Issue date:        6 November 2023

Position Title:    Meteorologist

Open Period:   6 November 2023-5 December 2023

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, Thailand.

Position Description:
The Meteorologist shall provide technical guidance and inputs to the design and development of software applications and programs for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and sectoral users. In addition, he/she shall lead the development and refinement of RIMES’ regional forecast models, products and services through continued research, stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing among RIMES technical partners and stakeholders.

Duty station:  Manila, Philippines with site visits in select RIMES member countries

Type of Contract: Full-Time Contract 

Minimum Qualifications:
    
Education: 

• Master’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or any related field

Experience: 

• At least three (3) years of work experience in meteorology, specifically in weather research and modeling, statistical analysis, weather data interpretation, and/or developing weather tools, products, and services

• At least two (2) years of work experience in conducting weather or climate impact assessments, formulating adaptation and mitigation strategies, and/or developing impact advisories based on location-specific weather and climate forecast information

• Familiarity with the institutions/organizations as well as approaches and concepts in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), early warning, and climate change adaptation (CCA)

Skills and Abilities:

• High understanding of climate and weather hazards particularly related to rainfall, extreme temperatures, tropical cyclones and storms among others

• Expert in weather and climate analysis software commonly used in meteorology and/or climatology

• Proficiency in impact-based forecasting, early warning, DRRM, and CCA concepts

• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and planning skills

• Strong communication,  interpersonal, and writing skills

• Ability to work amicably in a multicultural and multidisciplinary work environment

Language: 

• Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written)

Personal qualities:

• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work effectively and independently

• Excellent work ethic and aptitude to work with a constructive attitude

• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results

• Shows persistence when faced with difficulties or challenges
   

Duties and Responsibilities:    

A.    Requirements Analysis and Software Systems Design
       1.    Lead the development/updating of the assessment approach, methodology, and questionnaires for the design, customization, and/or updating of software systems for meteorological, aero-meteorological, and ocean/marine forecasting;
       2.    Conduct desk review and scoping of the observation, monitoring, and forecasting process of operational forecasters, meteorologists, aero-meteorologists, and oceanographers; 
       3.    Provide technical guidance on the design and development/customization/updating of RIMES software systems for meteorological, aero-meteorological, and ocean/marine forecasting; this includes:
a.    Integration of forecast process, models, and products in key software systems;
b.    Testing and refinement of the systems to ensure quality and responsiveness to the technical needs and requirements of target users; 
c.    Documentation of users’ experiences and feedback on the software systems;
d.    Facilitating workshops, forums, and/or meetings related to data management and forecast generation in the software systems; 
B.    Modeling and Forecasting
       4.    Develop and implement forecasting strategies and procedures to ensure accurate and reliable weather prediction;
       5.    Ensure that forecast quality complies with established standards and protocols, and meets the needs/requirements of NMHSs;
       6.    Evaluate and incorporate advanced technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, into forecasting processes;
       7.    Develop and implement quality assurance processes to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of forecasts;
       8.    Conduct regular audits and reviews of forecasting performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures;
C.    Research, Development, and Knowledge Sharing
       9.    Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous professional development, including staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in meteorological science, technology, and forecasting techniques;
       10.    Conduct research aimed at assessing and improving the forecast process, models, methodologies, and tools; 
       11.    Explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with global/regional forecasting centers and research institutions to enhance meteorological capabilities;
       12.    Provide technical guidance and support to national meteorological agencies to strengthen their forecasting capabilities, and data management systems;
       13.    Design and conduct technical training and capacity-building activities for NMHSs and relevant stakeholders;
       14.    Contribute to the development and dissemination of best practices, guidelines, and training materials related to weather forecasting and early warning systems; 
       15.    Participate in project planning or progress meetings with RIMES and/or stakeholders; 
       16.    Other duties as assigned by the EWS Specialist, and RIMES Director.
    
Reporting: 
    Immediate Supervisor: Mr. John Mark Marcos, EWS Specialist
Technical Supervisor: Ms. Rose Ann Sale-Zuniga, Systems Development Specialist.

Contract Duration:  The contract will initially be for one year and will be extended upon satisfactory completion of the 120 Days probationary term and each annual performance review.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 5 December 2023, Bangkok time. Please state “Meteorologist” the Subject line of the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Ms. Dusadee Padungkul
Head, Department of 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.