Associate Programme Officer, P.2 (Fixed-Term - 1 year)

Organizational Context

The iClimateAction project addresses the need of increased synergies among the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to improve the international alignment across organizations regarding creation, management and utilization of climate data. Funded by Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025, iClimateAction will support enhanced coordination and support across and between GCOS, GEO, WMO in their common endeavor to strengthen the global system for standardized, open, accessible, usable, and interoperable global observation systems for Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and aiming at a shared and coordinated strategy towards the development of a more coherent, sustainable, and comprehensive global observing system for climate.

Job Purpose

The Associate Programme Officer will support work in all seven Work Packages (WPs) but particularly Work Package 7 to set up a strong project management framework to guarantee scientific excellence and smooth coordination. Activities in WP7 include progress and deliverable monitoring across WPs and tasks. It also covers administrative and financial management, meeting organization, and timely reporting to stakeholders and the European Commission. In addition, the incumbent will work on Work Package 6 communication, dissemination, and exploitation to ensure consistent messaging and stakeholder engagement across the project. WP6 aims to raise awareness of climate action and the value of Earth observations through targeted outreach, while increasing the visibility and impact of project outputs via the iClimateAction website and social media.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Atmospheric Composition & Environmental Services Section, the incumbent will perform the following duties: a) Contribute to the management of the IClimateAction project Project Management • Contribute to the implementation and coordination of project activities in collaboration with the Project Coordinator, consortium partners (GEO, GCOS) and POC members (when necessary). • Monitor and analyse progress of work packages, deliverables, and milestones in line with the Grant Agreement and Description of Action (DoA). • Manage the organization of project meetings and technical exchanges. Identify potential implementation risks or delays and propose corrective actions. • Maintain project documentation and ensure proper archiving of deliverables, meeting minutes, and correspondence. Project Financial Monitoring, Compliance & Quality assurance • Ensure compliance with EU financial regulations and Horizon Europe guidelines. • Monitor iCA financial activities, including control of project expenditures and contributions from the participating bodies against the approved budget. • Analyse financial data provided by the consortium to ensure consistency with Horizon Europe financial regulations. • Coordinate the preparation and consolidation of financial and technical reporting, including cost statements and supporting documentation justifications. • Support audits and reviews by preparing and organizing coordinating the collection and verification of required documentation. • Contribute to quality assurance of all project deliverables and milestones, including preparation of Quality Management Reports (QMR). Reporting and Regulatory Requirements • Draft and develop periodic and eports (technical and financial) to the European Commission. • Analyse project results and contribute to reporting on project impact, dissemination and exploitation activities. • Ensure project activities adherence to ethical, legal and data protection requirements. b) Contribute to the Communication and Engagement Strategy of the iClimateAction project • Contribute to the implementation of the project’s communication and stakeholder engagement strategy, in coordination with communication consultants and project partners to ensure coherent dissemination of project activities and results. • Co-develop communication materials (presentations, articles, briefs, factsheets and visual content) to support project visibility. • Organize, when relevant, communication activities and meetings with stakeholders and experts aimed at disseminating project outcomes and fostering collaboration. • Contribute to identifying opportunities for outreach and engagement with relevant stakeholders, including scientific communities and policy actors. c) Co-conduct a strategic analysis of WMO, GEO and GCOS regarding EO & global climate data governance frameworks • Facilitate project analysis related to WMO, GEO and GCOS governance, with an emphasis on strategic analysis of Earth observation (EO) and global climate data governance frameworks. • Support evidence-based assessment through stakeholder consultations and expert engagement. • Contribute to the preparation of high-level consultations and inter-organizational dialogue.

Work Experience

At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project management and/or communications, preferably in international or EU-funded projects. Proven experience with financial monitoring, reporting, and compliance in line with EU or international donor requirements. Demonstrated track record in organizing multi-stakeholder meetings and supporting international partnerships. Experience of working across multi-disciplinary teams / inter-agency teams.

Skills

Familiarity with the UN system and global environmental governance processes and with WMO, GCOS and/or GEO organizations. Very good knowledge of Horizon Europe or similar international research funding frameworks. Ability to work collaboratively across institutions and adapt to complex, multi-partner environments. Competencies: Communication & Influence, Collaboration & Team Dynamics, Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness, Decision Making & Problem Solving, Integrity & Accountability, Innovation & Digital Agility, Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement.

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