Scientific Officer (Cryosphere Monitoring and Prediction)

SCIENTIFIC OFFICER (CRYOSPHERE MONITORING AND PREDICTION) (2414)

VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2414
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 5 October 2025
28 day(s) until closing deadline - Currently accepting applications

POST

Scientific Officer (Cryosphere Monitoring and Prediction) GRADE P3
DUTY STATION Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY To be determined
NATURE OF APPOINTMENT Fixed-term – 1 year

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
Cryosphere Monitoring, Predictions and Services Unit - Hydrology & Cryosphere Division - Department of Earth System & Data Prediction
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. 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ABOUT THE ROLE

ADVANCING GLOBAL CRYOSPHERE MONITORING AND PREDICTION

The Scientific Officer will advance and integrate cryosphere monitoring and prediction capabilities for WMO Members in polar and high mountain regions. Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Cryosphere Monitoring, Predictions and Services unit, this position supports the integration of cryosphere sciences into WMO's global observing, information, and prediction systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. TECHNICAL COMMISSION SUPPORT
   • Support activities of INFCOM, EC-PHORS, and SERCOM subsidiary bodies focused on monitoring and prediction of global cryosphere status and changes in polar and high mountain regions.
   • Provide technical and administrative support to the Advisory Group on Global Cryosphere Watch (AG-GCW) for integration of cryosphere sciences into WIGOS, WIS, and WIPPS.
   • Prepare technical meetings, reports, and decision documents for WMO governing bodies.
2. MEMBER SERVICES AND CAPACITY BUILDING
   • Support Members and Regional Climate Centres in developing cryosphere-related capacities for observing, monitoring, data exchange, and applications.
   • Support WMO engagements with international organizations and initiatives on cryosphere monitoring and prediction, including GCOS and WIPPS World Meteorological Centres.
3. DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS
   • Support coherent data management and standardization of cryosphere data for increased accessibility through WIS and the GCW Data Portal.
   • Conduct analyses and prepare scientific contributions on cryosphere changes in polar and high mountain areas and their global impacts.
   • Assess observation and prediction requirements, capabilities, and gaps.
4. DOCUMENTATION AND PROJECT SUPPORT
   • Contribute to technical reports, newsletters, website updates, and community pages.
   • Prepare project concept notes, proposals, work plans, and budget evaluations as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Master's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline with cryosphere-related studies, e.g. physical geography, hydrology, physics, geophysics, engineering, or environmental studies. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of operational or applied science experience relevant to polar and/or high mountain regions addressing cryospheric variables monitoring, data processing, or modeling.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary and international teams.
- Experience preparing technical and scientific reports for broad audiences.

Other requirements
- Strong analytical skills, initiative, originality, dependability, and maturity of judgement.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member in a diverse, multicultural environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Familiarity with WMO Programmes and the UN system would be an advantage.

YOUR PROFILE

Cryosphere science specialist with demonstrated experience in polar and high mountain research. You will contribute to WMO’s integrated Earth system approach by supporting global cryosphere monitoring capabilities and helping Members develop their cryosphere-related services for climate and environmental applications.

COMPETENCIES

The Scientific Officer Cryosphere Monitoring and Prediction must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:

• Communication and Influence
• Collaboration and Team Dynamics
• Inclusive Mindset and Cultural Awareness
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Integrity and Accountability
• Innovation and Digital Agility
• Stakeholder Understanding and Engagement

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.)

The position is funded from regular budget.

New appointments on fixed-term contract of one year or more shall be subject to an initial one-year probation period.

SALARY AND ALLOWANCES

Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 70,212

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 62,278 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public. Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

Date of issue of vacancy notice: 5 September 2025