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
ABOUT THE ROLE
DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY-CRITICAL AND SECTORAL SERVICES
The Director will lead the Division of Meteorological and Sectoral Services in ensuring that scientific advancements are effectively translated into practical, reliable services tailored to the needs of governments, industries and communities across aviation, marine, public weather, and sectoral applications supporting decision-making and building resilience to extreme events.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the authority of the Director, Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development, the Director will coordinate operational implementation and delivery of meteorological and sector-specific services through four specialized sections and the Joint Climate and Health Office, ensuring Members access timely, relevant and actionable information that meets international standards.
a) Lead coordination of atmospheric services across aviation, marine, and public weather services;
b) Oversee implementation of impact-based forecasting methodologies, enhancing service delivery effectiveness;
c) Ensure service delivery meets diverse Member State requirements and capabilities, adapting services for different technical capacity levels and regional;
d) Coordinate with international regulatory bodies including International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO);
e) Direct severe weather forecasting capabilities and tropical cyclone services ensuring safety-critical service quality;
f) Lead multi-hazard early warning systems coordination supporting disaster risk reduction applications;
g) Oversee implementation of Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and contributions to the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative;
h) Advance the WMO Coordination Mechanism, supporting global response efforts to meteorological hazards;
i) Implement quality management systems, user needs assessment methodologies, and service evaluation processes;
j) Ensure compliance with international standards and best practices across all service sectors;
k) Lead operational service decisions, resource allocation, and service quality maintenance across multiple sectors;
l) Coordinate service standards development with international aviation, maritime, and emergency management communities;
m) Oversee sectoral services including agricultural meteorology, drought monitoring, and climate services supporting food security;
n) Oversee the work of the Joint Climate and Health Office, addressing the growing global risk posed by extreme heat and climate-health nexus;
o) Support earth system dimensions of global energy transition and other emerging sectors through adaptable service development;
p) Manage extrabudgetary projects delivering essential services and innovations to Members across diverse user communities;
q) Provide support and input to the relevant WMO governing bodies as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, or related field.
Experience
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years progressively responsible experience in services across applied sciences, environmental and earth sciences or environmental engineering with a strong focus on capacity development.
- Published research or professional recognition demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise including social sciences applications.
- Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and international partnership development.
- Proven track record in managing diverse and interdisciplinary teams, including ability to oversee program management and budgeting.
Other requirements
MULTI-SECTORAL SEVICE DELIVERY:
Deep knowledge of atmospheric services across aviation (ICAO standards), marine (IMO requirements), and public weather services, with understanding of impact-based forecasting methodologies.
WARNING SYSTEMS:
Experience with severe weather forecasting, tropical cyclone services, and multi-hazard early warning systems, including understanding of disaster risk reduction applications.
SERVICE QUALITY MANAGEMENT:
Knowledge of quality management systems, user needs assessment, and service evaluation methodologies, with understanding of international standards and best practices.
MEMBER-CENTRIC APPROACH:
Understanding of diverse Member State service requirements and capabilities, with knowledge of how to adapt services for different technical capacity levels and regional contexts.
YOUR PROFILE
Distinguished leader in operational atmospheric services with advanced expertise in meteorology or atmospheric sciences, bringing at least 15 years experience across multiple service sectors.
COMPETENCIES
The Director, Division of Meteorological and Sectoral Services must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
CRITICAL:
- Innovation and Digital Agility
- Collaboration and Team Dynamics
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- Communication and Influence
SUPPORTING:
- Inclusive Mindset and Cultural Awareness
- Integrity and Accountability
- Stakeholder Understanding and 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$ 116095
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 102976 (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