DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
65 days
Organizational Unit
Disaster Risk Reduction MHEWS Office and Public Services (DMPS)
Services Department 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
The Consultant will be engaged for a period of sixty-five (65) non-consecutive days to develop and implement IBFWS in Vanuatu, covering an area and for a hazard or hazards to be agreed upon with VMGD. The key objective of this consultancy is to facilitate the replication of IBF tools and development of an IBFWS framework based on the collective knowledge and experience of the forecasters at VMGD, the staff of the National Disaster Management Office and other personnel of key stakeholder organizations, and to help put in place a functional IBFWS project. More specifically the Consultant will conduct:
1. Scoping and online preparations for the implementation of the work
1.1 Attend an inception meeting with key personnel at the WMO Secretariat and VMGD on the Terms of Reference to confirm the scope of the work. This will be followed by a period of deeper consultations with VMGD for the implementation of the project.
1.2 Establish connections and build collaborative networks with key stakeholder for the development of project implementation documents.
1.3 Using the IBFWS SIMS demonstration as a model, prepare and submit for approval, an Inception Report detailing the approach to be used in the execution of the Consultancy.
2. Provide on-site assistance to VMGD for a period of at least 6 weeks to secure the implementation and sustainability of IBFWS
The following deliverables are expected for the endorsement of WMO:
- An Inception Report describing the intended IBFWS pilot project, the IBFWS Framework outline, and the Implementation Plan;
- The Workshop training materials and a report summarizing the outcomes of the Workshop with the fully developed IBFWS implementation resources as outlined in the Inception Report;
- Final pilot report.
BACKGROUND
Impact-based forecast and warning services provide information on the likelihood and severity of potential impacts on lives and property, considering the exposure and vulnerability of communities to multiple hazards. It is a paradigm shift from a hazard-based to an impact-based approach build with stakeholdersโ expertise on the impacts and actionable advice to prepare for and respond to severe, extreme and exceptional hydrometeorological events.
This new approach to warning has proven to be very effective and its adoption by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) has steadily increased. After the successful implementation of IBFWS for the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) in 2023, this initiative is being adapted to VMGD. This initiative is being financially support by the WMO CREWS Pacific Project.
More specifically it will be important to provide training in IBFWS, promote strategic partnerships between VMGD and key stakeholders, implement mechanisms for impact data collection and use in IBFWS, assist with activities for public awareness and education. WMO is seeking the services of a consultant to facilitate the adaptation and replication of IBFWS in Vanuatu, based on the SIMS demonstration and in compliance with WMO guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A Bachelors (BSc.) or masters (MSc.) degree in Tropical Meteorology, Hydrology, Climatology, Disaster management or closely related field.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years demonstrated experience in operational meteorology, implementing IBFWS including training workshops, capacity development exercises, and relationship/ partnership building.
- Strong communication, presentation, and reporting skills.
- Fluency in oral and written English is required.
Other requirements
Experience implementing IBFWS in the Pacific Islands would be an asset.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English and French (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of WMO would be an advantage.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) Additional Information:
SALARY: 560 USD per day.
FOCAL POINT/EMAIL: Vicente VASQUEZ GRANDA, vvasquez@wmo.int
APPLICATION: Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written assessment and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: