CONSULTANCY: Upper-Air Observing Systems Development Specialist (WMO TA) - SSA-2026-WIGOS-NET-ESDP-15

Organizational Context

WMO acts as the Technical Authority to the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), which supports eligible countries in closing priority gaps in the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON). As SOFF moves from planning into implementation, WMO is strengthening its technical support to peer advisors, Implementing Entities and beneficiary countries, particularly during procurement, installation, commissioning and the transition to sustained operation. Upper-air observing systems are among the most technically and operationally demanding SOFF investments. Their successful implementation depends on appropriate system selection, site and infrastructure readiness, safe balloon and gas operations, reliable supply chains for consumables and spare parts, trained personnel, data transmission through WMO systems, preventive maintenance, and quality assurance. The SOFF investment phase will also identify the compliance costs of maintaining operations in future years.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to provide specialized and practical technical advice that helps ensure SOFF-supported upper-air investments meet applicable WMO and GBON requirements, are appropriate to national capacity and operating conditions, and can be commissioned and sustained effectively. This support is provided as backup for Peer Advisors, and includes the technical review of Investment Funding Requests and building collective technical knowledge products through engagement with the peer advisors.

Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the technical review of Investment Funding Requests, assessing compliance, feasibility, and other technical issues related to upper air stations and systems, and participating in meetings led by the SOFF Secretariat with Peer Advisors, Implementing Entities, and countries. 2. Provide practical advice in response to questions from Peer Advisors and Implementing Entities on upper-air station technical configuration, procurement, and operation. 3. Respond to questions raised with the Technical Authority on procurement processes, building on peer advisor common knowledge. 4. Develop relevant short guidance documents, checklists, and other material in collaboration with peer advisors, implementing entities, and relevant INFCOM subsidiary bodies. 5. Participate in internal meetings of the WMO Technical Authority, including those joint with the SOFF operations team. Mains Deliverables: 1. July-November 2026: Brief bimonthly progress reports. 2. 31 December 2026: Final summary report of activities with log of investment funding requests reviewed, advice issued, and recommendations for followup including lessons learned.

Work Experience

At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience with upper-air observing systems, including radiosonde operations, station installation, procurement, commissioning, maintenance, quality assurance or network management. Demonstrated experience in preparing technical specifications, and experience supporting National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in developing countries or small island developing States is highly desirable.

Skills

Strong knowledge of WMO technical regulations and guidance relevant to upper-air observations and GBON; practical understanding of radiosonde systems, ground equipment, telecommunications and lifecycle costing; and ability to work independently with geographically dispersed technical and project teams.

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