Program Officer (Meteorologist)

Job Summary:

In the face of increasing climate variability and the growing frequency and intensity of natural hazards, the need for effective early warning systems has become more critical than ever. The Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR) has been actively engaged in the research, design, and implementation of multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and impact-based forecasting tools. IHRR has developed and piloted systems addressing hazards such as landslides, floods, droughts, heatwaves, cold waves, and forest fires.

As the organization advances into the validation and enhancement phase of these tools, additional technical expertise is required. This ToR outlines the responsibilities and requirements for hiring a Meteorologist – Program Officer who will contribute to forecasting, tool development, technical coordination, and stakeholder capacity building. Specific objectives include:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and predicting meteorological hazards
• Providing timely warnings and advisories to authorities and communities
• Supporting the research, development, and validation of IHRR’s tools and models
• Enhancing anticipatory action and impact-based forecasting systems

Key responsibility: 

A. Monitoring, Forecasting & Analysis 

• Monitor, analyze, and forecast meteorological phenomena relevant to Nepal, including heatwaves, monsoon patterns, extreme rainfall, and drought conditions. 
• Support continuous monitoring of extreme temperature, monsoon onset, duration, and intensity. 
• Develop and refine predictive models for heatwaves, monsoon behavior, and related hazards. 
• Analyze meteorological, hydrological, and remote sensing data to support decision-making. 

B. Early Warning & Anticipatory Action

• Translate technical forecast information into simple, actionable early warning messages and preparedness advisories. 
• Provide timely warnings and guidance to authorities, humanitarian actors, and communities. 
• Support the development, review, and refinement of Early Action Protocols (EAPs). 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Anticipatory Action systems in collaboration with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) and other partners.
• Assist in designing and executing desktop and field-based simulation exercises for early action activation. 

C. Tool Validation, Research & Development 

• Support the research and development of IHRR’s multi-hazard tools and models. 
• Work closely with the technology development team to translate meteorological and project requirements into user-friendly technical documentation. 
• Contribute to ongoing validation of MHEWS tools related to landslides, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and forest fires. 
• Conduct research to enhance understanding of meteorological drivers of hazards, especially heatwave and monsoon dynamics. 

D. Capacity Building & Stakeholder Coordination 

• Provide technical coordination on anticipatory action development with stakeholders.
• Conduct training sessions and capacity-building activities for municipalities, stakeholders, frontline responders, and partners. 
• Ensure inclusiveness and accessibility of risk information for vulnerable groups. 
• Facilitate effective technical communication and information sharing across stakeholders. 

E. Reporting & Communication 

• Prepare and disseminate regular reports, bulletins, advisories, and analytical briefs on meteorological hazards. 
• Support documentation of lessons, methodologies, and best practices. 
• Contribute to project reporting, donor reporting, and communication materials as required.

Education: 

Master’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Hydrometeorology, Climate Science, or a related field. (Bachelor’s with strong experience may also be considered or Master's running.) 

Technical Skills: 

• Familiarity with Python, GEE, GIS, or other analytical tools is the most.
• Strong understanding of monsoon dynamics, heatwaves, hydrometeorological hazards, and numerical weather prediction products. 
• Skills in meteorological data analysis, modeling, and visualization. 
• Ability to convert technical information into clear, actionable messages. 

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No telephone calls will be entertained and any other direct or indirect solicitation may lead to disqualification of the candidacy.  The organization reserves right to reject any/all applications without assigning any reason.

Apply Link: https://forms.gle/xWUWvKW8LYvH7ZDZA