Senior Director, Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development (D2)

Overview

Senior Director, Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development (D2) at World Meteorological Organization. The Senior Director will lead the Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development (SSCD) as the central platform for advancing earth system and social science research underpinning the delivery of weather, climate, environmental and sectoral services while strengthening global capacity within a unified and integrated framework that drives the full value chain from scientific discovery to operational service delivery and capacity development. Under the authority of the Deputy Secretary-General, the Director will provide strategic leadership for three interdependent divisions that work collaboratively to create powerful synergies enhancing WMO's effectiveness and impact in serving 193 Member States.

Key Responsibilities

• a) Lead coordination and integration of WMO's scientific research across the Earth system from climate, weather, water and atmospheric composition including strategic oversight of WCRP, WWRP and GAW programmes.
• b) Champion a people-centred approach to science, integrating social sciences, co-production of knowledge, and user engagement across all workstreams to ensure scientific advances support safety, well-being and resilience of societies.
• c) Orchestrate seamless knowledge transfer from research to service delivery, ensuring scientific innovations are rapidly translated into improved services and immediately incorporated into capacity building programmes.
• d) Oversee delivery of tailored meteorological and sectoral services across critical sectors including agriculture, aviation, marine, health, climate and energy to build resilience and safeguard lives and livelihoods.
• e) Lead development and implementation of impact-based forecasting, early warning systems, and multi-hazard risk assessment methodologies.
• f) Design and implement integrated capacity development strategies that enhance technical, institutional and human resource capabilities of WMO Members, with particular emphasis on developing and least developed countries.
• g) Facilitate coordinated responses to Member needs where capacity development efforts are directly informed by operational requirements and supported by the latest scientific advances.
• h) Accelerate innovation cycles ensuring that capacity building reflects current operational realities and creates feedback loops that inform research priorities based on real-world service delivery challenges.
• i) Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, UN agencies, and development organizations to enhance WMO's scientific capabilities and service delivery impact.
• j) Design resource mobilization strategies for scientific research, service development, and capacity building programmes ensuring sustainable financing for departmental priorities.
• k) Oversee extrabudgetary projects that deliver essential scientific information and services to WMO Members, ensuring alignment with WMO's strategic priorities.
• l) Provide support and input to the relevant WMO governing bodies as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in atmospheric sciences, hydrology, social sciences, or related field. A PhD in any of the above fields would be an advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience spanning hydrometeorological research and service delivery domains with demonstrated success in interdisciplinary program management, a proven track record in securing competitive research funding, and experience in international partnership and capacity development.
• Proven track record in managing diverse and interdisciplinary teams, including ability to oversee program management and budgeting.

Other requirements

1. SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP: Experience directing international research programs, with demonstrated coordination of interdisciplinary research spanning atmospheric sciences, hydrology, and social sciences, and proven experience managing research-to-application transitions.
2. SCIENCE-SERVICE INTEGRATION: Understanding of how scientific advances translate into operational services, with experience in user needs assessment and service design, including impact assessment methodologies for meteorological/hydrological/environmental services.
3. VALUE CYCLE MINDSET: Deep appreciation for the science to service / delivery to capacity development continuum, with experience connecting research outputs with practical applications and understanding of how capacity building enhances scientific and service capabilities.
4. PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT: Demonstrated experience in managing partnerships with academic/UN/development organizations, including experience establishing international agreements.
5. Demonstrated success in leading large, complex interdisciplinary organizations with proven ability to work effectively across technical, operational, and development domains.

Competencies

The Senior Director, Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:

• CRITICAL: Decision Making & Problem Solving
• SUPPORTING: Communication & Influence
• Integrity & Accountability

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management, Science, and Public Relations

Industries

• Environmental Services, Climate Data and Analytics, and International Affairs