DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Climate Research and Information Section - Science and Innovation Division - Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ABOUT THE ROLE
LEADING GLOBAL CLIMATE SCIENCE INTEGRATION
The Chief will lead the Climate Research and Information Section in advancing WMO's pivotal role as the authoritative voice on climate research and information. Under the authority of the Director of Science and Innovation Division, the Chief will provide strategic leadership for integrating climate research with information delivery, coordinating international climate research priorities, and ensuring WMO's climate science directly informs global policy and decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Shape global climate research priorities by providing strategic leadership for WMO's integrated climate research and information activities, ensuring synergistic knowledge transfer from research to information delivery and accelerating innovation cycles;
b) Facilitate international climate research coordination through oversight of the strategic planning of the WMO/IOC-UNESCO/ISC World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Joint Scientific Committee, fostering application of research outcomes in support of climate information dissemination;
c) Lead WMO's climate research agenda by managing prioritization, allocation and utilization of human and financial resources, ensuring alignment with global climate priorities and Member needs;
d) Lead development and delivery of flagship products including the WMO Statement on the State of the Climate and Special Climate reports that inform international climate action and decision-making;
e) Coordinate WMO's strategic input to the UNFCCC, ensuring the latest scientific advice and information reaches the global climate community;
f) Influence global climate discourse through representation of WMO at high-level inter-agency and scientific meetings, advocating for WMO's climate research and information leadership role;
g) Drive institutional climate integration by overseeing contributions to WMO constituent and non-constituent bodies, ensuring climate research and information outcomes advance through technical commissions, Executive Council, Regional Associations, and Congress;
h) Lead strategic partnerships between WMO and relevant UN and non-UN agencies working collaboratively on climate research activities;
i) Champion organizational transformation by facilitating inter- and intra-departmental coordination on climate priorities, bridging headquarters and regional offices, and implementing change management processes;
j) Advance global climate capabilities by advising on and supporting activities that build scientific and technical capacity of WMO Members in climate research and information provision, including through voluntary contributions;
k) Execute strategic management functions including staff supervision, performance management, and implementation of organizational change processes to ensure high-performance delivery.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in climate science, or a closely related scientific field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A Ph.D. would be an advantage.
Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience advancing climate research and delivering climate information to different audiences and partners.
Demonstrated experience in strategy development, planning, project development, implementation and monitoring for the achievement of results.
Proven experience coordination diverse stakeholder groups for climate programme delivery and capacity development activities, including missions, meetings and workshops.
Other requirements
- Good understanding of the United Nations, including WMO programmes and activities and international organization processes.
- Excellent managerial, supervisory, organizational, qualitative and quantitative skills.
- Solid coordination, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated responsibility, maturity of judgement and initiative and originality of ideas.
- Experience organizing and managing work programmes.
- Ability to write clear and succinct reports, documents and correspondence.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.
YOUR PROFILE
Visionary leader with deep climate science expertise and proven ability to translate research into authoritative climate information, serving WMO’s 193 Member States and the global climate community through strategic coordination of international climate research priorities.
COMPETENCIES
The Chief, Climate Research and Information Section must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
- Communication & Influence
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) The position is funded from the regular budget.
New appointments on fixed-term contract of one year or more shall be subject to an initial one-year probation period. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 101540
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 90066 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 22 August 2025