Closing date:

Director (weather and disaster risk reduction services), D2

City/location:
Geneva
Organization:
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

This job posting has closed

Vacancy notice: No. 1826

Duties and responsibilities


Under the overall policy direction of the Secretary-General, and direct supervision of the Deputy SecretaryGeneral, the incumbent is responsible for the management of the Weather and Disaster Risk Reduction Services (WDS) Department and ensures that the Department carries out its work as an integral part of, and in concert with, the Secretariat.

In particular, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Manage the process of bringing scientific and technological developments and advancements in forecasting early warning systems to various sectors including the transport sector, health sector, etc. through support to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs);
• Develop and manage implementation of the WMO Services Strategy including its delivery mechanisms and access by various sectors of society to ensure full societal benefit from the weather, water and climate information and services produced by WMO Members;
• Drive programmes that seek to enhance the capabilities of Members, especially those of developing and least developed countries, to:

- Produce and disseminate improved weather forecasts and warnings;
- Provide improved climate predictions and warnings;
- Provide and/or contribute to multi-hazard early warnings for disaster prevention and preparedness;
- Enhance the use of weather, climate, water and environmental applications and services by Members and partner organizations;

• Direct and manage the implementation, including change management processes, of the:

- Global Data-processing and Forecasting System Programme;
- Emergency Response Activities Programme;
- Aeronautical Meteorological Programme;
- Marine Meteorology and Oceanography Programme;
- Disaster Risk Reduction Programme;
- Public Weather Services Programme;
- Tropical Cyclone Programme;

and oversee implementation of the WMO Quality Management Framework;

• Provide support to the WMO Technical Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology (CAeM), the WMO/Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Joint Technical Commission on Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM), the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS), the WMO Executive Council and their respective subsidiary bodies, as appropriate;
• Manage partnerships within and outside of the United Nations system including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), etc. and Regional Coordinating mechanisms and organizations, as necessary. Contribute to the WMO strategic planning process including budget preparation (both regular and extrabudgetary), preparation of operating plans and other component parts of the process. Manage implementation including monitoring, and impact and risk assessments of approved plans and budgets and programme implementation;
• Carry out other relevant duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Doctorate or equivalent) in meteorology, climatology, hydrology or a closely related scientific field.

Experience

At least 15 years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in high-level positions in a National Meteorological or Hydrological Service, or an equivalent international centre. Solid senior-level management responsibility for service delivery activities typical of National Meteorological or Hydrological Services. Comprehensive experience in leading disaster risk reduction activities at the national and international levels. Solid knowledge and leadership of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and practices. Solid experience in managing high level meteorological programmes. Familiarity with WMO and the working practices of international organizations including creation and management of partnerships within the United Nations and beyond.

Other requirements

Excellent managerial and supervisory skills, including budget planning and control, change management, resource mobilization and project management skills. A well-developed capacity for planning, organizing and managing complex international programmes. Proven ability to develop projects and attract funds for their implementation. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Proven track-record in managing multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting programmes. Maturity of judgment, initiative, creativity; excellent interpersonal and communications skills both orally and in writing.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English or French and a good working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

(Note: the working languages of the WMO Secretariat are English and French. The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)

Attachments

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Country and region Switzerland
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