DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Cryosphere Monitoring, Predictions and Services Unit - Hydrology & Cryosphere Division - Department of Earth System & Data Prediction. 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
LEADING GLOBAL CRYOSPHERE SCIENCE AND SERVICES
The Head of the Cryosphere Monitoring, Predictions and Services Unit will lead WMO's comprehensive approach to cryosphere science, coordinating activities across polar and high mountain regions. Under the overall guidance of the Director of Hydrology & Cryosphere Division, this position provides strategic leadership for integrating cryosphere observations, predictions, and services into WMO's Earth system framework.
This leadership role offers the opportunity to shape global cryosphere science policy and coordinate international partnerships that advance understanding and monitoring of Earth's rapidly changing ice and snow systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. STRATEGIC COORDINATION AND COMMISSION SUPPORT
- Coordinate and support all WMO cryosphere activities carried out by EC-PHORS, INFCOM (Global Cryosphere Watch), and SERCOM through intensive collaboration with WMO departments and external partners.
- Lead strategic, programmatic, scientific, and technical coordination of Antarctica-related activities including the Antarctica Advisory Group.
- Represent WMO at international, regional, and national meetings on cryosphere, polar, and high mountain activities.
2. INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMME COORDINATION
- Develop and maintain strategic engagements with international bodies including IACS, WGMS, IPA, MRI, TPE, SCAR, IASC, and SAON for mutually beneficial cryosphere activities aligned with WMO priorities.
- Maintain effective partnerships with WMO co-sponsored programmes: GCOS, WCRP (CliC and GEWEX), and WWRP (PCAPS).
- Support establishment of Arctic, Antarctic, and Third Pole Regional Climate Centres with regional and research community engagement.
3. MEMBER SERVICES AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
- Provide guidance and assistance to Members on developing and strengthening cryosphere-related capacities in observing, monitoring, data exchange, and applications.
- Foster engagements and coordinate maintenance of the Cryosphere Expert Network and National Focal Points network.
4. UNIT MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAMME DELIVERY
- Oversee programmatic and administrative tasks of the unit including workplan preparation and implementation supporting WMO Strategic Objectives.
- Manage budgets, coordinate activities across departments, draft funding requests, report programme performance, and oversee staff management and recruiting.
- Ensure preparation and publication of scientific and technical reports, newsletters, website updates, and community pages.
- Seek funding opportunities for cryosphere-related activities in coordination with relevant WMO units.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in meteorology, hydrology, physics, physical geography (focus on cryosphere) or closely related field. A Ph.D. or equivalent would be an advantage. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of combined national and international experience in operational or research activities focusing on cryospheric sciences or polar matters, with progressively increased levels of responsibilities and leadership.
- At least 5 years of experience establishing and managing effective international engagements.
- Experience preparing, reviewing, publishing, and presenting technical and scientific reports.
- Experience conducting consultations with international communities and organizing international scientific/technical conferences.
Other requirements
- Excellent planning and management skills.
- Ability to manage large technical projects of complex nature.
- Sense of responsibility, maturity of judgement, initiative and originality.
- Excellent coordination, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to foster team spirit, international cooperation and work in multicultural environment.
- Prior experience with WMO and UN system would be an advantage.
YOUR PROFILE
Senior cryosphere science leader with demonstrated expertise in international programme management and partnership development. You will lead WMO's global cryosphere activities while building strategic alliances across the international polar and high mountain research communities to advance understanding of Earth's changing ice and snow systems.
COMPETENCIES
The Head, Cryosphere Monitoring, Predictions and Services Unit 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 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: 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