DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
30 days
Organizational Unit
Regional Climate Prediction(RCP)
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
Under the supervision of the WMO Regional Climate Prediction Services Division (RCP), Climate Services branch, Services Department.
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
1. Develop and administer a survey to evaluate the operations of the Regional Climate Centres in the region, RCC Western South America hosted by CIIFEN and Southern South America RCC Network with respect to developing seasonal outlook for the respective RCOFs - Western Coast of South America Climate Outlook Forum (WCSACOF) and Southeast of South America Climate Outlook Forum (SSACOF);
2. In liaison with the concerned RCCs assess and describe the current status of operational practices for the production and dissemination of regional seasonal forecasts, including infrastructural, institutional, procedural and human resources requirements (observational datasets, global models' outputs, data sharing and exchange, software tools, expert assessment, collaborative arrangements, quality managements, etc.);
3. Identify gaps and needs to be addressed in order to meet the requirements for mainstreaming objective seasonal forecasting approaches at the regional level (ref WMO Guidance on Operational Practices for Objective Seasonal Forecasting);
4. Based on the findings, develop practical regional-specific guidance for operational production of objective seasonal forecasts, based on the findings from 1,2 & 3, including appropriate changes to be made to the concerned Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF) process and capacity development of the national experts within the region;
5. Share the draft document for review (to be facilitated by WMO), integrate relevant suggestions and finalize the guidance document;
6. Maintain close communication with WMO on regular and needed basis at any period throughout the assignment to monitor progress. QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in meteorology, climatology, geography, physics.
Experience
At least 3 years of operational experience and/or knowledge of operations of WMO Regional Climate Centres (as defined in the WMO GDPFS Manual, WMO No-485).
At least 5 years of experience in seasonal forecasting, climate services production and delivery, and in particular: knowledge of and experience with each of the elements in the climate services value chain including:
• climate observations;
• climate data and monitoring;
• climate modelling and prediction;
• climate research, provision and application of climate services.
Other requirements
This role requires good understanding of context and climate drivers in the South America regions, in drafting technical guidelines, reports, as well as good communication skills, the ability to multitask, to work under time pressure.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish (both oral and written).
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) Additional Information:
FOCAL POINT/EMAIL: wmokia@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: