CHIEF SCIENTIST - DIRECTOR, RESEARCH DEPARTMENT, RES (2015)

11 December 2024
 
PDF/Print version
 
Returning applicants, please log in
Not registered? Register here
 
List of closed vacancies
 
Return to current vacancies list
VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2015
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 31 January 2018 Recruitment Completed
POST

Chief Scientist - Director, Research Department, RES
GRADE

D2
DUTY STATION 

Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

1 May 2018
or as soon as possible thereafter
NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed-term - 2 years
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

Research 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

Subject to the overall policy directives of the Secretary-General*, under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary-General and with the guidance by the relevant research oversight bodies, the incumbent is responsible for the international coordination, planning and organization of WMO and co-sponsored research programmes and projects, related communication and outreach.

In order to fulfill this task, the incumbent will manage the Research (RES) Department and represent the interest of research programmes with relevant governmental and non-governmental international organizations and a wide range of national academic and research agencies and foundations in all fields of geoscience, including meteorology, climatology and atmospheric sciences, hydrology, oceanography, social- and economic sciences. The incumbent will perform the following duties:

(a) Manage the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP), the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme and related projects, to ensure their scientific credibility, relevance and integrity;

(b) Lead the overall strategic direction of the WMO science, ensure that the WMO has a strong science strategy, its elements are well coordinated and the strategy is delivered effectively;

(c) Maintain close interactions with sponsoring organizations to ensure that the priorities intent of these organizations are considered in the planning and implementation of the programmes;

(d) Direct the work of the Department, including the joint planning staff of WCRP, support research oversight bodies and implementation of programme activities;

(e) Leverage and mobilize resources for implementation;

(f) Build strategic research partnership, work closely with key stakeholders and partners, foster joint activities to accelerate scientific progress, promote the 'science for service' approach and continuous dialogue between science and operations;

(g) Proactively identify, promote and implement measures that will ensure a more integrated research effort supporting a seamless Earth system approach;

(h) Support the processes of structural and programmatic reorganization of research programmes and oversight mechanisms as may be decided by sponsoring organizations;

(i) Advocate effective utilization of scientific knowledge, based on the best-available research and data, in addressing global issues on the environment and sustainable development;

(j) Carry out other relevant duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Postgraduate degree (Doctorate or equivalent) in a relevant field of geoscience, such as meteorology, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, hydrology, or basic sciences such as physics and chemistry.

Experience
A minimum of 15 years of 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. Experience with science management and policy decision processes at the international levels and with the working procedures of international organizations. Practical experience in developing collaboration between research and operational communities and in fostering collaboration between institutions in developed and developing countries and in developing capacity development programmes. Demonstrated experience communicating science to policymakers 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.)
The position is funded from extrabudgetary resources and its renewal or extension depends on 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$ 87608 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information:
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. The interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of 26 February to 2 March 2018.

* With regard to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the Secretary-General acts on behalf of the sponsoring Organizations, which comprise the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO).
Date of issue of vacancy notice: 18 December 2017

This vacancy is shown for viewing only. Please follow instructions within the announcement if it is open for application.