JOB DESCRIPTION

DUTY STATION

Home-based, Remote

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

20 April 2025
or as soon as possible thereafter NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
90 working days over 4 months
Organizational Unit

WMO Representative Office for North, Central and West Africa (NCWA)
Member Services and Development Department 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. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SCOPE OF WORK:

The consultant will be responsible for:

A. System Integration & Development:
– Develop APIs and middleware to connect existing meteorological systems and platforms.
– Implement full CAP-XML compliance for automated multi-hazard alert generation.
– Enhance real-time data ingestion from NWP models (ECMWF, GFS, AROME, ICON, WRF).
– Develop GIS-powered visualization modules for displaying meteorological data dynamically.

B. Bulletin & Product Generation:
– Automate bulletin production, integrating forecast models and data sources dynamically.
– Develop multi-format outputs (SVG, PDF, NetCDF, GeoTIFF, JSON, CAP XML) for bulletin dissemination.
– Ensure bulletins dynamically adjust to different forecast scenarios.

C. Public Display & Dissemination:
– Implement public display interfaces for weather data and products at government buildings, airports, and transport hubs.
– Develop API-based integrations for external dissemination, allowing media and emergency services to access weather products.
– Expand dissemination to multi-platform alerts (social media, email, SMS, websites, mobile apps).

D. User Management & Security:
– Implement advanced user authentication and access control with role-based permissions.
– Develop a user activity tracking and logging system for auditing and compliance.
– Ensure multi-language support for the entire system.

E. Testing, Deployment, & Documentation:
– Conduct unit and integration testing of all new functionalities.
– Deploy enhancements within ANAM’s operational environment.
– Develop comprehensive user documentation and training materials.

DELIVERABLES:

A. Inception Report (Month 1 – Week 1-2)
– Mapping of missing functionalities and proposed solutions;
– Work plan, timeline, and key milestones;
– Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

B. System Integration & Development Plan (Month 1 – Week 3-4)
– Identification of required APIs and middleware for integration;
– Strategy for real-time data ingestion from NWP models;
– Plan for GIS-based visualization and CAP-XML alert integration.

C. Prototype Development & Core System Enhancements (Month 2 – Week 1-4)
– Development of essential APIs and middleware for system interoperability;
– Initial deployment of automated bulletin generation;
– First iteration of GIS-powered visualization and multi-format product output.

D. Operational Deployment & Testing (Month 3 – Week 1-4)
– Integration of real-time forecasting data and alert dissemination system;
– Functional testing of automation workflows and alert dissemination;
– Refinements based on test results and feedback from ANAM and WMO experts.

E. Final Deployment & User Training (Month 4 – Week 1-2)
– Full system deployment with automated bulletins and multi-platform alert dissemination;
– Training sessions for ANAM staff on system functionalities;
– User manual and technical documentation.

F. Final Report & Handover (Month 4 – Week 3-4)
– Summary of completed work, system improvements, and implementation results;
– Recommendations for future enhancements and sustainability;
– Official handover to ANAM and WMO.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced degree in Meteorology or Climatology, Atmospheric Sciences, Computer Science, Geospatial Technologies, Environment, or a closely related field.
Experience
– Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development, specifically for meteorological or GIS-based applications.
– Experience collaborating with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) or similar institutions involved in water and climate services.
Other requirements

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

– Demonstrated expertise in Python, Django, Wagtail, JavaScript, and API development.
– Proven experience in integrating gridded outputs from numerical weather prediction models, including ECMWF, GFS, AROME, ICON, and WRF.
– Strong background in GIS and meteorological data visualization using tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS, and web-based GIS platforms.
– Knowledge of CAP-XML, alert generation, and multi-platform dissemination (SMS, Email, Web, Mobile Apps, Social Media).
– Knowledge of standard WMO observation message formats (e.g., SYNOP, PILOT, and TEMP in TAC and BUFR formats).
– Hands-on experience with cloud-based deployments, containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), and server management.
– Sound knowledge of forecasting and production tools, as well as the associated meteorological value chain

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS:

– Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
– Experience in drafting technical reports, system documentation, and anomaly reports.
– Experience in capacity-building, user training, and system sustainability planning.

AVAILABILITY:
– Willingness to travel to Burkina Faso for system deployment and training sessions.
– Flexibility to work outside normal business hours if necessary to meet project requirements.
Languages
Fluent in English and/or French; proficiency in both is highly desirable.

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

Interested candidates are requested to fill a Personal History Form.
Additional Information:

Pay Band: D (620-750 USD per day depending on experience)

Focal point email: Pinghouinde Michel NIKIEMA, pmnikiema@wmo.int Date of issue of vacancy notice:

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements