Scientific Officer Cryosphere and Polar Infrastructure – UN jobs Geneva
JOB DETAIL
DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determinedNATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term – 2 years
Organizational Unit
Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), WMO Integrated Global Observing System (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 supervision of the Project Manager of the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) and in coordination with the Heads of relevant Divisions and under the overall guidance of the Director of the Infrastructure Department, the incumbent will be responsible for matters related to space-based and surface-based remote sensing of the global cryosphere and in support of understanding cryospheric processes in polar and high mountain regions, as well as the related data management following the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) guiding principles. The incumbent will perform the following main duties:
(a) Support the activities of the Infrastructure Commission (INFCOM), of the Executive Council Panel on Polar and High Mountain Observation Research and Services (PHORS), and their respective subsidiary bodies, with a focus on the remote sensing and the monitoring of the global cryosphere and in support of understanding cryospheric processes in polar and high mountain regions;
(b) Support engagements on the monitoring of the cryosphere from space, with organizations and international initiatives, in particular through the Committee on Earth Observing Satellites (CEOS) and the Coordinating Group on Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), and in the framework of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) vision 2040, in collaboration with the WMO Space Programme;
(c) Support, at the technical level, coherent data management and standardization of cryosphere data, for increasing the accessibility in real-time and of long time series and analysis-ready data through the WMO Information System, the GCW Data Portal, working with relevant data centres and supporting the associated dialogues between data providers and consumers;
(d) Conduct analyses and prepare scientific contributions and assessments with a focus on changes in the cryosphere in polar and high mountain areas and their global impacts, on observing requirements and capabilities, on the calibration and validation of observations, and report on gaps and opportunities;
(e) Prepare and present project concept proposals, work plans, technical documentation and budget evaluations, as assigned;
(f) Carry out other relevant duties as required.
| QUALIFICATIONS | ||
| Education Master’s degree or equivalent in a scientific or applied science discipline with a programme of studies which included cryosphere-related sciences, e.g. physics, geophysics, engineering, or environmental studies. A PhD in a relevant domain would be an important asset. |
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| Experience At least five (5) years of combined interdisciplinary hands-on applied science experience relevant to polar and high mountain regions or on snow and ice application areas, with a minimum of two years in remote-sensing and data and image-processing. Experience address specific scientific questions by accessing and using remote sensing data and climate datasets, using or developing models, conducting geospatial analysis and reporting results. Experience using data processing and visualization software applications (ArcGIS, Python, MatLab, etc.), artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. Experience organizing and conducting field work. Experience preparing reports, scientific papers and other communication for broad audiences. Experience working in multidisciplinary and international teams. |
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| Other requirements Strong analytical skills, initiative, originality of ideas, dependability, work ethics, maturity of judgement. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a diverse working environment. Excellent written and oral communication. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and data processing and visualization applications. Familiarity with WMO Programmes and activities, is an advantage. |
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| 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.) |
| SALARY AND ALLOWANCES | |
| Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 64121 | |
| Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 56683 (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: 20 August 2024
