WMO – World Meteorological Organization

Terms of Reference Chiffre Nr. 2024-2-51

Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO)

I. General Information

Title: JPO Associate Program Officer (Early Warnings for All in RA VI – Europe)

Organization: WMO – World Meteorological Organization

Organizational Unit: Member Services Department/ Regional Office for Europe (MS/ ROE)

Country and Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension for another year. The extension of appointment is subject to yearly review concerning priorities, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance

Please note that for participants of the JPO-Programme two years work experience are mandatory! Relevant work experience can be counted. In order to assess the eligibility of the candidates, we review the relevant experience acquired after obtaining the first university degree (usually bachelor’s degree).

II. Responsibilities and Supervision

Under the overall guidance of the Director Regional Office for Europe (D/ROE) the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Position Specific Responsibilities:

1. Considering the European trends of extreme weather, climate, hydrological and environmental events, collaborate on analysing the status of early warning services in Regional Association VI (RA VI – Europe), identifying gaps and requirements for the development of the Global and Regional Basic Observation Network (GBON and RBON). Identify vulnerable subregions where Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative could provide essential support for disaster and hazard management.
2. Support the development of the RA VI Implementation plan for EW4All initiative and specific concept notes for multiple projects which are smaller in size but – if implemented collectively – contribute to full functionality of the subregional multi-hazard early warning advisory systems (implementing GBON, RBON, WIGOS, WIS, Common Alerting Protocol, WIPPS functions).
3. Collaborate with other offices in technical departments (Infrastructure, Services, and Science and Innovation).
4. Support the Working Groups of Regional Association VI (Europe) in connection to the EW4All Initiative.
5. Facilitate the drafting of discussion papers, technical reports, and briefings on the EW4All topic
6. Follow-up closely the national policy developments in the region relevant to the mandate of NMHSs and support the development of regional policies for strengthening the regional cooperation between the NMHSs and stakeholders
7. Carry out other relevant duties as required

III. Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Meteorology, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Physics, and/or other related disciplines of interest to WMO such as mathematics, computer sciences, engineering.

Experience:

Two years experience in Meteorology, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Physics. Furthermore, good ability to work autonomously, good level of initiative and creativity, high level of organizational skills/talent with ability to express thoughts and ideas oraly and in writing.

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.)      

IV. Learning Elements

On completion of the assignment, the JPO will have:

• Excellent knowledge of the working modalities of WMO as Specialized Agency of the UN, including its relations with other UN system bodies.
• Experience in development of the Regional Association (Europe) Implementation Plan, involving collaboration with numerous technical offices in the WMO Secretariat and the working bodies of the Regional Association VI.
• Full understanding of the position of WMO in the global and regional negotiation processes (under Disaster Risk Reduction agenda), and the relevance of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services with their strong technical, operational, and scientific background.
• Experience in working within a multicultural environment.
• Improved oral and written communication skills, and possibility to benefit from attending UN language training organized by UNOG.
• Developed and maintain relations with various stakeholders in RA VI (Europe) and develop networks with considerable insight into WMO/NMHS practices.

 

V. Background Information

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with 193 Member States and Territories. It is the UN system’s authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. 

The mission of WMO is to:  

• Facilitate worldwide cooperation in the establishment of networks of stations for the making of meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations related to meteorology, and to promote the establishment and maintenance of centres charged with the provision of meteorological and related services.
• Promote the establishment and maintenance of systems for the rapid exchange of meteorological and related information.
• Promote standardization of meteorological and related observations and to ensure the uniform publication of observations and statistics.
• Further the application of meteorology to aviation, shipping, water problems, agriculture and other human activities.
• Promote activities in operational hydrology and to further close cooperation between Meteorological and Hydrological Services.
• Encourage research and training in meteorology and, as appropriate, in related fields, and to assist in coordinating the international aspects of such research and training.

 

UN competencies: 

Professionalism: Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis on environment and climate issues, particularly as they relate to business. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. 

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

 

Bitte senden Sie Ihre JPO-Bewerbung direkt an das Büro Führungskräfte zu Internationalen Organisationen (BFIO) unter Angabe der Chiffre Nr. 2024-2-51 auf dem Bewerbungsbogen

Alle Informationen finden Sie unter www.bfio.de