CONSULTANCY: Translator and French online instructor on operational hydrology - SSA-2026-HMF-ESDP-11

Background

The Early Warning System for Flood (EWS-F) project, funded by the United States Department of State (US DoS), aims 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. The project supports the development of integrated and interoperable early warning systems that span the full hydrological value chain, from observation and forecasting to warning dissemination and response.

National Country Assessments conducted in 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.

While relevant training materials on basic and advanced hydrology and rating curve already exist and are used within WMO capacity development activities, much of this content is currently available only in English. To ensure broader accessibility and effective uptake in French-speaking countries, there is a need to hire a consultant to translate these existing materials into French and to deliver distance courses on these topics.

In response to these identified needs, the EWS-F project will support targeted capacity-building activities focusing on fundamental and operational aspects of flood forecasting and early warning systems. This consultancy will contribute to these efforts by translating existing hydrology training materials into French and by delivering distance courses, thereby enhancing accessibility, usability, and long-term sustainability of hydrology capacity development under the EWS-F project.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Translate existing WMO online training materials (including graphics, quizzes and videos transcripts) from English into French, ensuring consistency with WMO technical terminology on:

1. Basic Hydrologic Sciences autonomous course 
2. Topics in Hydrology, Modeling and Forecasting autonomous course
3. Introduction on Rating Curve autonomous course

2. Translate the English moderated distance learning course “Rating Curves (2025): Interpretation, Application, Creation” into French (including graphics, quizzes and videos transcripts).

3. French instructor and moderator for the moderated distance learning course “Rating Curves: Interpretation, Application, Creation”.

1. Moderate the moderated distance learning course “Rating Curves: Interpretation, Application, Creation”, including grading for approximately 40 French speaking participants;
2. Facilitate webinars, answer questions in the forum; 
3. Provide short course summary and grades.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

MSc in Hydrology or Hydrogeology

Experience:

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in delivering trainings in Hydrology or Hydrogeology.
• Proven experience in translating hydrological topics or training materials in French.
• At least 5 years field experience in operational hydrology.
• Work experience with WMO Members in French speaking countries would be an advantage.

Other Requirements: 

• Skills to transfer knowledge
• Strong communication skills
• knowledge in editing/translating videos.

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of French and fluent in English (both oral and written). 

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

Salary and Allowances:

USD 500.-/day

Additional Information:

Focal points for addional 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

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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