Early Warning Systems Specialist

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. In Cambodia, WFP supports the government's efforts to achieve zero hunger, focusing on social protection, climate and disaster risk management, and food security. Given Cambodia's high vulnerability to climate change and disasters, WFP is committed to strengthening resilience.

Job Purpose

The Early Warning Systems Specialist will provide strategic and technical leadership for WFP Cambodia's engagement with the Ministry of Water, River Works and Meteorology (MoWRAM). This role is crucial for strengthening national capacity in hydrometeorological services, climate information systems, forecasting, and early warning systems, aligning with the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The specialist will lead technical design and implementation of activities to enhance Cambodia's ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disasters. Key responsibilities include supporting the modernization of observation networks, improving forecasting services, developing user-centered climate services, and coordinating with national and international partners. The role also involves contributing to program development, resource mobilization, and knowledge generation within the climate and disaster risk management sector, ultimately aiming to improve the resilience and food security of vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

The Early Warning Systems Specialist will provide strategic and technical leadership for WFP Cambodia's engagement with the Ministry of Water, River Works and Meteorology (MoWRAM). This role involves strengthening national institutions responsible for anticipating and managing climate-related disasters. Key responsibilities include serving as the principal technical focal point for hydrometeorological services, climate information systems, forecasting, and early warning systems. The specialist will lead technical design and implementation of activities to enhance Cambodia's capacity to prepare for and respond to sudden-onset disasters, aligning with the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. This includes supporting the modernization of observation networks, improving forecasting services (weather, hydrological, seasonal outlooks, impact-based forecasting), and developing user-centered climate services and warning protocols. The specialist will also coordinate with national and international partners, provide technical input for policy and planning processes, identify opportunities for program development and resource mobilization, and generate technical evidence and knowledge products. Internal capacity building within WFP and reporting on program results are also crucial aspects of the role. The goal is to improve the resilience and food security of vulnerable communities by transforming climate information into practical support and enhancing national emergency preparedness and response systems.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 8 years of progressive professional experience in meteorology, hydrology, instrumentation engineering, climate services, or related technical fields. Must have demonstrated experience working with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services or equivalent government agencies. Proven experience in supporting the design, procurement, installation, and maintenance of hydro-met instruments is also necessary.

Skills

Meteorology, Hydrology, Climate Services, Forecasting, Early Warning Systems, Instrumentation Engineering, Data Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, Capacity Building, Project Management, Partnership Development, Resource Mobilization, Technical Writing, Impact-Based Forecasting, Climate Finance

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