ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

Regional Office for Africa in collaboration with Hydrological Modelling and Forecasting Section (HMF) and Cryosphere and Water Assessment Services (CWA), and Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU)
WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Regional Office for Africa, and the guidance of the Head/PDMU and Project Officer/CWA, the incumbent will support Project Officers with the development and delivery of assigned projects in WMO RO for Africa. The Associate Project Officer will mainly be working on the Water at the Heart of Climate Action (WHCA) and CREWS projects in the East Africa and Horn of Africa regions.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

(a) Support project activities on a day-to-day basis, with the responsibility of ensuring that the project produces the results specified in the project work plan within the specified constraints of time and cost;

(b) Review project components, develop project budget and timelines, assess delivery issues and work with national counterparts to build common understanding and coordination on projects activities;

(c) Track and manage project expenditures in accordance with the project budget, as well as WMO rules and procedures, to ensure transparency, responsibility and timely fulfilment of both project targets and budget targets;

(d) Track and manage project risks, identify emerging risks, address project delays, propose and implement mitigation measures as needed;

(e) Maintain regular communication with the project implementing partners and key stakeholders, ensuring their active participation, involvement and support of the project's objectives and activities;

(f) Prepare, manage and track various contracts issued to ensure timely work completion per schedule and disbursements;

(g) Maintain accurate data and information to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of project and service activities, and to institutionalize and disseminate knowledge;

(h) Prepare project reports and and ensure compliance with contractual obligations;

(i) In cooperation with relevant WMO colleagues, support the process of building synergies and complementarities with other WMO and other UN agencies projects implemented in the region;

(j) Participation in meetings and events related to the project;

(k) where applicable consider country needs in the project implementation;

(l) Carry out other relevant duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Master's degree or equivalent in natural sciences, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, enginering international relations/international development, or a closely related field.
A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.


Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in project or programme management with development assistance projects or related area.
- Experience with stakeholder management in East and Horn of Africa regions.
- A project management certification is an advantage.


Other requirements
- Experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), weather, water and climate services, Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), capacity building and climate information in decision-making. Knowledge of weather, water, climate-related activities of WMO and/or other United Nations agencies is highly desirable and would be an advantage.
- Strong sense of responsibility, maturity of judgement, and initiative.
- Experience in writing and revising technical and reports.
- Good analytical and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.


COMPETENCIES

The Associate Project Officer must demonstrate 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 French is desirable.

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