DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 2 years
Organizational Unit
WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Office, Climate Services (CS) Section
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 overall guidance of the Senior Director of the Services Department (SD/S) and the supervision of the Head of the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Office, the Technical
Officer for Extreme Heat Services will coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of a new WMO Extreme Heat Services Implementation Plan. This will include pilot projects for extreme heat warning systems at national and regional levels.
The officer will provide WMO expertise in extreme heat science and impact-based forecasting and warning. They will support WMO subsidiary bodies related to extreme heat services, as
well as WMO’s activities in extreme heat and health, including the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN). The officer will also be responsible for providing technical assistance and capacity building to WMO members and partners, deploying new guidance, scaling up extreme heat services in collaboration with other WMO divisions, managing day-today project activities.
The extreme heat services technical officer will be responsible for advancing:
1. SCALING IMPLEMENTATION OF EXTREME HEAT SERVICES:
- Provide Secretariat coordination of the working group on the Extreme Heat Services Roadmap across the WMO Secretariat and technical bodies.
- Support a new Task Team to develop and roll out an Implementation plan for Extreme Heat Services; and liaise with relevant ETs across the Services Commission (SERCOM) and Infrastructure Commission (INFCOM) and others, in its development and implementation.
- Provide project management and technical support for the development of extreme heat service pilot projects in multiple regions and countries in coordination with relevant WMO Secretariat, Regional Association teams, and Regional Climate Centers; lead a process to identify and select pilot locations; conduct initial assessments and advise on proposed activities (including climate and forecast data production trials, Health Impact based Warning Systems, and CAP trials).
- Develop and maintain systems to track progress and milestones the implementation of extreme heat services and pilot projects, ensuring alignment with program goals and reporting
requirements.
- Develop and provide training and capacity building to NMHS and partners on standard approaches and definitions, good practices in impact-based forecasting and warning systems, multi-sectoral risk governance.
- Organize and prepare in-person and virtual meetings, seminars, and workshops, including preparation of materials, logistical arrangements, agenda development, and documentation of outcomes.
2. TECHNICAL ADVISORY AND KNOWLEDGE SUPPORT:
- Support the institutionalization of high-quality science for extreme heat through harmonized standards, guidelines, and collaborative initiatives with WMO technical bodies and global, regional, and national partners.
- Provide technical assistance for the development of national and regional heat services, including training and capacity-building activities for NMHS.
- Provide technical writing, support, research, data compilation and tracking, and produce knowledge-sharing materials to inform decision-making and support program implementation.
- Manage and disseminate resources through designated knowledge platforms, ensuring coherence and consistency across outputs.
3. PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS:
- Represent WMO in the Global Heat Health Information Network and support the Technical Support Unit with implementation of extreme heat service related activities.
- Liaise and develop partnerships with key technical partners, UN and multilateral organizations, to align and harmonize extreme heat services.
- Provide technical expertise for internal and external communications on issues of extreme heat impacts and services, including public speaking, media engagement, and special projects for awareness raising.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university or technical institute in meteorology, climatology, environmental science, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project management and climate and weather services, with experience in extreme heat, climate risks, or disaster preparedness. Demonstrated experience supporting the development and implementation of impact-based climate or weather-related services, particularly in a health or public safety context. Experience working with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and deployment of operational services a strong advantage. Proven ability to manage complex projects and coordinate across diverse stakeholders, including technical bodies, government agencies, and global networks. Experience working with health authorities at local, national, or regional levels an advantage. Experience working in an international organization, such as the United Nations or a similar intergovernmental entity, is an advantage.
Other requirements
Successful candidates will demonstrate their knowledge of extreme heat risks, the development and deployment of impact based early warning systems; familiarity with the production, dissemination, and evaluation of climate and weather risk information; coproduction of tailored climate and weather services for applications in health and public safety decision-making; an ability to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate assigned programmes with minimal supervision; strong analytical, communication, and technical writing skills, with experience drafting reports, technical documents, and correspondence; proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity, teamwork, and collaboration across a range of experts and partners; Maturity of judgment, initiative, and creativity in addressing challenges and proposing solutions.
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.)
This post is funded from extra-budgetary funding. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 70212
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 56872 (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: 8 April 2025