Director

VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2298
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 14 June 2024 Under Recruitment

POST

Director GRADE

D2 DUTY STATION 

Geneva, Switzerland COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed-term - 2 years

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

Office of the Director
Science and Innovation 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

Responsible to the Executive Management (Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General), the incumbent is accountable for the management of the Science and Innovation (SI) Department and ensures that the Department carries out its work as an integral part of the Secretariat and with smooth collaboration with the Departments and Regional Offices.

In the exercise of the function, the Director shall:
i. Be responsible for the effective and efficient implementation of the Long-Term Goal 3 with associated Strategic Objectives of the WMO Strategic Plan through international coordination, planning and organization of research programmes and projects, related communication and outreach; responsible for the provision of support to the WMO Research Board, the Scientific Advisory Panel, the oversight bodies of WMO and co-sponsored research programmes, mobilize the WMO research community, and contribute to the WMO Earth System approach and Members Capacity Development;
ii. Provide vision, leadership and strategic direction in the development, integration and execution of the WMO Strategic and Operating Plans related to WMO Science, Research and Innovation, and mobilize the WMO research community and ensure high quality support, with high efficiency and effectiveness to the WMO Research Board, the WMO Scientific Advisory Panel and the oversight bodies of WMO and co-sponsored research programmes;
iii. Plan, manage and direct the activities of the SI Department including supervision of staff and management of the budget and resources; establish and manage the WMO scientific goals together with the Department's annual objectives with measurable performance indicators, targets and deliverables, ensuring that the WMO has a strong science strategy and research transfer to operation plan that is well coordinated and delivered effectively;
iv. Provide oversight and strategic direction for all WMO education and training activities for the entire range of WMO's mandate areas in close collaboration with other departments, which includes: monitoring the planning and implementation of WMO-supported training events; providing advisory services on Members' education and training requirements; and mobizing resources for capacity-development initiatives;

v. Oversee the management of, and ensure high-quality support to, the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) (including the joint planning of staff), the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP), the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme and related projects, ensure their sustainability, scientific credibility, relevance and integrity and implementation of programme activities; direct and represent the interests of research programmes with relevant international organizations and a wide range of national/regional academic and research agencies, and foundations in all fields of Earth System Sciences, including meteorology, climatology and atmospheric sciences, hydrology, oceanography, social- and economic sciences;

vi. Lead the Secretariat support to the WMO research community with great efficiency and effectiveness, for consideration by Congress, the Executive Council and technical commissions, to develop and recommend international standards for methods, procedures, techniques and practices in research and innovation, research transfer to operations, in particular, the relevant parts of the regulatory material (Technical Regulations, guides and manuals, etc.) for promoting the WMO research contributions to overall WMO Strategic Objectives;

vii. Build strategic research partnerships, working closely with key stakeholders and partners; proactively identify, promote and implement measures that will ensure an integrated research effort supporting a seamless Earth system approach; maintain close interactions with sponsoring organizations to ensure that the priorities intent of WMO and these organizations are considered in the planning and implementation of the programmes;
viii. Maintain close collaboration with the Directors of Departments and Offices; effectively coordinate science and innovations, infrastructure and services interactively; to accelerate scientific progress, promote the 'science for service' approach and continuous dialogue between science and operations and with all regions and support to all WMO strategic objectives relevant to the science and innovation;

ix. Leverage and mobilize extrabudgetary and in-kind resources (trust funds, in-kind contributions, hosting WMO centres and facilities, etc.), through collaboration with the broader research community, for the implementation of WMO science and innovation at global, regional and national levels;

x. Collect, compile and provide relevant information for monitoring and evaluating implementation performance and reporting based on the key performance indicators, targets and deliverables associated with WMO science and innovation activities;

xi. Carry out other relevant duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Master's degree or equivalent in meteorology, hydrology, geophysical/environmental science or a closely related field. Additional qualifications such as a Ph.D. in a relevant field would be an advantage.

Experience
A minimum of 15 years experience and international recognition in a relevant field of Earth science, of which a minimum of 10 years in planning, organizing and implementing large multi-disciplinary scientific programmes and/or managing a research institute or organization. Demonstrated commitment to capacity development and experience with science management and policy decision processes at the international level and with the working procedures of international organizations. Practical experience in developing collaboration between research and operational communities and in fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer between institutions in developed and developing countries. Demonstrated experience communicating science to policy makers as well as engaging in resource mobilization through voluntary contributions and competitive proposals.

Other requirements
Familiarity with the latest developments in related fields and relevant activities of international, regional and national centres, academia and international organizations. Knowledge of major global agendas and the role of science therein. Ability to establish and maintain professional contacts at a senior level in a multidisciplinary environment. Demonstrated responsibility, maturity of judgment and initiative. Excellent coordination, interpersonal and communication skills. Proven ability to write scientific reports, documents and correspondence in English. Excellent planning, supervision and managerial skills. Familiarity with project and budget management. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.

Languages
Excellent knowledge of English. 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.)

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$ 117280

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 100744 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information:
The net base salary and post adjustment are subject to change without notice.
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: 15 May 2024

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