CONSULTANCY : National Strategic Plan (NSP) for meteorological and hydrological services in Burundi - SSA-2026-PDMU-DPPD-7

Background

The Institut Géographique du Burundi (IGEBU) implemented its previous National Strategic Plan (NSP) until 2023 , providing a framework to guide national priorities around meteorological, hydrological and climate services. With the plan’s cycle now completed, IGBEU wishes to build on the previous NSP to further enhance their institutional and operational capacities by updating their NSP for the upcoming period of 2026 - 2031. 

Specifically, IGEBU requires an updated, detailed and comprehensive assessment of weather and early warning capacities. This assessment should include recommendations to enhance and improve the quality of the services, ensuring they better meet the needs and requirements of Stakeholders and end-users.

IGEBU also highlights the need to improve the existing institutional and legal frameworks to ensure the effective governance of the Institute, operational guidelines, personnel regulations, structure and responsibilities, engagement with stakeholders and partners, and business strategy. 

The Strategic plan will feed into the existing national policies and operationalize plans and programs such EW4All roadmap and quality standards. 

This consultant will lead the review of the previous NSP, as well as the development of its updated version and related documents for IGEBU.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The consultancy will support the development of IGEBU’s National Strategic Plan (NSP) for 2026–2031, ensuring it reflects national priorities and international standards in meteorological, hydrological, and climate services. The process will include an institutional assessment, stakeholder consultations, drafting, review, and final endorsement of the NSP.Review the previous NSP and related policy and legal frameworks.
• A detailed assessment to address the entire value chain, to include cross-sectorial aspects, e.g. research and operations, to take into account internationally recommended practices and protocols and to consider the technical and operational environment;
• Consultations and meeting with stakeholders, including actual and potential users of IGEBU services; 
• Contribute to the preparation of a first workshop (3 days) with IGEBU and other relevant institutions to define the institutional strategies for the improvement of services.  
• Prepare the Zero Draft of the National Strategic Plan (2026–2031), including a situational analysis, strategic objectives, associated activities, implementation timeline, estimated budget, and key partners.
• Submit the Zero Draft for review by WMO and the Permanent Representative’s Office.
• Conduct follow-up consultations to integrate technical and stakeholder feedback.
• Prepare and submit the first draft of the updated strategic plan, reflecting inputs from stakeholders and technical reviews.
• Validate the policy and strategy with relevant stakeholders and authorize the draft NSP for submission.
• Finalize, print, and publish the strategy document.

Deliverables at the end of the contract

• An initial report, including synthesis of conditions in meteorological, hydrological, and climatological services, synthesis of collected references and linked to the WMO folder provided, a plan for the consultation workshop and meetings, and a list of institutional contacts identified to support the NSP updating process.
• Development of zero draft of the NSP 2026-2031;
• Facilitate the validation and finalization of the NSP (2026 - 2031) for IGEBU. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

Degree in business, management, with studies or consultancy experience in meteorology, climatology, or a field relevant to write and produce documents in French supporting the functioning of an meteorological, hydrological, and/or climatological agency

Experience:

5 to 10 years of experience in developing strategic planning documents.

• Experience in policy and strategy development in the Africa context and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of weather, climate or environmental policy formulation.
• Ability to manage diverse national stakeholders and ability to convene different stakeholders at national level.

Other Requirements: 

Availability to participate to onsite and online meetings and to perform the task.

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of French (both oral and written).

Knowledge of English (reading/ understanding) is a clear advantage. 

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

Duration: 

40 days over a period of 4 months

Salary and Allowances:

To be defined, depending upon experience, knowledge and skills.

WMO Focal Point:

Lara BETHONICO lbethonico@wmo.int

Probation

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

Applications:

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.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

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