DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Division of Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery (DPPD), Private Sector & Philanthropic Engagement Unit (PSPE). 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
The Private Sector & Philanthropic Engagement Unit (PSPE), within the Division of Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery (DPPD), coordinates WMO's institutional engagement with private and non-state actors, including foundations, philanthropies, commercial entities, business associations and high net worth individuals. PSPE focuses on mobilizing private and philanthropic resources (financial and in-kind) by cultivating high-impact partnerships, as well as supporting WMO technical departments and Members to pursue impactful and mutually beneficial collaboration with the private sector.
Within the framework of the WMO Weather, Climate and Water Intelligence Commons (\"WMO Commons\"), PSPE leads engagement with private, philanthropic, and non-state contributors, while working in close partnership with the Multilateral Finance and Development Partnerships Unit (MFDP), which leads engagement with public-sector actors.
PSPE works closely with the WMO technical departments to coordinate engagement with private sector actors engaged in monitoring and forecasting of weather, climate and water, including the HydroMeteorological and Environmental Industry (HMEI, a business association) and big tech.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Under the direct supervision of the Director, Division of Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery (DPPD), the incumbent will collaborate closely with relevant external contributors and partners, and WMO departments. Close collaboration with the other units in DPPD, in particular the Multilateral Finance and Development Partnerships Unit (MFDP), is essential to ensure coherence across public and private resource mobilisation, partnership strategies, and institutional safeguards.
The Officer serves as Head of PSPE, with a primary responsibility to contribute to WMO's institutional objectives by leading resource mobilisation with private sector actors, strengthening partnerships and advancing the operationalisation of key initiatives, particularly the WMO Commons. The incumbent will perform the following duties:
(a) Informed by the rapidly evolving finance landscape (particularly with regards to climate risk management), the incumbent will conduct structured resource mobilisation and partnership development with foundations, philanthropies, corporates and high net worth individuals. This includes identifying new funding opportunities as well as proactive management of existing private sector relationships.
(b) Recognising that the WMO Commons represents a transformational initiative for financing the global weather, climate and water information system, the incumbent will lead its operationalisation, scale up, and private sector contributor engagement, in close collaboration with MFDP and across WMO departments, including through joint development of communication and operational tools, organising technical and investor consultations, and responding to detailed information requests.
(c) The services and information that WMO provides are extremely relevant for sustainable finance, commercial risk management and economic growth. The incumbent shall identify, maintain and scale up appropriate engagement in initiatives and forums related to these topics, as well as identify other potential topical/sectoral opportunities for promotion of WMO. This includes serving as the focal point for relationships with such partners as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
(d) The incumbent shall coordinate the development of communication materials and briefing notes/talking points for the engagement of the Director of DPPD, as well as Executive Management, for relevant private sector events and meetings.
(e) The incumbent ensures oversight of risk management, due diligence, and reputational safeguards for engagement with private and non-state actors, including the application of WMO policies on ethics, conflicts of interest and reputational risk, close coordination with relevant WMO offices to assess partnership risks, and ensuring full alignment of all private-sector engagements with WMO's mandate, values, and intergovernmental character.
(f) Recognising that Members' seek active support for pursuing public-private engagement, the incumbent will respond to Member requests and provide guidance in particular in engaging with key private sector users of their services.
(g) The incumbent shall manage the staff of the PSPE Unit. Under the current structure, the PSPE staff under the incumbent's supervision will focus on coordinating with WMO technical departments to collaborate with private sector actors engaged in monitoring and forecasting of weather, water and climate, including big tech and the HydroMeteorological and Environmental Industry (HMEI, a business association).
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in sustainable finance, business administration, economics or private sector engagement in international development. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in resource mobilisation with private sector actors including foundations, philanthropies, corporates and high net worth individuals.
- Experience in successfully mobilizing funding from private foundations and philanthropies.
- Experience in sustainable finance or related sectors, both in terms of establishing and managing bilateral relationships and engaging in relevant initiatives and forums.
- Experience and understanding of promoting global public goods, in particular scientific data and related services, with the private sector.
Other requirements
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
- Familiarity with the concepts of global public goods, especially with regards to environmental monitoring and forecasting.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity, team spirit, and collaboration.
COMPETENCIES
The Private Sector Engagement Officer 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. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 66027
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 57311 (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: 3 February 2026