Technical Advisor Early Warning Systems

World Food Programme; Remoto; EUR 50.000 - 68.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A prominent humanitarian organization is seeking a climate scientist to lead technical early warning systems (EWS) projects in Southern Africa. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in a relevant field and significant experience in managing projects related to climate risk management and forecasting. Responsibilities include providing advanced guidance on national EWS, formulating proposals, and collaborating with meteorological services. Strong communication skills and proficiency in analytical programming are essential. This role will be home-based, focusing on impactful climate initiatives.

Servizi

Inclusive and diverse working environment

Career development opportunities

Attractive compensation package

Competenze

• Five years of related experience in climate science.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in early warning systems.
• Expertise in downscaling calibration and hydrological modeling.

Mansioni

• Lead design and implementation of technical EWS projects.
• Provide technical guidance for national Early Warning Systems.
• Develop funding proposals for climate initiatives.

Conoscenze

Numerical prediction models

Seasonal monitoring

Analytical programming (R, Python)

Flood analysis

Excellent communication skills

Formazione

Advanced university degree in hydrology, meteorology, climate, or related field

Strumenti

Remote sensing data

Descrizione del lavoro

Deadline for Applications

27 January 2026 23:59 GMT Central European Time (Rome)

Equal Employment Opportunity

WFP celebrates diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status, or disability.

About WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

Why Join WFP

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in personal and professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility.
• A career path in WFP enables work across country, regional, and global offices worldwide.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (see Terms and Conditions).

Background and Purpose of the Assignment

The Climate and Resilience Service in WFP Global HQ provides guidance and support to WFP Country Offices (COs) and governments on climate risk management, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.

Profile Summary

We seek a climate scientist with expertise in numerical prediction models, seasonal and subseasonal earth observation data sets, operational weather forecasting, and strong communication skills. Home‑based with a focus on WFP’s Southern Africa portfolio, the expert will lead technical EWS projects, formulate advocacy documents, develop funding proposals, and represent WFP in technical working groups.

Accountabilities / Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of technical EWS projects in WFP COs in Southern Africa.
• Provide advanced technical guidance to strengthen national Early Warning Systems (EWS) that release prearranged financing.
• Formulate work plans, logical frameworks, and funding proposals for the MCP‑AA4FS project.
• Develop hazard thresholds and probabilistic forecast triggers to inform AA.
• Lead technical oversight for the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) and the EW4All initiative.
• Represent WFP in regional initiatives and international partnerships.
• Maintain partnerships with meteorological services and other agencies to harmonize AA trigger models.
• Ensure alignment with WFP’s financial architecture for emergency response.

Deliverables at the End of the Contract

• Effective technical leadership for MCP‑AA4FS and SOFF in Southern Africa.
• At least one advocacy document demonstrating the impact of EWS.
• New funding proposal(s) for EWS successfully developed and submitted.
• Annual report on AA and EWS regional achievements and plans.
• Successful alignment with complementary climate programmes in the region.
• Technical oversight of the EW4ALL initiative and ECHO AA programme.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Advanced university degree in hydrology, meteorology, climate, or related field with at least five years of related experience.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in early warning systems, seasonal monitoring, flood analysis, numerical weather prediction or weather forecasting, preferably within Southern Africa.
• Demonstrated expertise in downscaling calibration, bias correction of global weather models, and hydrological modeling for flood forecasting.
• Proficiency in remote sensing data (rainfall estimates, NDVI, LST) and analytical programming languages (R, Python).
• Experience managing technical projects, budgets, work plans, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; working knowledge of French or Portuguese is an advantage.

Reminders Before You Submit Your Application

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through the online recruitment system.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.