Climate Services for Disaster Risks Reduction in Africa
FED/2014/331-704
A project led & implemented by the
African Center of Meteorological
Applications for Development
This project is funded by
The European Union
VACANCY NOTICE NUMBER: 012/2015/ACMAD/MESA
SHORT TERM EXPERT: CLIMATE SERVICES – POLICY LIAISON EXPERT
Date of issue of vacancy notice: December 17, 2015
Deadline for application: January 15, 2015
Location: Niamey-Niger
Languages: English, French
Project Title: Monitoring of Environment for Security in Africa (MESA)
Thematic Action: Climate services for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa
Type of Contract: Short Term
Minimum work experience: 5 years
Sectors: Climate Change and Environment
Organization: African Centre for Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD)
Climate Services – Policy Liaison Expert
Duties and responsibilities
Based upon the Continental Climate THEMA Implementation Plan (Result 2 and 4) and the
Communication and Visibility Strategy the Climate Services – Policy Liaison Expert specifically supports
the Project Manager, the Communication Officer, the System Engineer and the Thematic Experts in
challenging cross-cutting communication activities the project is conducting in the field of climate
services intended for policy and decision making.
This includes the development of user-friendly, tailored and innovative communication materials to
inform policy makers, disaster risks reduction and management institutions, planners and other decision
makers about the Continental Climate THEMA services ACMAD and partners develop under the MESA
Programme grant. The support for the organization of relevant meetings, workshops, seminars and
events is also part of the responsibilities of the Climate Services – Policy Liaison Expert.
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Climate Services for Disaster Risks Reduction in Africa
FED/2014/331-704
A project led & implemented by the
African Center of Meteorological
Applications for Development
This project is funded by
The European Union
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
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Support Thematic Experts in designing user-friendly Continental Climate THEMA services which can
easily be understood by various stakeholders;
Design and draft regular policy briefs and policy statements along with the production of technical
Drought Service and Seasonal Climate Forecast Bulletins as well as Climate Change Assessment
Service Bulletins;
Conceptionalize and present policy briefs and policy statements in TV quality video format;
Together with the Communication Officer provide training to the ACMAD-MESA project team on
designing and drafting policy briefs and policy statements in written and video format;
Design tailored Continental Climate THEMA information materials for the use of disaster risk
management, climate and climate change information for targeted integration into adaptation and
risk management strategies of sectors such as agriculture and food security, water and energy, and
natural resources management;
Support the Communication Officer and System Engineer in content management of the Continental
Climate THEMA website.
Support the Communication Officer and System Engineer in collecting user feedbacks and report to
the Project Manager;
Support the Thematic Experts in moderating the web-based eForum;
Support the Communication Officer in organizing events (conferences, fora, training and workshops,
press conferences and other media events);
Support the Communication Officer in organizing Open Policy Dialogues Days with for policy and
decision makers, and contribute to the preparation of necessary materials for these events;
Support the Communication Officer in maintaining and coordinating the media networks;
Support the project management in other communication activities as requested.
Qualification
Education
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The applicant should have an education background in Meteorological services (WMO CLASS IV+III
level and Diploma is minimum requirement), a University Degree in Geography, Environmental
Studies, Agriculture or Hydrology (B.Sc. is minimum requirement), and proven journalism training
with a strong specialization in climate and climate change information.
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Climate Services for Disaster Risks Reduction in Africa
FED/2014/331-704
A project led & implemented by the
African Center of Meteorological
Applications for Development
This project is funded by
The European Union
Experience
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Proven working experience in a National Meteorological and Hydrological Service of at least five (5)
years;
Proven experience in successfully communicating climate and climate change information to
decision makers and the public in large, media relations and networking;
Proven experience in designing print, visual and audiovisual communication materials on climate,
climate change, climate adaption and climate impact;
Prior working experience in a relevant Disaster Management Organization is an asset.
Other Requirements
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Feeling comfortable in front of a camera and having experience in descriptively communicating
complicated meteorological phenomena to the public;
Experience and capacity to provide climate information and prediction services for the use of
disaster risk management and climate information and for integration into adaptation and risk
management strategies of other sectors such as agriculture and food security, water and energy,
natural resources management;
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and communicate in a multicultural environment;
Strong self-organizational and organizational skills;
Excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing format in French and English;
Very good computer skills to be utilized for publications;
Ability to manage complex situations and to facilitate multi-stakeholder participatory processes.
Languages
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Fluency in English or French is required. Fluency in both working language is a strong asset.
Salary
The salary depends on skills and former experience of the candidate. Per diems will be allocated for
international travel.
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Climate Services for Disaster Risks Reduction in Africa
FED/2014/331-704
A project led & implemented by the
African Center of Meteorological
Applications for Development
This project is funded by
The European Union
Duration of the assignment: 90 to 120 working days
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit
 An application letter;
 An updated CV, and
 Contacts of three referees.
Women are explicitly encouraged to apply.
Applications should be submitted to dgacmad@acmad.org, with copy to:
gadoukonou@acmad-au.org
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