DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Climate Research and Information Section - Science and Innovation Division - 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. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ABOUT THE ROLE
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE INFORMATION
In this pivotal role, you will support the Chief of the Climate Research and Information Section in leading WMO's efforts to ensure WMO's climate science:
1) directly and rapidly informs Members' climate needs and applications; and
2) provides the scientific underpinning for climate action to decision-makers. You will facilitate the development and delivery of flagship climate reports such as the State of the Climate, ensuring the latest scientific advice and information reaches the global community.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future in climate reporting, working at the interface of science, data, and global collaboration. The position involves management and technical oversight of report development and review and inter-agency collaboration with relevant United Nations and non-UN agencies, WMO Members and global stakeholders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. CLIMATE INFORMATION PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP
- Lead the implementation of the work programme which enables WMO's climate science to directly and rapidly provide the scientific underpinning for climate action to WMO Members and the global community.
- Lead the writing, review and delivery of the WMO flagship reports, such as the State of the Climate and other special climate reports
- Coordinate the involvement of partners and international experts involved in the production and review of the reports
- Facilitate the application and delivery of information in response to Member needs, leveraging innovative approaches to increase reach and access
- Manage human and administrative resources with an eye to ensuring organizational performance, a healthy work culture, and leading a team to meet strategic targets
2. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with user communities and ensure alignment of WMO's contributions with needs and uptake
- Collaborate with IPCC Working Groups, the World Research Climate Program and other international programmes, as appropriate, on methodologies and datasets for monitoring the global climate on land, atmosphere, cryosphere and ocean
- Manage the agreements between the Climate Information unit and its implementing partners as well other relevant UN and non-UN agencies to execute the work program
- Promote and align contributions to other strategic UN programmes, ensuring the latest scientific advice and information reaches the global climate community
3. INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRATION AND COMMUNICATION
- Support institutional climate integration by overseeing contributions to WMO constituent and non-constituent bodies
- Collaborate with WMO strategic communication teams on the preparation of Press Releases and communication materials relevant to the state of the climate and the climate data and analysis
- Prepare scientific and technical inputs for Briefing Notes and presentations as required
- Implement collaborative activities intended to build the scientific and/or technical capacity of WMO Members in the provision of delivering climate information activities
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in climate science, or a closely related scientific field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A Ph.D. would be an advantage.
Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in delivering climate information to different audience and partners. Proven experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders and translating requirements and scientific advances into information services. Understanding of WMO programmes, governing bodies and methods of work would be an advantage.
Other requirements
- Excellent managerial, supervisory, organizational, qualitative and quantitative skills.
- Solid coordination, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated responsibility, maturity of judgement and initiative and originality of ideas.
- Experience organizing and managing work programmes.
- Ability to write clear and succinct reports, documents and correspondence.
YOUR PROFILE
Experienced climate science professional with demonstrated expertise in translating scientific advances into actionable climate information for decision-making. You will lead WMO's flagship climate reporting programmes while building partnerships across the international climate community to ensure maximum impact and uptake of climate science.
COMPETENCIES
The Head, Climate Information, CRI Section
must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
- Communication & Influence
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of French is desirable. 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$ 84672
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 75104 (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: 5 September 2025