Background
WMO is supporting the adoption of Quality Management Systems (QMS) across National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to strengthen the consistency, reliability, and standardization of weather and climate services. As part of this effort—aligned with the WMO Roadmap on QMS implementation and ISO 9001 principles—this consultancy will contribute to building institutional capacity in Region III, especially in the Andean countries participating in the ENANDES and ENANDES+ initiatives in Chile, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador.
To support this transition, a structured QMS training course has been developed to guide NMHS personnel from foundational concepts to practical implementation. The course introduces key principles of QMS and the ISO 9000 family of standards, and focuses on their application within NMHS operations, particularly to enhance the delivery of climate services in line with the WMO Quality Policy Statement.
In Region III, and especially in the Andean countries participating in the ENANDES and ENANDES+ initiatives, the need for quality-assured climate services is particularly critical due to complex terrain, high climate variability, and exposure to hydrometeorological risks. These projects support NMHSs in strengthening their adaptive capacity and improving service delivery across key sectors such as water, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and health. Coordination with regional mechanisms such as the RCC for Western South America and the RCC Network for Southern South America ensures methodological harmonization and technical coherence.
Duties and Responsibilities
The assignment consists of designing and delivering a 20-session virtual training course for two parallel groups of NMHS representatives from WMO Region III, ensuring optimal class size and engagement while maintaining consistent content across both cohorts. The training combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including QMS tools, process mapping, and stakeholder engagement.
The consultant will also provide continuous participant support, monitor progress, and ensure quality assurance throughout the training. The contract includes five key deliverables:
(1) a comprehensive training plan,
(2) a full package of training materials,
(3) a mid-term delivery report,
(4) completion of the full training delivery, and
(5) a final course report summarizing outcomes, performance, and lessons learned.
Overall, the assignment aims to strengthen institutional capacities of NMHSs to implement and sustain QMS, enhance regional collaboration, and improve the reliability and impact of climate services in support of national decision-making processes.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Doctoral level academic background with research focused on ISO 9001, complemented by advanced university studies in management, administration, and strategic leadership.
- Formal professional training in Quality Management, including advisor certification, strategic planning, evaluation techniques, teamwork, and leadership development in complex organizations.
- Specialized preparation in educational methodologies, instructional design, and learning assessment to support the effective delivery of training programs.
Experience :
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Proven experience implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS) within government institutions.
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Leadership of ISO 9001 certification processes in national meteorological organizations.
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Direct experience as a QMS instructor for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) across the Americas.
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Extensive university level teaching background in management, organizational design, strategy, and quality related subjects.
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Previous international experience within the meteorological community, including engagement in high-level governance bodies.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of Spanish, with strong oral and written communication skills and the proven ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
(Note: The official languages of the Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
Salary and Allowances :
Level of pay band : D
Additional Information:
The consultancy duration is 60 days over a period of 5 months
Focal point email for additional information: Raul Polato
[email protected]
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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