Consultancy – Information Note on WMO Perspectives on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and Adaptation Intelligence Briefs for COP31

This consultancy supports the development of high-level communication and engagement products for COP31, translating technical knowledge on adaptation into accessible materials. The consultant will develop a strategic narrative, synthesize technical content, coordinate product development, and finalize publication-ready materials to communicate WMO's perspectives on adaptation and related indicators.

Responsibilities

• Review relevant international climate framework decisions and the Belém Adaptation Indicators, as well as relevant WMO frameworks and tools.
• Develop a clear and coherent high-level narrative framing of WMO’s potential contribution to the GGA, with particular attention to the enabling role of hydrometeorological and climatological services in supporting adaptation and resilience.
• Translate technical content provided by WMO into concise and accessible messaging tailored to support decision-making.
• Ensure consistency of messaging, tone and narrative coherence across the information note and the three adaptation briefs.
• Work closely with WMO technical teams to synthesize and organize technical inputs, methodologies, operational examples, datasets, case studies and potential contributions relevant to the Belém Adaptation Indicators.
• Structure and present technical information in a format suitable for high-level communication products, ensuring scientific credibility while maximizing accessibility and clarity for non-technical audiences.
• Develop concise explanatory text, thematic summaries, key messages, infographics concepts, call-out boxes and strategic framing elements that strengthen the communication value of the products.
• Identify opportunities to visually communicate WMO operational systems, country examples, adaptation challenges and institutional contributions through graphics, diagrams, maps and storytelling approaches.
• Support the editorial development and production process for the information note and adaptation briefs, ensuring consistency in structure, formatting and messaging.
• Coordinate with design and communications teams, as required, to facilitate the visual translation of technical material into a high-quality publication product.
• Provide recommendations on layout, visual hierarchy, graphic elements and presentation approaches appropriate for COP31 strategic engagement.
• Ensure all products are publication-ready and aligned with WMO editorial standards.
• Prepare draft and final versions of the information note and adaptation briefs in accordance with agreed outlines and editorial direction.
• Engage in consultations with relevant WMO departments and technical experts to ensure institutional alignment and technical accuracy.
• Revise and finalize all materials incorporating consolidated feedback from the WMO Secretariat.
• Work in close coordination with a graphic designer throughout the production process, serving as the primary content lead responsible for delivering structured, design-ready materials — including finalized copy, content hierarchy, and visual concept direction — that the designer will translate into the final visual products.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in climate science and policy, environmental policy, adaptation, climate services, disaster risk reduction, science communication, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in adaptation, with preferred focus on climate services, early warning systems, systematic observation, and strategic communications in an international environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with WMO systems, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and international climate framework processes, including experience communicating UN technical outputs to high-level audiences in these contexts.
• Proven experience in developing technical methodologies, indicator frameworks, or monitoring and evaluation systems at national or international levels.
• Experience drafting high-level technical papers for intergovernmental processes, as well as experience producing engagement materials, briefs or communications products for UNFCCC Conference of the Parties or equivalent high-level events.
• Strong understanding of adaptation governance, planning and implementation and related international climate reporting frameworks, including the ability to translate these frameworks into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with WMO operational systems and how these are communicated in the context of multilateral climate processes.
• Ability to translate complex technical systems into supporting decision-making-relevant and non-prescriptive methodologies, and strategically framed communications products.
• Excellent analytical, drafting and synthesis skills, with a demonstrated ability to adapt tone, structure and context for different audiences and formats.
• Strong stakeholder consultation and coordination abilities, including experience engaging with communications and technical teams within international organizations.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced multilateral environment.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Skills

• Climate Science
• Environmental Policy
• Adaptation
• Climate Services
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Science Communication
• Early Warning Systems
• Systematic Observation
• Strategic Communications
• WMO Systems
• National Meteorological and Hydrological Services
• National Climate Frameworks
• Technical Methodologies Development
• Indicator Frameworks
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Technical Paper Drafting
• UNFCCC Communications
• Adaptation Governance
• Climate Reporting Frameworks
• Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
• Multi-lateral Coordination

Languages

English