CONSULTANCY – GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN) consultant – SSA-2026-GCOS-ESDP-12

Job Description

Background

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have been working on the design and implementation of a surface reference network, following the publication GCOS-226 (2019) which sets out the proposal for the establishment of a GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN), including the justification, requirements, siting and instrument options needed for the implementation of such a network.

The GSRN task-team (TT-GRSN), along with a pilot network, was established following the WMO INFCOM-1 Decision 5 (Nov 2020), ‘Development of a draft implementation plan for the GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN)’, and WMO INFCOM-2 Decision 6 (Oct 2022),‘Process to nominate and implement a pilot GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN)’. It is intended that GSRN, once fully implemented, will be a stable and metrologically well-characterized global land surface climate reference network, providing observations of high quality that are used to determine trends, constrain and validate the data from more spatially comprehensive systems and support decisions around a wide range of topics including mitigation and adaptation.

A detailed report is needed in response to the INFCOM-1 Decision whereby: “The task team will be constituted for a period of 4 years after which it shall provide a substantive report on progress to date with recommendations around continuation options for GSRN including appropriate long-term governance options”. This report shall be delivered to the WMO Standing Committee on Earth Observing Systems and Monitoring Networks (SC-ON) by September 2026.

SC-ON have also agreed to the continuation of the Pilot Phase for four years during which a move to an initial GSRN will be implemented. Technical and observation network management expertise is required to support the GSRN-LC to further develop, and manage, the GSRN system, and for the GSRN (Pilot) stations to upgrade their instrumentation and operational processes to the GSRN required standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of the consultancy is to support the implementation of the GSRN. The consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Review and finalize the report on the Implementation of the GSRN (2026)
2. Provide project/network management expertise in support of the deliverables of the TT-GSRN workplan and GSRN(Pilot) Implementation Plan
3. Provide technical expertise to the GSRN(Pilot) stations to upgrade their instrumentation and operational processes according to these Terms of Reference.

Deliverables at the end of the contract

1. 31 July 2026: Finalized and published report on the Implementation of the GSRN (2026).
2. 31 July 2026: Approved GSRN-TT workplan and GSRN(Pilot) Implementation Plan.
3. 31 January 2027: Implemented first GSRN data product for temperature.
4. 31 January 2027: Report on the progress of GSRN(Pilot).

Travel planned

One GSRN Focused on in-person meeting.

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent

Experience:

• At least 10 years international experience in managing and developing scientific programmes and in climate observations and monitoring;
• At least 10 years’ experience in network management of global observing networks;
• Experience in synthesizing and presenting information.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and experience ins network management of global observing networks;
• excellent understanding of climate observations requirements, particularly those relevant to reference observations;
• Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, writing, interpersonal and analytical skills;
• Ability to draft reports, correspondence and documents clearly and succinctly.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written)

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

Duration: 30 days over a period of 8 months

Salary and Allowances: Pay band C – 390 – 560 USD

Focal Point: Caterina Tassone ctassone@wmo.int

 

How to Apply

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.

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