Deputy Director and Head of Partnerships

DUTY STATION

Geneva, Switzerland

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed-term - 2 years

Organizational Unit

Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Secretariat 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

The SOFF Deputy Director and Head of Partnerships has the responsibility of representing the SOFF Secretariat on behalf of the Director, internally and externally, overseeing all SOFF partnerships and advocacy efforts, lead on SOFF Partnerships and Resource Mobilization actions, and manage the SOFF Secretariat partnerships team. The position reports to the Director of the SOFF Secretariat, working in close collaboration with the SOFF Secretariat team, SOFF Global Facilitators, SOFF Steering Committee and the Advisory Board and with WMO, in their respective roles as co-chair of SOFF Steering Committee and Technical Authority, as well as, other SOFF operational partners.

Under the direct supervision of the Director SOFF Secretariat and within delegated authority, the Deputy Director and Head of Partnerships will represent the SOFF Secretariat externally and internally and will be responsible for the following duties:

(a) Lead and manage the SOFF Secretariat Partnerships team, fostering professional growth and supporting the development of team members’ skills;

(b) Lead SOFF’s advocacy efforts by representing the Secretariat in high-level meetings and strategic global platforms;

(c) Manage existing SOFF’s partnership, with a broad range of partners, including with other Multilateral Climate Funds. Nurture existing and foster new partnerships, including with ‘non-traditional’ partners like philanthropies and foundations;

(d) Further strengthen of SOFF’s engagement with the UNFCCC in coordination with SOFF governing bodies;

(e) Lead the preparations and delivery of all necessary documentation and inputs required for the functioning of SOFF’s governing bodies, including Steering Committee meetings;

(f) Lead on SOFF Resource Mobilization actions, in coordination with the Secretariat Director, the SOFF Steering Committee, and Global Facilitators;

(g) Drive SOFF’s resource mobilization strategy by leading on the priority actions adopted at the 11th Steering Committee meeting, in close collaboration with the SOFF Secretariat Director and Global Facilitators;

(h) Foster opportunities for innovative SOFF fundraising and contributions of climate finance partners for the provision of basic weather and climate observations as a global public good, with a special focus on the SOFF Impact Bond and the engagement of ‘non-traditional’ funders, including philanthropies, foundations, and the private sector;

(i) Engage with SOFF co-founders and foster their active championship and advocacy for SOFF;

(j) Carry out other relevant duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in natural science, business or public administration, finance, law, economics, development, international relations or a closely related field. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of a master's degree.

Experience
At least 10 years progressively responsible experience in climate action, climate finance, building partnerships in an international context. Demonstrated managerial experience, including management of diverse teams. Experience in scientific research is an asset. Experience in or with international climate-related organizations, e.g. WMO, IPCC, UNFCCC, multilateral climate funds is beneficial.
Other requirements
-Demonstrate a high level of strategic, interpersonal, and political acumen, as well as the ability to lead complex negotiations and navigate sensitive multilateral environments.
-Demonstrates deep knowledge of climate action, climate finance, international development, and partnerships/resource mobilization strategies. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, especially in high-level donor engagement settings.
-Keeps abreast of emerging issues in sustainable development and financing for climate action.
-Ability to work under pressure and prioritize actions among competing demands.

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.

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 101540
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 86918 (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: 19 June 2025