HEAD, WMO SPACE SYSTEMS AND UTILIZATION DIVISION (2215)

26 April 2024
 
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VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2215
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 1 November 2022 Recruitment Completed
POST

Head, WMO Space Systems and Utilization Division
GRADE

P5
DUTY STATION 

Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

To be determined
NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed-term - 2 years
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

WMO Space Systems and Utilization (SSU) Division, WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) Branch
Infrastructure 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

Under the guidance of the Director of the WMO Integrated Observing System Branch (D/WIGOS), and the overall guidance of the Director of the Infrastructure Department (D/I),
the incumbent will be responsible for all matters related to the WMO Space Systems and Utilization (SSU) Division including meteorological and other environmental satellites systems and utilizations relevant to WMO and supported Programmes. The incumbent will also have responsibility for coordinating radio-frequency related issues within the Organization.
The incumbent will perform the following duties:

(a) Coordinate with WMO satellite operators and space agencies contributing, or with the potential to contribute, to the space-based component of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS); Coordinate the vision and implementation for space-based observing systems as part of the WMO Earth System long-term observation strategy depicted in the WMO Strategic Plan;

(b) Coordinate and oversee the preparation of reports and activities to the WMO constituent bodies (Congress, Executive Council, Regional Associations, Technical Commissions) and other bodies (Research Board, EC Panels, etc.), and to promote Members' engagement and support to the space system development;

(c) Provide leadership for enhancing the awareness and capacity development on the utilization of satellite data and products for weather, climate and related environmental applications, with particular focus on new-generation meteorological satellites and capacity development (infrastructure and knowledge on the satellite data utilization) of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS);

(d) Foster cooperation with relevant international bodies, in particular the Coordination Group on Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), and international organizations and science groups, for example, the subsidiary bodies of CGMS (i.e., International Precipitation Working Group (IPWG), International Radio Occultation Working Group (IROWG), International TOVs Working Group (ITWG) and International Winds Working Group (IWWG) and International Clouds Working Group (ICWG)), and keep abreast of international developments relating to environmental satellite systems and applications;

(e) Assume responsibility for activities of the Infrastructure Commission related to space-based observations, space weather and radio frequency coordination and provide leadership on space-related matters within the Secretariat; Coordinate the WMO effort on Space Weather;

(f) Maintain liaison with the United Nations Specialized Agencies and other international and regional organizations on relevant activities in development, coordination and application of environmental satellite systems;

(g) Provide leadership in matters related to education and training in the exploitation of satellite data and products throughout WMO Programmes based on the WMO CGMS Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology (VLab), in close coordination with the WMO Education and Training (ETR) Office and other partners;

(h) Manage and monitor the optimal use of the resources (staff, budget, trust fund, etc.) for the WMO Space Programme, and support priority setting and resource mobilization for satellite activities across WMO;

(i) Guide the preparation and update of materials for the WMO Space Programme website and other media outlets, as related to satellite systems and data utilization and application;

(j) Prepare relevant scientific reports, studies and documents;

(k) Carry out other relevant duties as required.



QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Master of Science degree or equivalent in meteorology, oceanography, engineering or related science. A Doctorate or equivalent would be an advantage.

Experience
At least 10 years of national and international progressively responsible experience in operational or research meteorology or hydrology and familiarity with satellite systems and utilizations either operational or research and development (R&D) or both. Knowledge of satellite systems from operational and R&D, and methods for determining environmental parameters with satellite data. Knowledge and understanding of radio frequency management is also required for this post.

Other requirements
Excellent leadership qualities, managerial and supervisory skills.
Strong programme management capabilities, particularly management and coordination of WMO leading activities within the framework of satellite communities (mainly the Coordination Group on Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)). Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder engagement and foster international cooperation. Sense of responsibility, maturity of judgment, initiative and originality of ideas. Good analytical and communication skills. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.


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.)
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$ 92731

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 68528 (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.
Date of issue of vacancy notice: 7 October 2022

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