Overview
HEAD, WORLD CLIMATE RESEARCH PROGRAMME, CRI SECTION (2410)
VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2410
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 5 October 2025
Post: Head, World Climate Research Programme, CRI Section
Grade: P4
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Commencement of Duty: To be determined
Nature of Appointment: Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit: Climate Research and Information Section - Science and Innovation 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 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.
Responsibilities
* Originate new approaches to the World Climate Research Programme as a leading authoritative voice on climate research, developing innovative options for the joint WMO/IOC-UNESCO/ISC Programme and creating enhanced coordination across large international scientific communities which directly inform global decision-making.
* Under the delegated authority of the Chief of the Climate Research and Information (CRI) Section, take responsibility for science programme delivery, technical oversight, inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder facilitation. Manage WCRP science programme delivery and resources within the unit.
* Develop new programme options and innovative project models in global climate research, expanding the translation of global agenda into activities within the climate scientific community.
* Advance strategic planning for the WMO/IOC-UNESCO/ISC WCRP Joint Scientific Committee (JSC), creating comprehensive work programme frameworks and enhanced reporting systems.
* Innovate the application and delivery of research outcomes, developing new project portfolios and establishing peer review processes and scientific quality assurance within the WCRP community.
* Develop and expand agreement frameworks between WCRP and implementing partners, and other relevant UN and non-UN agencies, introducing new collaboration models aligned with sponsor priorities (WMO, IOC-UNESCO and ISC).
* Promote WMO's involvement in UNFCCC and other UN programmes, creating opportunities for latest scientific advice to reach the global climate community through innovative delivery mechanisms.
* Enhance institutional climate integration by developing contribution frameworks to WMO constituents and non-constituent bodies, introducing best practice collaboration models.
* Initiate organizational transformation in inter- and intra-departmental coordination on climate priorities, including with regional offices, through innovative change management processes.
* Build scientific and technical capacity of WMO Members in climate research and information provision, developing innovative approaches through voluntary contributions.
* Manage functions including staff supervision, performance management, and organizational change processes to ensure high-performance team delivery.
Qualifications
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in climate science or a closely related scientific field. A Ph.D. would be an advantage. 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 seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in climate studies, global change research, and climate information provision to different audiences and partners.
- Demonstrated experience in climate research or services as a scientist, manager or leader.
- Proven experience in strategy development, planning, project implementation and monitoring.
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders for programme delivery and organizing capacity development activities in an international context.
- Familiarity with WCRP activities and knowledge of international organization procedures and WMO collaboration with UN and non-UN agencies is advantageous.
Other requirements
Your profile: Distinguished climate science professional with leadership capabilities in managing complex international research programmes; capable of coordinating large scientific communities and translating research outcomes into policy-relevant information; strong managerial skills with multi-stakeholder coordination and organizational transformation.
Competencies
The Head, WCRP must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in: 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 (oral and written). Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other official languages 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
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 84,672
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 75,104 (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
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