DUTY STATION
Brest, France
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
OceanOPS Unit, WIGOS Branch
Infrastructure 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
Under the overall guidance of the Director, Infrastructure Department (D/I), the general supervision of the WIGOS Division Director, and the direct supervision of the OceanOPS Manager, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
(a) Act as focal point for the implementation of specific international Ocean Observing Network(s), as defined in the OceanOPS workplan, in the context of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS). Primary duties will be for the Surface Ocean CO2 Reference Observing Network (SOCONET).
(b) Support the delivery of products and services as defined in the Services Level Agreements between OceanOPS and Observing Networks and under the guidance of the GOOS Observation Coordination Group (OCG) by i) capturing operators' requirements and priorities, ii) articulating these into concise document enabling monitoring/reporting, iii) providing technical specifications for their development.
(c) Develop and maintain monitoring and performance analysis tools (on implementation, data/metadata flow, operations, and instrumentation) for the specific Observing Networks.
(d) Gather and control the quality and consistency of metadata from platform operators, telecommunication providers, national and global data centers, manufacturers, data users, etc, according to OceanOPS and WIGOS metadata standards and networks requirements. Support data/metadata harmonization. Improve continuously metadata quantity and quality towards WIGOS/OSCAR system.
(e) Support observing networks implementers. Provide technical assistance and coordination on all issues arising within the observing networks. Act as a clearing house and mediate as necessary. Support networks project offices, panels and steering teams' executing specific action items and priorities. Report routinely and on demand on the status of the observing networks.
(f) Assist with data sharing: liaise with new operators and provide technical solutions to increase data distribution on global data nodes, according to WIS 2.0 standards and GOOS OCG Data Strategy.
(g) Provide regular specifications for the development of OceanOPS websites and monitoring tools. Maintain information up to date (news, contacts, user groups, etc.).
(h) Support platform operators in the planning and executing of their operations to improve efficiency, reduce gaps in global arrays, develop synergies between networks. Implement Network specific guidelines for deployment, servicing, retrieval of observing platforms.
(i) Support platform and sensor manufacturers towards harmonization and best practices for data/metadata and operations.
(j) Support communication and outreach initiatives demonstrating the value of the observing networks. Represent networks and OceanOPS as needed.
(k) Support new partnerships, through bilateral or international approaches and cooperation with civil society and private partners. Welcome new partners and provide technical guidance as needed.
(l) In his or her area, implement the objectives and actions as defined in the OceanOPS 5-year strategic plan and support initiatives led by WMO and IOC/UNESCO related to the GOOS and WIGOS.
(m) Carry out other relevant duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in Oceanography, Marine Science, Earth Science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
Experience
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of ocean observations of which preferably 1 year at the international level. Experience in coordinating, managing, and implementing national, regional and international projects or programs.
Other requirements
- Knowledge of ocean observing platforms, ships, sensors and telecommunications systems.
- Knowledge of ocean carbon observing networks, instruments and data flows.
- Knowledge of earth/ocean data/metadata formats and flows.
- Knowledge of IT basics, web, GIS and database concepts.
- Teamwork, Communication, Service orientation, Planning and organizing Good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.
- Proven ability to work both autonomously and as part of an integrated team with colleagues, staff and stakeholders at all levels, internal and external, including building and maintaining partnerships.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.
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.) The position is funded from extra-budgetary funding. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 55163
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 29126 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 1 July 2025