Upper-Air Observing Systems Development Specialist (WMO TA)

The consultancy provides specialized and practical technical advice to ensure SOFF-supported upper-air investments meet WMO and GBON requirements, are appropriate to national capacity and operating conditions, and can be commissioned and sustained effectively. The role supports Peer Advisors by reviewing Investment Funding Requests and building collective technical knowledge products.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the technical review of Investment Funding Requests, assessing compliance, feasibility, and other technical issues related to upper air stations and systems, and participating in meetings led by the SOFF Secretariat with Peer Advisors, Implementing Entities, and countries.
• Provide practical advice in response to questions from Peer Advisors and Implementing Entities on upper-air station technical configuration, procurement, and operation.
• Respond to questions raised with the Technical Authority on procurement processes, building on peer advisor common knowledge.
• Develop relevant short guidance documents, checklists, and other material in collaboration with peer advisors, implementing entities, and relevant INFCOM subsidiary bodies.
• Participate in internal meetings of the WMO Technical Authority, including those joint with the SOFF operations team.
• Deliver brief bimonthly progress reports from July to November 2026.
• Submit a final summary report of activities by 31 December 2026, including a log of investment funding requests reviewed, advice issued, and recommendations for follow-up including lessons learned.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in meteorology, engineering, or another field relevant to upper-air observing systems. A first university degree combined with substantial additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience with upper-air observing systems, including radiosonde operations, station installation, procurement, commissioning, maintenance, quality assurance or network management.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing technical specifications.
• Experience supporting National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in developing countries or small island developing States is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of WMO technical regulations and guidance relevant to upper-air observations and GBON.
• Practical understanding of radiosonde systems, ground equipment, telecommunications and lifecycle costing.
• Ability to work independently with geographically dispersed technical and project teams.
• Excellent command of English.
• Working knowledge of another official WMO language would be an advantage.

Skills

• Upper-air observing systems
• Radiosonde operations
• Station installation
• Procurement
• Commissioning
• Maintenance
• Quality Assurance
• Network Management
• Technical Specifications Preparation
• WMO technical regulations
• GBON guidance
• Radiosonde Systems
• Ground equipment
• Telecommunications
• Lifecycle costing
• Technical Advice
• Investment funding review

Languages

English