Director - Division of Hydrology and Cryosphere

Overview DIRECTOR - DIVISION OF HYDROLOGY AND CRYOSPHERE (2381) VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2381 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 21 September 2025 POST: Director - Division of Hydrology and Cryosphere GRADE: D1 DUTY STATION: Geneva, Switzerland COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY: To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed-term - 1 year ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Division of Hydrology and Cryosphere - Department of Earth System and Data Prediction 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. Responsibilities - Lead coordination of global hydrological monitoring networks ensuring sustained, high-quality observation of water cycle processes. - Advance standardization, accessibility and interoperability of hydrological data supporting integrated water resource assessment and hydrological services. - Oversee development of real-time hydrological modelling capabilities and water balance applications. - Support Members in building robust hydrological monitoring infrastructure aligned with diverse regional water challenges. - Coordinate development and implementation of flood forecasting systems and drought monitoring capabilities. - Lead integration of hydrological prediction systems with atmospheric sciences across multiple timescales. - Advance multi-hazard early warning systems for water-related disasters supporting emergency services and water management authorities. - Oversee extrabudgetary projects expanding flood forecasting investments and hydrological capacities. - Lead WMO's integrated cryosphere activities including snow, ice and permafrost monitoring systems. - Coordinate understanding of polar region processes and cryosphere-hydrology interactions. - Support Members in connecting cryosphere dynamics with water resource assessment and climate adaptation. - Ensure coordination with Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) and EC-PHORS governance structures. - Translate complex water science into practical services for Member States addressing diverse institutional contexts. - Lead cross-departmental collaboration with Science and Innovation Division to integrate research advances into operational practice. - Coordinate with Hydrological Assembly and Hydrological Coordination Panel ensuring alignment with WMO governance. - Foster international coordination connecting hydrological and cryospheric expertise across atmospheric science communities. Qualifications Education Master's degree or equivalent in hydrology, cryospheric sciences, water resources, or related field. Experience - A minimum of fifteen (15) years progressively responsible experience in operational hydrology, water resources management, or cryosphere science with demonstrated experience in international coordination and service development. - Published research or professional experience demonstrating integration across water cycle domains is required. - Proven track record in managing diverse and interdisciplinary teams, including ability to oversee program management and budgeting. Other requirements OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGY: Deep knowledge of flood forecasting systems, drought monitoring, and water resource assessment methodologies with understanding of real-time hydrological modelling and water balance applications. CRYOSPHERE SCIENCE: Understanding of snow, ice and permafrost monitoring systems, with knowledge of polar region processes and cryosphere-hydrology interactions. INTEGRATED WATER SYSTEMS: Experience connecting hydrological and cryospheric processes with atmospheric sciences, including understanding of multi-hazard early warning systems for water-related disasters. SERVICE DELIVERY: Knowledge of how hydrological science translates into practical services for Member States, with understanding of diverse regional water challenges and institutional contexts. Your profile Leader with advanced expertise in hydrology, cryospheric sciences, water resources, or related field, bringing at least 15 years progressive leadership in operational hydrology, water resources management, or cryosphere science with demonstrated experience in international coordination and service development. Competencies The Director, Division of Hydrology and Cryosphere must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies: - CRITICAL: Innovation and Digital Agility; Decision Making and Problem Solving; Communication and Influence; Collaboration and Team Dynamics - SUPPORTING: Inclusive Mindset and Cultural Awareness; Stakeholder Understanding and Engagement; Integrity and Accountability 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 Conditions The position is funded from the regular budget. Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 116,095 Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 102,976 (in addition to the net base salary) How to Apply 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. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 22 August 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr