Background
WMO is supporting its Members in strengthening the implementation of early warning services through the application of WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49). In this context, WMO is developing a Guide to the Implementation of WMO Technical Regulations on Early Warning Services (TR-EWS) to provide practical guidance to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and other relevant authorities on how to operationalize the regulatory framework.
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the WMO Secretariat and relevant expert bodies in the development, consultation, and finalization of the implementation guide, ensuring that it is technically sound, aligned with WMO regulatory frameworks, and responsive to the operational needs of Members. The assignment will also facilitate engagement with WMO technical experts and Members to gather inputs and ensure broad consultation during the drafting process.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Early Warning Services Section, the consultant will work closely with the Early Warning Services Section team and relevant Services Commission (SERCOM) subsidiary bodies. The incumbent will perform the following duties:
Task 1 - Development of an Inception Report
Attend an Inception Meeting online with the WMO Secretariat focal points and key members of the WMO Expert Teams to review the project scope, deliverables, timelines and communication arrangements.
Prepare an Inception Report describing the intended approach, consultation framework and an initial assessment of the associated documents which will be provided by the WMO Secretariat.
Task 2 – Development of Draft 1 of the Implementation Guide
Assist in completing Draft 1 of the Guide to the Implementation of WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) on Early Warning Services (TR-EWS) for consultation with WMO Members and relevant stakeholders (‘the Guide’).
The consultant will work closely with the WMO Secretariat (EWS Section) and the WMO SERCOM Standing Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (SC-DRR), particularly the Expert Team on Early Warning Systems Technical Regulations (ET-REG), who have commenced drafting the Guide. An in-person drafting session with WMO SERCOM Experts is planned for the week commencing 27 April in Geneva to accelerate this work. The consultant is expected to facilitate and work with the Experts under the guidance of the WMO Secretariat from Geneva for a total of 8 working days.
This task will include reviewing relevant WMO regulatory materials and existing guidance and working with the Secretariat and ET-REG to prepare a structured and comprehensive Draft 1 of the Guide, ensuring alignment with WMO Technical Regulations and the operational context of Members.
Task 3 – Support the Consultation Process with WMO Members
Assist the WMO Secretariat in organizing and conducting a consultation process with WMO Members and relevant stakeholders to gather feedback on Draft 1.
This will include preparing a consultation framework, including guiding questions, feedback templates, and recommended procedures for collecting and documenting comments. The consultant will support the Secretariat in facilitating consultations through WMO Regional Associations and relevant technical bodies.
Task 4 – Processing and Analysis of Consultation Inputs
Support the WMO Secretariat in reviewing, organizing, and analysing the inputs received during the consultation process. The consultant will consolidate comments received from Members and stakeholders, identify key technical issues, and propose revisions to address the feedback received. The consultant is also expected to liaise with the focal points of the relevant SERCOM Subsidiary Bodies to ensure transparency and alignment of any revisions to the drafted document.
Task 5 – Preparation of Revised Draft 2 for Technical Review
Coordinate with the ET-REG to incorporate relevant comments and recommendations arising from the consultation process.
This task will ensure that the revised draft remains aligned with WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) and reflects expert technical input.
Task 6 – Facilitation of Communication and Awareness Activities
Support the consultation and review process, as requested, through technical and background contributions to communication and awareness-raising activities led by the WMO Secretariat focal points and the Chair/Co-Chair of ET-REG, within the timeframe of the consultancy.
This may include the preparation of briefing materials, background notes, and technical inputs, as well as supporting outreach to WMO Members and, where appropriate, participating in webinars or technical discussions in a supporting capacity to help explain the guide and facilitate the collection of feedback.
Task 7 – Finalization and Submission of the Guide
Support the WMO Secretariat in finalizing the Guide to the Implementation of WMO Technical Regulations on Early Warning Services, incorporating all agreed revisions resulting from consultations and technical review.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Degree in engineering, physical/ environmental science, meteorology or related discipline.
Experience:
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At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in the development, publication, compliance, and review of international technical regulations and standards.
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Proven operational experience working with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, disaster management authorities, or other relevant agencies in the implementation of early warning services, including warning generation, dissemination, coordination arrangements, and service delivery to end users.
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Experience in developing technical guidance, implementation guides, or regulatory frameworks related to WMO mandates would be preferred.
Other Requirements:
- Knowledge of WMO Technical Regulations, including familiarity with the structure, governance, and working procedures of the WMO, would be considered an asset.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with strong critical thinking, results orientation, and attention to detail.
- Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the WMO Secretariat would be an advantage.
(Note: The official languages of the Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
Additional Information: Geneva, Switzerland – Participation in an in-person technical drafting session with the WMO SERCOM Expert Team on Early Warning Systems Technical Regulations (ET-REG) to facilitate technical discussions and support the preparation of Draft 1 of the Guide.
The consultancy duration is 30 days over a period of 4 months
Level of pay band: C
Focal point email for additional information: Dr Andrew Tupper, Chief, Early Warning Services Section,
[email protected], Dr Muhibuddin Usamah, Scientific Officer, Early Warning Services Section,
[email protected]
Applications:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.
Statements:
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 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.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
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