Position Title:  Lead-Systems Research and Development Department

Open Period:   23 February 2024 - 22 March 2024

Background:   The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and managed by its Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. RIMES was established on 30 April 2009, and was registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. RIMES operates from its regional early warning center located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani.

Position Description:  The Lead – Systems Research and Development Department, leads and performs overall supervision of the system development and management for earthquake monitoring, tsunami warning, weather and flood forecasting, climate prediction, impact and risk assessments, and other decision support systems for hazard early warning and response.  The Lead – Systems Research and Development Department is also responsible for the delivery of weather and climate products and services to RIMES Member States, and for supporting and analyzing the computing and other information technology requirements of RIMES. 

Contract Type: Full-Time Contract 

Duty station: Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand.

Skills and Qualifications: 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science/ Computer Engineering with a focus on AI and Machine Learning, and related fields.

                   

Experience; Minimum 5-7 years of experience in:

  • Software/computer modeling, and integrating data, analytics and systems to deliver required digital information products for sectoral users.

  • Developing data analytics and geospatial data applications, with experience handling multi-dimensional datasets including NETCDF and HDF5, preferably using Python.

  • Designing REST APIs and microservices architecture utilizing Angular and React JS, with comprehensive knowledge of Javascript, HTML, and CSS. experience in DevOps e in SDLC.

  • Leading data, visualization, and IT teams to complete digital information products.

  • Collaborating with sectoral/government institutions to integrate their requirements into software/computer modeling outputs and digital information product deliveries.  Managing and delivering MIS/DSS(s) development projects.

  • Engaging with international development organizations in leading weather/climate/climate change impacts modeling projects.

  • Leading and managing small to medium teams in system development projects deliveries.

Skills and Abilities:  

  • Proficiency in integrating data, analytics, and systems to create digital information products for public and sectoral use.

  • Expertise in navigating complex datasets, modules, and models to develop digital tools and information products.

  • Strategic planning, organization, and monitoring of work activities.

  • Applied research capabilities.

  • Strong skills in leveraging Data Analytics Technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, and Blockchain for innovative DSS applications.

  • Competence in developing both backend and frontend systems using languages including Python, Node, PHP, and frameworks such as Angular or other JavaScript-based frameworks, with database experience in MySQL/PostgreSQL on Linux platforms.

  • Ability in incorporating AI/ML libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, TensorFlow), open-source databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL), web mapping libraries (Leaflet, OpenLayers, Mapbox-GL), and cloud/server deployment strategies into systems.

  • Excellent English communication skills, including presentations and document writing.

Personal Qualities:     Excellent interpersonal skills; team-oriented work style; interest and experience in working in a multi-cultural environment; willingness and availability to travel, strong desire to learn and undertake new challenges; willingness to work hard; and ability to work with minimum supervision.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Management

  • Lead the development and implementation of the RIMES IT and IT security policies, ensuring comprehensive maintenance and strict adherence by all staff members.

  • Lead the setup of the RIMES Server Room and Data Center to meet international standards and obtain ISO certifications.

  • Contribute to the definition and implementation of the Systems Research and Development Department objectives and strategies 

  • Oversee the development and management of Department resources and processes 

  • Provide technical leadership to the Systems Research and Development Department

  • Build a competent and strong Systems Research and Development team

  • Lead projects involving implementation of new and existing systems, solutions, and processes

  • Take responsibility for making key decisions to ensure successful, effective, and efficient implementation of all initiatives

  • Constantly bring in new and innovative ways to improve service delivery to the end users.

  • Understand demand from the RIMES member states and develop and design programs to address the demands though technology support.

  • Define the Departments short-, medium- and long-term goals. 

  • Report regularly Department achievements and progress of work.

Systems development and enhancement

  • Guide and supervise the planning, design, development, testing, and validation of new systems, solutions, and processes that meet early warning user needs and requirements effectively and efficiently 

  • Lead establishment and operation of RIMES Regional Center 

  • Provide data management and data analytics support to entire information chain: Observation Monitoring, Forecast Analytics, DSS, Integrated Services including tailored services to users 

  • Lead Regional Resilience Data Analytics Services (RDAS) platform development and operations to cater to demands of all RIMES Countries of all sub regions

  • Contribute to RIMES vision 2030 Integrated Service Delivery for resilience 

  • Ensure the tools developed at RIMES under various initiatives remain in operation in the countries and ensure back up support all the time

  • Ensure adherence to formal processes, standards, and quality practices 

  • Assure system and product reliability, scalability, extensibility, security, and performance

  • Take responsibility for and manage risks and issues identified on developed systems and products

  • Ensure timely delivery of systems and products 

  • Report project progress regularly 

  • Document system and product development 

  • Lead the planning, design, development, and delivery of users training

  • Monitor technology trends and emerging areas for new opportunities

  • Conduct annual audit, during the last quarter of the year, of RIMES computing systems and resources, and recommend enhancements or application of new/emerging technologies, for meeting IOC and WMO standards and quality assurance of RIMES information products and services

  • Plan for and lead the implementation of improvements in existing systems

  • Ensure seamless implementation of existing and new systems

Delivery of weather and climate products and services

  • Lead the implementation of the regional data sharing arrangement with RIMES Member countries and link it to ECMWF and other global and regional centers.

  • Lead the customization of forecast models

  • Ensure timely and regular delivery of weather and climate products

  • Lead the implementation of forecast verification processes, and data assimilation and bias correction techniques, for improving forecast models

  • Lead and undertake subsequent forecast model improvement 

  • Lead the implementation of feedback system for receiving Member State feedback on RIMES weather and climate products and services

  • Plan for and lead the implementation of model and system improvements, integrating feedback received

IT Support

  • Resolve complex computing support issues

  • Supervise and Ensure IT infrastructure and services at RIMES are in excellent working condition

Others          

  • Prepare papers on new technologies and products developed, and publish in peer-reviewed journals

  • Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director, RIMES

Supervisory Responsibility:     Systems Research and Development Department

Immediate Supervisor:            Program Integrator, RIMES 

 

How to Apply: Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references in PDF format to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 22 March 2024, Bangkok time. Please state “Lead-Systems Research and Development Department: Your Name” the Subject line of the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

 

Ms. Dusadee Padungkul

Head-Operational Support

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System

AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, 

Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand.

 

RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants particularly women are encouraged to apply.

 

Open Period

-

Duty Station

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand

Type of Contract

Full Time