DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Regional Coordination Office 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
WMO is seeking a visionary and dynamic Director for its Regional Coordination Office to lead the strategic integration of regional priorities into the Organization's global agenda.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of regional engagement within a global scientific organization and to drive innovation in decentralized service delivery.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the Secretary-General, the Director will serve as the principal coordinator of WMO's Regional Offices, ensuring cohesion, capacity development, and effective delivery of services to Members.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Under the direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the incumbent will:
1) LEAD REGIONAL COORDINATION:
- Act as contact at Headquarters for Regional Offices developing clear indicators for the Secretary-General of arising issues and adequately ensuring their management through the relevant Headquarters Departments.
- Coordinate with Directors to ensure systematic deployment of technical expertise to Regional Offices.
- Ensure regional perspectives and priorities are integrated into WMO's planning, policymaking, and resource allocation processes.
- Provide leadership for regional coordination activities, setting clear objectives and ensuring measurable results.
2) SUPPORT DECENTRALIZATION:
- Guide the gradual transfer of selected services to Regional Offices, ensuring smooth operational alignment and continuity.
- Provide direction for the placement and management of regional project managers, ensuring their alignment with regional strategies and global partnerships.
3) STRENGTHEN REGIONAL CAPACITY AND PROJECT DELIVERY:
- Support Regional Offices in the development and execution of regional projects aligned with WMO priorities, ensuring capacity development initiatives are responsive to diverse Member needs, including socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, marine services and early warning systems.
- Facilitate technical backstopping from headquarters departments to ensure Regional Offices access specialized expertise in weather, climate, hydrology, and data systems.
4) ENHANCE REGIONAL GOVERNANCE AND COORDINATION MECHANISMS:
- Promote collaboration with regional centres operated by Member States and partner organizations.
- Maintain close coordination with Directors and Heads of other WMO Departments, Divisions and Offices to ensure joint planning and alignment of work programmes.
5) MONITOR REGIONAL PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT:
- Provide strategic reporting and recommendations to the Secretary-General and Governing Bodies on regional programmatic progress, challenges and opportunities.
6) OTHER DUTIES:
- Represent WMO in relevant international and inter-agency fora, as required.
- Perform other duties as required to ensure the achievement of the Organization's strategic goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in atmospheric sciences, hydrology, international relations, development studies, or a related field.
Experience
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience developing, implementing and managing projects and programmes at the national, regional, and international levels.
- Understanding of UN development system, capacity building methodologies, and results-based management approaches.
- Demonstrated experience in assessing institutional capacities and supporting the development and implementation of national strategic and business plans for modernized NMHSs and sustainable, integrated weather, water, climate and environmental services in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead regional coordination with clear objectives and measurable outcomes and fostering integrated team structures across regions.
- Knowledge of WMO Governance Systems would be an advantage.
- Practical experience in fostering collaboration between institutions in developed and developing countries.
- Familiarity with the structure and working procedures of WMO.
Other requirements
- Excellent supervisory, managerial and networking skills.
- Strong focus on strategic and operational planning, international dialogue and relations.
- Originality of ideas, maturity of judgement and ability to lead a team and participate actively as a team member.
- Good communication skills and proven drafting ability.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.
COMPETENCIES
The Director, Regional Coordination Office must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
CRITICAL:
- Communication & Influence
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
SUPPORTING:
- Integrity & Accountability
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
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 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