Consultant, Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Policy

About Spark

Spark is a science-driven, philanthropically funded non-profit that accelerates progress on unsolved climate challenges. Our goal is to enable a safer climate by filling targeted gaps in current climate actions. We look around the corner at the key blind spots that pose big climate risks or offer big climate opportunities, like major sources of unabated emissions. Then we work to speed up the development of the fields needed to address those challenges. 

We are a team of scientists, policy experts, innovators, and systems thinkers working to build today’s foundations for the comprehensive climate solutions we will need tomorrow. Rather than betting on individual pathways or innovations, we work to grow a field as a whole so that the most effective science and solutions can be surfaced and scaled. We use a large suite of field-building tools to support new research, markets, policies, and talent development, through both in-house initiatives and building broader coalitions. We are currently focused on super pollutants from agriculture (specifically methane and nitrous oxide), warming-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and methane removal. 

Spark’s impact is made possible by a community of generous and pioneering individuals, foundations, and organizations that share our vision for a safer climate future. 

Position Summary

Spark Climate Solutions is hiring a Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Policy Consultant to work on a new initiative integrating atmospheric measurements of methane into national greenhouse gas inventories.

Atmospheric measurements of methane from ground, airborne, or satellite sensors can provide an integrated perspective on anthropogenic and natural emissions using atmospheric inversion models. The 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories identifies atmospheric inversions as a tool for improving inventories. The consultant will work with existing atmospheric inversion model outputs to develop approaches for integrating these observations into national inventories for 3–5 countries.

This consultancy requires expertise in greenhouse gas inventories and policy related to the UNFCCC transparency framework (e.g., Biennial Transparency Reports, Nationally Determined Contributions, Global Stocktake) across all sectors, with a focus on methane emissions. 

This is an independent contractor position (1099), not an employee role, and does not include employee benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave). 

Who We’re Looking For

An experienced, independent and motivated greenhouse-gas expert who can bridge international climate policy and science.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will develop and implement national-level case studies that demonstrate the translation of atmospheric measurements of methane to greenhouse gas inventories.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with national greenhouse gas inventories and IPCC inventory methodologies
• Deep understanding of the UNFCCC transparency framework, including Biennial Transparency Reports, Nationally Determined Contributions, National Inventory Reports, and the Global Stocktake
• Familiarity with either atmospheric methane observations, atmospheric inversion modeling, and/or emissions verification
• A background in methane emissions accounting across one or more sectors (energy, agriculture, waste, wetlands, or other natural systems)
• Experience working with government agencies, inventory compilers, UN organizations, or international climate initiatives

Eligibility

Applications from within and outside the U.S. are encouraged (a US work visa is not required). This Fellowship requires at least 30-50% work effort for one year, and is expected to start September 1, 2026, or sooner.

Location

This role will be 100% remote. 

Compensation

Compensation is structured as an hourly consulting rate, set by the contractor within a range of $85–$110 per hour based on experience and paid against invoices for completed work. This is an independent contractor position (1099), not an employee role, and does not include employee benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave). No taxes will be withheld from payments.

6-Month Goals

• Identify 3-5 countries to engage with on translating atmospheric measurements to inventories
• Convene interviews with country points of contact responsible for compiling inventories, and interview with UNFCCC inventories program
• Develop and implement strategy for integration of atmospheric measurements into national greenhouse gas inventories for selected countries

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