CONSULTANCY - Support SWIO RCC-Network Demonstration Phase_SSA-2026-TCU-DPPD-21

Organizational Context

The Member States of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) are advancing regional cooperation in climate services through the establishment of a Regional Climate Centre Network (RCC-Network) for the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region, in line with WMO Guidelines for the establishment and operations of Regional Climate Centres (WMO-No 1329), as well as the manual Manual on the WMO Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WMO No. 485). This initiative contributes to strengthening regional climate monitoring, prediction, climate data services, and climate service delivery in support of climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. The region covered by the SWIO RCC-N includes continental countries alongside withe the IOC countries: Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi and South Africa. The mandatory functions of the RCC should be implemented by a consortium of NMHSs under the coordination of lead centers. Meteo France (La Réunion) is leader for he Long range forecast node, the Mauritius Meteorological Service and the South African Weather Service are co-leaders for the climate monitoring node and Seychelles Meteorological Authority is leader for the Data service node. The RCC-Network will generate and deliver regionally focused climate products including long-range forecasts, climate monitoring and climate data services; primarily in support of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). It will also carry out a range of training and capacity-building activities and enhance climate service delivery for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The demonstration phase aims to enable RCC-Network candidates to successfully apply for formal WMO designation by demonstrating full implementation of, at a minimum, the WMO RCC mandatory functions. The products and services identified and specified in the list of detailed criteria for the WMO RCC mandatory functions constitute the minimum basis for implementing WMO RCC functions and for evaluating their implementation throughout the entire WMO RCC designation process. The scope of the demonstration phase is: to fully implement and consolidate routine RCC-related services on an operational basis, with a special focus on the WMO RCC mandatory functions, for the region or subregion agreed upon by the relevant regional association(s); to fully implement an organizational structure for the RCC/RCC-Network, including a website providing access to all RCC services as well as a designated point of contact; and to operationalize the key functions of the RCC-Network, test the associated institutional and technical arrangements, and prepare formal WMO designation. This consultancy is required to support NMHSs involved in the RCC process in implementing the demonstration phase, ensuring effective coordination and alignment with WMO standards. This achievement would benefit the whole SWIO region including the IOC member states.

Job Purpose

The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation and successful completion of the RCC-Network demonstration phase in the South-West Indian Ocean region and facilitate the preparation of the RCC-Network for formal WMO designation.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager of the Technical Assistance Project and the Chief of the Climate Prediction Section, the consultant will provide support aligned with the needs of NMHSs and project objectives. Key tasks include: providing technical guidance for RCC demonstration activities, supporting operational delivery of RCC products and services, documenting procedures, and strengthening mechanisms for product production and dissemination. The consultant will also facilitate coordination among participating countries and RCC-Network partners, assist in organizing management committee sessions, and facilitate technical meetings, workshops, and consultations. Promoting collaboration, information exchange, and identifying capacity-development needs are also crucial. Furthermore, the consultant will monitor the progress of the demonstration phase, identify operational, technical, and institutional gaps, and develop recommendations and action plans. Finally, the consultant will assist the RCC-Network in preparing documentation for WMO RCC designation, review compliance with designation criteria, and facilitate endorsement processes.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of experience in climate services, NMHS operations, or RCC-related activities. Experience with WMO frameworks (RCCs, GDPFS) and proven experience in regional projects and capacity development are required.

Skills

Strong technical expertise in climate monitoring, climate prediction, and climate data management. Experience in coordination and stakeholder-engagement. Strong analytical and report-writing abilities. Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.

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