Scientific Officer (Marine, P4)

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is seeking a highly skilled Marine Meteorological Services Officer to strengthen global cooperation and innovation in marine meteorology.

In this pivotal role, you will support the Chief of Marine and Aviation Services Section in leading WMO’s efforts on maritime safety, Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Emergency Response (MER), and capacity development of national marine meteorological services. You will also help ensure that global standards, guidance, and services evolve in line with the needs of Member States, the international maritime community, and coastal populations.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of international marine meteorology, working at the interface of science, safety, and global collaboration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1) TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP:

– Review, update, and promote WMO technical regulations and guidance in marine meteorology and coastal services.
– Prepare high-quality technical and scientific documentation for WMO bodies and partners.

2) SUPPORT TO GLOBAL BODIES:

– Provide Secretariat support to the Standing Committee on Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services (SC-MMO), serving as Secretary and technical advisor.
– Support the WMO-IOC Joint Collaborative Board on issues of marine meteorology and coastal services.

3) COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS:

– Liaise with international partners such as UNESCO-IOC, IMO, IHO, and other organizations to strengthen collaboration on maritime safety and services.
– Represent WMO at high-level meetings and maintain close working relationships with UN partners, regional organizations, and industry stakeholders.

4) CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT:

– Support WMO Members in implementing effective, cost-efficient marine meteorological and coastal services.
– Promote best practices through regional associations, focal points, and training initiatives, with particular focus on Polar regions and small island developing states.

5) PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT:

– Plan and oversee workshops, conferences, and technical events.
– Manage work plans, budgets, and staff development within the Marine Meteorological Services portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Master’s degree or equivalent degree in meteorology and/or oceanography, engineering or mathematics with subsequent specialization in meteorology. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Experience
– A minimum of seven (7) years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in marine meteorology or oceanography is required.

– A minimum of seven (7) years operational experience of maritime safety provision, including METAREA Coordinator roles and related meteorological maritime safety information provision are essential.

– Understanding of WMO programmes, governing bodies and methods of work would be an advantage.

– Understanding of WMO and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regional and global programmatic areas and activities in the field of marine meteorology and with maritime users such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) or other international maritime related bodies would be an advantage.

Other requirements
You are a marine meteorology expert with a passion for advancing global cooperation and safety at sea. You combine strong technical knowledge with diplomatic and organizational skills, enabling you to work effectively with diverse partners at international, regional, and national levels.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE:
– Advanced technical expertise in marine meteorology and coastal services.
– Strong analytical and writing skills to produce high-quality scientific and technical reports.
– Experience with international cooperation, particularly within UN or intergovernmental frameworks.
– Leadership and team management abilities, including planning, budgeting, and staff supervision.
– Diplomatic and interpersonal skills for engaging governments, partners, and industry stakeholders.
– Commitment to WMO’s mission, advancing safety and resilience through science-based services.

COMPETENCIES

The Scientific Officer, Marine Meteorological Services position must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
– Communication & Influence
– Collaboration & Team Dynamics
– Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
– Decision Making & Problem Solving
– Integrity & Accountability
– Innovation & Digital Agility
– Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

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

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)