Background
Climate science information plays a critical role in supporting evidence-based climate adaptation, risk management and sustainable development. The effective use of climate observations, analyses and indices enables National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to contribute more effectively to national planning and decision-making processes, particularly the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Strengthening NMHSs' capacity to generate and communicate reliable climate science information is therefore essential to informing climate-resilient policies, sectoral services and engagement, and investment decisions.
To strengthen the capacities of Members, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the WMO has organized more than twenty training workshops on Climate Science Information for Climate Action (CSICA) and related topics over the past decade. These workshops provide practical methodologies and hands-on training in climate data quality control and homogenization, climate indices calculation, co-creation cross sectors, and the interpretation and application of climate information for adaptation planning and climate services. Climpact has been a core software tool supporting these activities, enabling NMHSs to the best-available climate science information, calculate climate indices and generate information relevant to national and sectoral planning.
Climpact evolved from international efforts to standardize climate extremes indices, initially advanced through the Working Group on Climate Change Detection (WGCCD) and subsequently the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). Building on RClimDEX, Climpact incorporated both core climate extremes indices and sector-specific indices to support the growing demand for climate services. Over recent years, feedback from workshop participants and NMHSs has highlighted a growing need to modernize Climpact and improve its functionality, accessibility and user experience. In particular, the online version faces performance and stability challenges in countries with limited internet bandwidth, while the desktop version requires complex installation and dependency management, posing difficulties for users, particularly those working in Windows environments. Members have also expressed the need for more efficient quality control workflows, improved visualization and greater flexibility to incorporate new scientific functions. These challenges have reinforced the need for a more reliable, user-friendly and sustainable software platform.
This consultancy is looking for a full-stack developer to redesign the Climpact web portal. The redesigned portal should consist of a Python-based backend for calculating climate indices (based on user-provided climate data), and a front-end based on the latest internet standards for accessibility and security. Key priorities are interactive visualisations, bandwidth efficiency, low maintenance and modular code, scalable performance, containerization and an emphasis on open-source technologies. In parallel, the consultant is also expected to work with climate indices scientific community on the scientific computing of climate indices.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Climate Research and Information Section and will report monthly to the Junior Professional Officer of the Section. The Consultant shall work collaboratively with WMO staff and external Climpact experts on technical requirements, software integration and scientific consultations. The development process will follow an iterative approach, with periodic joint reviews, testing and revisions coordinated by the WMO Secretariat. Under this structure, the consultant will:
Main deliverables
Required Skills and Experience
Education: A university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, or a closely related field.
Experience:
Other Requirements:
Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset. (Note: the official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
Salary and Allowances: Pay band C - USD 390.- / USD 560.-
Duration: 40 days over a period of 6 months
Focal point: Xinrui WU, xwu@wmo.int
Applications:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.
Statements:
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 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.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Scam alert
WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
