Planning, Environment Planning, Extreme Heat Resilience, Sustainable Cooling Solutions, Nature-Based Solutions, Passive Cooling, Technical Expertise, Project Implementation, Knowledge Product Development, Stakeholder Engagement.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: