Head, Observing Networks and Measurement Division
JOB DETAIL
DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determinedNATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term – 2 years
Organizational Unit
Observing Networks and Measurement Division, WIGOS Branch
Infrastructure 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 Director of the WIGOS Branch in the Infrastructure Department, the incumbent will manage the Observing Networks and Measurement Division, which coordinates scientific and technical aspects of the overall development, planning, design, standardization, implementation and efficient operation of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), with a particular focus on the observing networks and techniques for weather and climate-related applications.
In particular, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
(A) Directly lead a secretariat team and contribute to the following areas of work in support of the Commission for Observations, Infrastructure and Information Systems (INFCOM)’s Standing Committee on Earth Observing Systems and Monitoring Networks (SC-ON):
· Coordinate and support the overall work of SC-ON;
· Coordinate and support the WIGOS Rolling Review of Requirements for Observations, for all WMO application areas – including liaising with the Commission for Weather, Climate, Hydrological, Marine and Related Environmental Services and Applications (SERCOM) to collect user requirements for observation network characteristics for different uses, particularly to the needs related to monitoring of the priority hazards of the UN Early Warnings for All initiative;
· Promote the integration of WIGOS component observing networks and those of co-sponsors and partners;
· Coordinate and support the Global Observing System (GOS) of the World Weather Watch;
· Coordinate and support the implementation of the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) and its compliance monitoring;
· Provide technical support and guidance to Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) partners (secretariat, peer advisors, Implementing Entities and beneficiary countries), in order to gradually close global network gaps;
· Coordinate and support the process for the design of the Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON), the compliance monitoring of RBON, and provide assistance to the Regional Associations regarding the implementation of RBON as appropriate;
· Contribute to the improvement of observing network monitoring tools (availability and quality) and help develop network design tools;
· Foster compliance of Members with WIGOS technical regulations and standards through compliance monitoring using WIGOS tools, and coordinate, develop and maintain the network of regional WIGOS Centres (RWCs);
· Promote national implementation of WIGOS, provide support to capacity development projects for the WIGOS aspects, and provide training as appropriate;
(B) Provide general support to the following areas of work in support of INFCOM’s Standing Committee on Measurement, Instrumentation and Traceability (SC-MINT):
· Support Members with application of observing technologies including evaluation and adoption of new observation technologies;
· Support Members work to assure accuracy and traceability of observations;
· Promote environmental sustainability of observations;
· Maintain close technical liaison with the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM);
· Foster compliance of Members with WIGOS technical regulations and standards, and coordinate, develop and maintain the network of Regional Instrument Centres (RICs);
· Promote national implementation of WIGOS measurement standards, provide support to capacity development projects for the WIGOS aspects, and provide training as appropriate;
(C) Support and strengthen the partnerships for aircraft-based observing networks:
· including the AMDAR programme and the WMO-IATA Collaboration on the AMDAR programme (WICAP);
· Maintain close technical liaisons with the appropriate international organizations and bodies;
(D) Work in teams across WMO to foster:
· Integration of observations in partnership with external organizations and communities;
· Wide participation in the development of requirements, delivery, monitoring, and feedback/review of WIGOS;
(E) Provide support to bodies established by the WMO Congress and the Executive Council (EC) on aspects related to WIGOS as appropriate, and provide technical support to the WMO constituent bodies on all aspects related to the GOS;
(F) Maintain relevant WMO Manuals, Guides and guidelines, WIGOS Technical Documents, and prepare relevant scientific and technical reports, studies and documents;
(G) Carry out other relevant duties as required.
| QUALIFICATIONS | ||
| Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in meteorology and/or physics, climatology, engineering or mathematics with subsequent specialization in meteorology. |
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| Experience At least 10 years of national and international progressively responsible experience in a National Meteorological or Hydrological Service, of which at least five years in a senior post. Experience in the management of hydro/meteorological in-situ and/or surface-based remote sensing observing systems and networks, and in the use of observations for forecasting and/or service delivery; good knowledge of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS); good familiarity with WMO, in particular its World Weather Watch and its sub-systems, including good experience in the working practices of WMO Technical Commissions. |
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| Other requirements Demonstrated competencies in strategic thinking, building partnerships, leading and empowering others, communicating, and planning and organizing. Ability to manage large technical and collaborative projects of a complex nature. Demonstrated ability to foster international cooperation, results focus and ability to make quality decisions. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and originality of ideas. Ability to foster diversity and team spirit in a multicultural environment. Familiarity with the work of intergovernmental organizations. Good knowledge of WMO programmatic areas and activities. Proven ability to draft high-quality reports, documents, and correspondence. |
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| 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 Secretary-General may appoint a candidate at a grade below the advertised grade of the post, with the possibility of promotion to that grade within three years of appointment, subject to satisfactory appraisal of performance.Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.
| SALARY AND ALLOWANCES | |
| Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 92731 | |
| Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 74463 (in addition to the net base salary) | |
Additional Information:
Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written assessment and/or an interview.Date of issue of vacancy notice: 27 November 2023
