CONSULTANCY : Online course designer and instructor on operational hydrology - SSA-2026-HMF-ESDP-10

Background

The Early Warning System for Flood (EWS-F) project and the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) projects, funded by the United States Department of State (US DoS), contribute to strengthen end-to-end flood early warning systems and associated capacities to enable countries to take early action and reduce the impacts of hydrological hazards, particularly floods. 

National Country Assessments conducted in the framework of the EWS-F participating countries have identified critical capacity gaps in operational hydrology, particularly in basic and advanced hydrological knowledge and skills required for the effective operation, interpretation, and sustainability of flood forecasting and early warning systems within National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). These assessments emphasized the need for structured and accessible training to strengthen competencies.

In response to these identified needs, which are similar for other countries a support on capacity-building is structured. It is focused on the preparation and consolidation of training on fundamental and operational aspects related to flood monitoring and forecasting, keys components of early warning systems.  This consultancy will support capacity building on fundament hydrological modelling through the consolidation of a related course in collaboration with a WMO Regional Training Center. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will support the competency framework for capacity building on hydrology through assisting on the development of training material on Hydrology (Modelling and Forecasting) and its integration into the WMO Moodle platform. This will contribute to build fundamental capabilities on hydrological modelling, a key element of flood forecasting and warning. This will complement the WMO training support provided on flood forecasting (such as through FFGS and others).  This will be done through the following duties:

1. In collaboration with a WMO Regional Training Center (RTC): 

a. Assist and provide guidance to the WMO RTC National Water Academic (NWA) and its instructors with development of new interactive material for the moderated course “Topics in Hydrology: Modelling and Forecasting”.

b. Assist NWA on the integration of the developed/provided training material into WMO Moodle platform

2. In close collaboration/coordination with a French Instructor and/or translator, integrate in WMO Moodle platform the French translated training material (including quizzes and videos) of the following autonomous distance learning courses:  

a. Basic Hydrological Sciences, Core Topics

b. Topics in Hydrology: Modelling and Forecasting

c. Introduction to Rating Curves

3. In close collaboration/coordination with the French Instructor and/or translator, integrate in WMO Moodle platform the French translated training material (including quizzes and videos) of the moderated distance learning courses on Introduction to Rating curves.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

M.S. in Meteorology, Hydrology or Hydrogeology

Experience:

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in delivering trainings in Hydrology, Meteorology or Hydrogeology.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in developing e-learning courses/modules.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in designing distance learning courses on operational hydrology.
• At least 5 years of experience using Moodle.
• Work experience with WMO would be an advantage

Other Requirements:

Excellent communication skills

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of French would be an advantage.

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

Duration: 

40 days

Salary and Allowances:

USD 500.-/day

Focal point for additional information:

Bernard Minoungou, bminoungou@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

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