DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Division of Science and Innovation - 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
LEADING SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATION
The Director will lead the Division of Science and Innovation in coordinating and integrating WMO's scientific research across the Earth system from climate, weather, water and atmospheric composition to strengthen service delivery, enable better-informed decision-making and support the needs of Members through interdisciplinary approaches.
Under the authority of the Director, Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development, the Director will provide strategic leadership for three thematic sections coordinating WMO's major research programmes (WCRP, WWRP and GAW) while ensuring scientific knowledge supports current and emerging challenges and promotes a people-centered approach to science.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) Lead strategic coordination, evolution and integration of WMO's major research programmes including World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) and Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW).
b) Oversee peer review processes and scientific quality assurance systems ensuring authoritative, policy-relevant information for global, regional and national decision-making.
c) Coordinate large international scientific programs fostering partnerships between researchers, operational agencies and service users.
d) Ensure WMO remains a science and data-driven organization through strategic research coordination.
e) Foster integration across atmospheric sciences, hydrology, ocean sciences and social sciences to enhance service delivery capabilities.
f) Coordinate diverse scientific communities facilitating interdisciplinary approaches that address Member State needs.
g) Lead integration of social sciences, co-production and user engagement across workstreams.
h) Ensure scientific advances support multi-hazard early warning, climate variability and change, air quality and climate- and environment-related risks.
i) Manage technology transfer ensuring research outputs address real-world service delivery challenges.
j) Coordinate translation of scientific advances into operational capabilities improving stakeholder interactions.
k) Oversee production of flagship climate assessments including State of the Global Climate Report
l) Lead integration of climate reporting functions with broader global research framework.
m) Connect research communities with service delivery needs ensuring scientific advances support safety, well-being and resilience of societies.
n) Lead scientific assessment processes coordinating with policy and operational communities.
o) Manage extrabudgetary projects delivering essential scientific information and services to WMO Members.
p) Foster understanding of how interdisciplinary research approaches enhance Member State capabilities and stakeholder engagement.
q) Provide support and input to the relevant WMO governing bodies as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in atmospheric sciences, hydrology, ocean sciences, social sciences, or related field. A PhD in any of the above fields would be an asset.
Experience
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years progressively responsible experience in international scientific coordination with emphasis on interdisciplinary integration.
- Proven track record in managing diverse and interdisciplinary teams, including ability to oversee program management and budgeting.
- Published research demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise and understanding of science-service connections is required.
- Professional recognition in relevant scientific communities is essential.
Other requirements
- INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COORDINATION:
Experience with large international scientific programs (WCRP, WWRP, GAW), including understanding of peer review processes and scientific quality assurance systems.
- INTERDISCIPLINARY INTEGRATION:
Deep understanding of atmospheric sciences, hydrology, ocean sciences, and social sciences integration, with demonstrated experience coordinating across diverse scientific communities and facilitating interdisciplinary approaches that enhance service delivery.
- RESEARCH-TO-SERVICES TRANSLATION: Knowledge of how scientific advances translate into operational capabilities and improve stakeholder interactions, with experience managing technology transfer and ensuring research outputs address real-world service delivery challenges.
- STAKEHOLDER-CENTERED SCIENCE:
Appreciation for how interdisciplinary research approaches enhance Member State capabilities and stakeholder engagement, with knowledge of scientific assessment processes and experience connecting research communities with service delivery needs.
YOUR PROFILE
Distinguished scientific leader with advanced expertise in atmospheric sciences, hydrology, ocean sciences, social sciences, or related field, bringing at least 15 years progressive experience in international scientific coordination with demonstrated interdisciplinary integration capabilities and professional recognition in relevant scientific communities.
COMPETENCIES
The Director, Division of Science and Innovation must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
CRITICAL:
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
SUPPORTING:
- Communication & Influence
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Integrity & Accountability
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