Head, World Climate Research Programme, P4

Position description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

MANAGING DELIVERY OF GLOBAL CLIMATE SCIENCE PROGRAMME

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.

Within delegated authority of the Chief of the Climate Research and Information (CRI) Section, the Head, WCRP will take responsibility for science programme delivery, technical oversight, inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder facilitation. The position involves expanding the range of WMO’s deliverables in climate research and managing human and financial resources for WMO’s scientific and technical work in the World Climate Research Programme, under the supervision of the Chief, CRI.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 approaches for the WMO/IOC-UNESCO/ISC WCRP Joint Scientific Committee (JSC), creating comprehensive work programme frameworks and introducing enhanced reporting systems;
• Innovate the Application and delivery of research outcomes, developing new project portfolios and establishing cutting-edge peer review processes and scientific quality assurance systems within the WCRP community;
• Take responsibility for the overall management of World Climate Research Programme operational activities and independently optimize utilization of available WMO human and financial resources within the unit;
• Develop and expand comprehensive agreement frameworks between WCRP and implementing partners as well as other relevant UN and non-UN agencies, introducing new collaboration models aligned with sponsoring organization priorities (WMO, IOC-UNESCO and ISC);
• Promote WMO’s involvement in UNFCCC and other strategic UN programmes, creating opportunities for latest scientific advice and information to reach the global climate community through innovative delivery mechanisms;
• Enhance institutional climate integration by developing new contribution frameworks to WMO constituent and non-constituent bodies and introducing best practice collaboration models;
• Initiate organizational transformation in inter- and intra-departmental coordination on climate priorities, including with regional offices, introducing innovative change management processes;
• Create and expand collaborative activities to build scientific and technical capacity of WMO Members in climate research and information provision, developing innovative approaches through voluntary contributions;
• Take responsibility for comprehensive management functions including staff supervision, performance management, and introduction of 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;
• First-hand acquaintance with World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) climate research activities and knowledge of international organization procedures and WMO collaboration with UN and non-UN agencies would be advantageous.

Other requirements

Distinguished climate science professional with exceptional leadership capabilities in managing complex international research programmes. Proven expertise in coordinating large scientific communities and translating research outcomes into policy-relevant information. Strong managerial skills with experience in multi-stakeholder coordination and organizational transformation.

Languages

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

Application instructions

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