National Consultant for Air Pollutant Emission Projections – Agriculture Sector

Deliverables 1. NFR Inventory Data for the Agriculture Sector: Collection, verification and updating of the Agriculture sector NFR inventory data, including activity data, air pollutant emissions, and documentation of the methodologies and emission factors used. 2. Agriculture Sector Emission Projections: WM projections for 2030, 2035 and 2040 by pollutant and NFR category, WAM projections where necessary, and assessment against applicable national ERCs. 3. Short Sectoral Report and Calculation Files: Technical report, editable calculations, quality assurance documentation, uncertainty assessment and recommendations for agricultural emission reduction measures. All deliverables shall be submitted in English, with calculations and supporting datasets provided in editable formats, including Excel where appropriate.

Chișinău, Moldova

Part-time / 3 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-CCC is a leading international advisory institution on energy, climate and sustainable development. Its work focuses on helping developing countries and emerging economies transition to low-carbon development pathways and supporting the integration of climate resilience into national development. UNEP-CCC is actively involved in the implementation of the UN Environment Climate Change Strategy and Energy Programme. The NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF) implementation team in Moldova requires a National Consultant for Air Pollutant Emission Projections with a focus on Agriculture related emissions. Moldova is preparing its 2026–2029 National Air Pollution Control Programme to meet national emission reduction targets for key air pollutants by 2030 and beyond. Under the NDC Partnership project, the consultant will develop and update relevant sectoral air pollutant inventory and emission projections to 2040 using international reporting standards and national energy data. The role is critical to supporting the Government of Moldova in delivering its air quality and climate commitments. The Republic of Moldova is developing the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) for 2026–2029 in accordance with Article 8(d) of Law No. 98/2022 on Atmospheric Air Quality. The NAPCP includes the national Emission Reduction Commitments (ERCs) established by Government Decision No. HG593/2024 of 28 August 2024 for nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃) and fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), with reduction targets for 2030–2039 and from 2040 onwards, relative to 2020 emission levels. Under the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF) Moldova Project, the Consultant will prepare and update the Agriculture sector air pollutant emission inventory in the relevant Nomenclature for Reporting (NFR) tables and develop emission projections through 2040, in accordance with the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) reporting requirements, Annex I to the 2023 CLRTAP Reporting Guidelines and the applicable EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook methodology. The work will cover the relevant Agriculture sector source categories and the five pollutants subject to national ERCs, using historical inventory data, relevant agricultural activity data, emission factors and documented assumptions. Based on the historical emission inventory and the effects of policies and measures already implemented or adopted, the Consultant will prepare With Measures (WM) emission projections for the Agriculture sector for the relevant NAPCP target years, including 2030, 2035 and 2040. The WM projections will be compared against the national ERCs to assess projected compliance and identify potential risks of non-compliance. With Additional Measures (WAM) emission projections will be prepared, if necessary, to assess the potential impact of additional policies and measures on emission reductions. The assignment will support CLRTAP inventory reporting, the implementation of the NAPCP 2026–2029, national air pollution control planning, the assessment of progress towards the ERCs and the identification of priorities for reducing emissions from agricultural activities, particularly livestock production, manure management, fertiliser application and other relevant agricultural sources. To prepare air pollutant emission projections for the Agriculture sector for 2030, 2035 and 2040, disaggregated by pollutant and relevant NFR source category, under the WM scenario and, where necessary, the WAM scenario. Task 1. Review of historical emissions and agricultural activity data Review historical emissions and relevant NFR inventory data for the Agriculture sector;Collect and analyse available data on livestock populations and animal categories, manure management systems, fertiliser consumption, agricultural soils, crop areas, agricultural production and relevant farming practices; Review national agricultural policies, strategies, fertiliser and nutrient management practices, and adopted policies and measures affecting air pollutant emissions; Identify data gaps, methodological limitations and uncertainties affecting the projections. Task 2. Preparation of the WM scenario Establish the baseline year and document assumptions on future agricultural activity; Prepare activity projections for 2030, 2035 and 2040 by relevant NFR source category; Account for the expected effects of adopted policies and measures, including changes in livestock numbers, manure storage and application, fertiliser use, nutrient management and agricultural practices; Apply the appropriate EMEP/EEA methodologies and emission factors, taking into account the applicable source-specific calculation methods; Calculate projected emissions by pollutant, NFR category and projection year. Task 3. ERC assessment and WAM scenario, where necessary Assess projected agricultural emissions against the applicable national Emission Reduction Commitments (ERCs), taking into account the contribution of the Agriculture sector to national emission reduction targets; Identify agricultural activities and source categories with the greatest contribution to projected emissions, particularly NH₃; Where necessary, identify additional measures, including improved manure storage and application techniques, low-emission manure spreading, improved fertiliser and nutrient management, precision nutrient application and other technically feasible agricultural measures; Estimate the expected emission reduction effects and prepare WAM projections where required; Document the assumptions, implementation requirements, timelines and data limitations associated with the proposed additional measures. Task 4. Quality assurance and conclusions on ERCs for the National Air Pollution Control Programme Verify the consistency of livestock, manure management, fertiliser, crop production and other relevant agricultural activity data; Document the methodologies, emission factors, assumptions and uncertainties applied in the calculations; Prepare sectoral projection tables, charts and editable calculation files; Provide conclusions on the contribution of the Agriculture sector to achieving the national ERCs and recommendations on agricultural emission reduction priorities, including their relevance to national air pollution control planning and monitoring. The assignment shall cover relevant agricultural NFR categories, including, as applicable: 3.B - Manure management: Emissions from livestock manure management, including manure collection, storage, treatment and handling. The consultant should assess the relevant livestock categories using Moldova’s reported NFR structure and available animal population data. 3.D - Crop production and agricultural soils: Emissions associated with agricultural soils and crop production, including relevant nitrogen inputs, fertiliser application and other soil-management activities. Relevant to Moldova’s crop-production sector. 3.F - Field burning of agricultural residues: Emissions from the open burning of agricultural residues in fields. Include this source where it is reported in Moldova’s inventory and supported by activity data. 3.I - Other agricultural activities: Other agricultural emission sources included in the applicable NFR reporting structure, where relevant. The consultant should identify the specific sources reported by Moldova rather than assume that all possible activities occur nationally. The pollutants to be assessed shall include NOx, NMVOCs, SO₂, NH₃ and PM₂.₅, where applicable to the sector source categories concerned for NFR and emissions projections calculation. The Consultant shall coordinate with the Team Leader and submit proposals for the ERC summary report.

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, agronomy, animal science, environmental sciences, environmental engineering or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Minimum of 9 (nine) years of experience in agricultural emission inventories, ammonia estimation, agricultural activity data or emission projections (Required)

Proficiency in written and spoken English and Romanian.

Not available.

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.