DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Marine and Aviation Services Section - Division of Meteorological and Sectoral Services - 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
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is seeking a Chief of the Aviation and Marine Services (AMS) Section to provide leadership in two of the most vital areas of meteorological service delivery: aeronautical meteorology and marine meteorology.
In this senior role, you will oversee WMO's scientific and technical work in these domains, ensuring alignment with international standards, advancing service delivery transformation, and strengthening cooperation with global partners such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
You will also play a key role in guiding the Organization's strategic direction, advocating innovation, and ensuring resources - both human and financial - are used effectively to deliver impact for WMO Members.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1) LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY
- Provide overall direction for WMO's work in aeronautical and marine meteorology.
- Lead strategic and operational planning, ensuring alignment with WMO's mission.
- Champion innovation and service delivery transformation.
2) TECHNICAL & SCIENTIFIC GUIDANCE
- Supervise the development of quality-assured WMO technical regulations and guidance.
- Oversee preparation of technical documentation for governing and partner bodies.
- Advocate coordination across departments and regions on scientific and technical matters.
3) PARTNERSHIPS & REPRESENTATION
- Maintain and strengthen WMO's collaboration with ICAO, IMO, IOC, IHO, and other key organizations.
- Represent WMO at high-level meetings and advocate its work in aviation and marine services.
- Oversee WMO committees and expert bodies working in these areas.
4) RESOURCE & STAFF MANAGEMENT
- Manage human and financial resources, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
- Lead and mentor staff, including performance management and career development.
- Support organizational change management processes when required.
5) CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
- Advise and oversee initiatives to strengthen the capacity of WMO Members in aviation and marine meteorology.
- Promote the use of voluntary contributions and partnerships to support capacity building. QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent degree in meteorology with subsequent specialization in aviation and or marine meteorological services. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the masterโs degree.
Experience
- A minimum of ten (10) years of combined national and international experience in progressively responsible positions in aeronautical meteorology and/or marine meteorology is required.
- Understanding of WMOโs core mandate, programmatic areas and methods of work, and governance including constituent and non-constituent bodies.
- Understanding of WMOโs support to its Members and their service providers as well as WMOโs collaboration with other relevant UN and non-UN agencies, at the regional and global levels, in the field(s) of aeronautical meteorology and/or marine meteorology.
- General awareness of programmatic activities of other leading aviation and/or maritime implementing partners and industry bodies would be an advantage.
Other requirements
YOUR PROFILE
You are a proven leader with a strong background in meteorological services and international cooperation. You combine scientific expertise with strategic vision and the ability to manage complex programmes and partnerships.
The successful candidate will bring:
- Extensive experience in aeronautical and/or marine meteorology, with a record of achievement in service delivery and international collaboration.
- Strong leadership and management skills, including overseeing teams, budgets, and strategic programmes.
- Deep understanding of UN system processes and global partnerships, particularly with ICAO, IMO, IOC, and IHO.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and champion innovation.
- Commitment to WMOโs mission, supporting Members in safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods through science-based services.
COMPETENCIES
The Chief, Marine and Aviation Services position 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 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 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