DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
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
LEAD WMO'S GLOBAL RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER AND CLIMATE EXTREMES TO PROTECT LIVES WORLDWIDE
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is the United Nations system's authoritative voice on weather, climate and water. As the Chief of the Severe Weather Services Section within the Division of Meteorological and Sectoral Services, you will play a pivotal role in advancing global efforts to forecast, monitor and respond to severe weather events that threaten lives and livelihoods worldwide in our changing climate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Director, Division of Meteorological and Sectoral Services, the Chief will be responsible for the following duties:
a) Lead the development and implementation of global strategies for severe weather and climate extreme forecasting and warning services.
b) Coordinate WMO's response to major weather emergencies and extreme climate events through the WMO Coordination Mechanism.
c) Provide expert guidance on tropical cyclone monitoring, forecasting and warning systems.
d) Foster collaboration between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) during severe weather and climate extreme events.
e) Support the development of climate-informed severe weather services that account for changing patterns of extreme events.
f) Oversee the advancement of severe weather prediction capabilities for both weather and climate timescales.
g) Lead initiatives to improve understanding of high-impact weather phenomena including tropical cyclones, severe thunderstorms, extreme precipitation events, heat waves, and compound climate extremes.
h) Facilitate knowledge transfer and best practice sharing among Members on emerging climate-related severe weather patterns.
i) Represent WMO at international forums on disaster risk reduction, emergency management, and climate adaptation and collaborate with UN agencies, international organizations and the private sector on severe weather and climate extreme initiatives.
j) Build and maintain partnerships with regional specialized meteorological centres, global centres, and climate service providers.
k) Provide oversight for extrabudgetary projects focused on severe weather services, early warning systems, and climate extreme preparedness.
l) Support capacity development initiatives for developing and least developed countries in managing weather and climate risks.
m) Oversee the preparation of technical guidelines, manuals and training materials covering both meteorological hazards and climate extremes.
n) Supervise scientific and technical staff within the section.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Masterโs degree or equivalent in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in severe weather of forecasting, meteorological services, climate extremes, or related atmospheric sciences with demonstrated expertise in tropical cyclone forecasting, severe weather warning systems, climate extreme analysis, or operational meteorology/climatology
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
You are a senior meteorologist with extensive experience in severe weather forecasting, warning systems, and climate extremes. You have a proven track record in leading technical teams, coordinating international responses to weather emergencies and climate extreme events, and developing innovative approaches to weather and climate services. You understand the evolving nature of extreme events in a changing climate and have experience integrating climate information into operational weather services. You excel at building partnerships across the meteorological and climate communities and have experience working with diverse stakeholders during high-pressure situations involving both immediate weather threats and longer-term climate risks.
COMPETENCIES
The Chief, Severe Weather Services 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 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