Scientific Officer (Early Warning)

Overview

SCIENTIFIC OFFICER (EARLY WARNING) (2411) — Geneva, Switzerland. VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2411. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 5 October 2025. 28 day(s) until closing deadline - Currently accepting applications. POST: Scientific Officer (Early Warning) GRADE: P3. DUTY STATION: Geneva, Switzerland. COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY: To be determined. NATURE OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed-term - 1 year.

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Early Warning Section - Meteorological and Sectoral Services Division - Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development. 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.

Support essential early warning capabilities by providing technical support to the Chief of the Early Warning Section in advancing WMO's global early warning capabilities. This position contributes to implementing impact-based forecasting, multi-hazard warning systems, and the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The role offers an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of early warning science, supporting the development and implementation of methodologies that translate meteorological predictions into actionable risk information for decision-makers and vulnerable populations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the advancement and application of impact-based forecasting (IBF) methodologies that translate meteorological predictions into actionable risk information for decision-makers.
• Develop and maintain technical guidance and training materials related to IBF implementation.
• Assist in incorporating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence as applicable to impact modeling and impact-based warnings.
• Monitor IBF implementation and initiatives and provide reports as needed.
• Assist in the development and implementation of comprehensive multi-hazard early warning systems, as required.
• Foster closer coordination between custodians of risk information and NMHSs, in support of data sharing and the development of protocols needed to support IBF implementation.
• Support the integration of hazard warnings into comprehensive early warning services.
• Assist with WMO's contribution to the UN Early Warnings for All initiative, ensuring comprehensive coverage by 2027.
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building support to WMO Members for developing and enhancing national early warning preparation through WMO constituent and non-constituent expert bodies.
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of prioritized work plans and associated deliverables, budget allocation and usage, and professional development.
• Support financial management of WMO regular and extrabudgetary funding as delegated, with accountability for responsible use of funds.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree or equivalent in meteorology or closely related field. 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 progressively responsible experience in early warning services, with demonstrated experience with impact-based forecasting and warnings.
- General understanding of WMO programmes and bodies.

Other requirements
- Mature operational knowledge of impact-based forecasting and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
- Understanding of disaster risk reduction frameworks, emergency response protocols, and coordination with national disaster management authorities.
- Knowledge of risk communication, public warning dissemination systems, and stakeholder engagement for effective warning uptake.
- Demonstrated experience with multi-hazard warning systems and stakeholder coordination.
- Solid coordination, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated responsibility, maturity of judgement and initiative.
- Experience organizing and managing work programmes.
- Perfect adherence to UN values and the WMO Code of Ethics.

Your Profile

Experienced early warning professional with strong technical expertise in impact-based forecasting and multi-hazard warning systems. You will contribute to WMO's global early warning initiatives while providing technical support to Members in developing comprehensive early warning capabilities that protect vulnerable populations and support decision-making at national and regional levels.

Competencies

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

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)

Application Information

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