Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

While climate change is observed across Nepal, the rate of temperature increase is more pronounced at higher altitudes. This temperature rise accelerates the rate of glacial retreat, increasing the size of glacial lakes located in these high-altitude areas and, in turn, their likelihood of breaching in the form of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) which cause severe flooding, landslides and mudflows that damage infrastructure and private assets, and disrupt transportation networks, agricultural production, power supplies from hydropower plants and tourism activities. Damages from GLOFs are often irreparable for decades, with considerable economic costs, particularly to downstream populations. The risk of GLOFs is further exacerbated by increasing temperatures which increase the rate of snow and ice melt and the proportion of precipitation falling as rain, which increases the volume of the lakes, thereby reducing the amount of ‘freeboard’, which increases the likelihood of overflow and the intensity of resulting floods.

The Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 Lakes are at exceptionally high risk of breaching having already exhibited considerable increases in volume, accelerated degradation of their ice-cored moraines, and a reduced amount of ‘freeboard’ as a result of climate change. Combined, these factors have destabilized the lakes, exposing the Gandaki Basin and the Dudhkoshi and Arun Sub-basins to the threat of a GLOF event. Without intervention, the risk of GLOF will be high and GLOF can adversely impacts the downstream vulnerable communities.

In response to this risk, USD36 millions of GCF funds, alongside USD14 million in cofinance, will be directed to reduce the risk and impacts of GLOFs at the four priority glacial lakes by shifting towards a proactive approach to GLOF risk reduction in Nepal. The proposed project presents an integrated approach to GLOF risk management in Nepal by addressing institutional and technical capacities, physical protection (both grey and green infrastructure approaches), hazard monitoring and early warning. This integrated approach will utilise GCF funds to: i) lower the water levels of four glacial lakes to reduce their risk of breaching; ii) implement Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction interventions in mountain ecosystems to mitigate the residual flood impacts from a GLOF; iii) establish and implement early warning systems to alleviate damages and prevent the loss of lives from GLOFs; and iv) strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to plan for and respond to GLOFs and floods. These interventions will catalyse a shift from a need- and project-based approach towards proactive and pre-emptive approaches, engendered through strengthened capacity among institutions and communities. 
In addition to this, Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) in meeting the requirements of the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is in pipeline. It provides technical and financial assistance to strengthen surface and upper-air meteorological observations and ensure international data exchange. Strengthened observing networks ensures the accurate and timely weather data for aviation safety, agriculture planning, and disaster preparedness along with climate adaptation, and Nepal’s contribution in sharing quality data to the global weather prediction system.

The project will be implemented following UNDP’s support to National Implementation Modality (NIM), with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) of Nepal  with the  role of  the Implementing Partner. Under this modality, UNDP is supporting DHM in recruiting key positions for the establishment of a Project Management Unit, which will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Members of the PMU will collectively be responsible for overall planning and budgeting, collaborating with other ministries, sectors and government entities to implement the project performance management system; bidding for the provision of project consultancy services; coordination with the responsible parties in terms of bidding of goods and services; disbursement and implementation of project audits, operation of accounts, monitoring and preparation of overall project reports (annual), and safeguards policy monitoring reports.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The PMU will be headed by the Project Coordination Specialist (PCS). The Meteorologist will report directly to the Project Coordination Specialist. The PMU will operate under the overall guidance of the National Project Director (NPD) — as assigned by MoEWRI. The Meteorologist will work closely with Civil Engineer, and Hydrologist.

The Meteorologist will provide technical oversight and guidance on the strengthening of meteorological monitoring and forecasting for the project. While equipment procurement and installation will be contracted out, the Meteorologist will ensure data quality, system integration, achieving and sustaining compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) requirements and institutional uptake. The role will also build national and local capacity to interpret forecasts for GLOF risk reduction.

Meteorological assessments:

  • Support DHM in the analysis of historical and real-time meteorological to support GLOF and flood risk modelling.
  • Contribute climate trend analysis for inclusion in ESMPs and hazard assessments.
  • Ensure outputs are technically robust and relevant for GLOF risk reduction.
  • Integrate gender and social inclusion perspectives in climate and weather data collection, analysis, and dissemination to ensure that climate information services address the specific needs of women, men, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
  • Ensure GESI-sensitive data disaggregation and analysis when preparing climate impact assessments, ensuring that differences in exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity between social groups are reflected in findings and recommendations.

Strengthen monitoring systems:

  • Oversee installation and calibration of automated weather stations and comparison of meteorological parameters, whichever possible, with manual observation. 
  • Ensure accuracy and quality control of meteorological data.
  • Promote inclusive participation in user-feedback sessions, community consultations, and validation workshops to capture diverse experiences and improve the effectiveness of meteorological services.

GBON Compliance and Monitoring

  • Monitoring of the AWS stations installed under the project to meet GBON technical requirements 
     regarding parameters, observation frequency, timeliness, and data availability. 
  • Regularly monitor national surface observation performance against GBON indicators 
     (data completeness, timeliness, accuracy, and transmission to global networks).
  • Track station performance using WMO monitoring tools (e.g., OSCAR/Surface and WIS dashboards).
    Prepare periodic GBON compliance status reports for DHM management and SOFF reporting. 
  • Implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for real-time and delayed-mode  quality control of AWS data.
  • Conduct periodic technical review of AWS station functionality including sensor performance, 
    power systems, and communication modules.
  • Recommend preventive and corrective maintenance actions based on QC findings. 
  • Contribute to SOFF progress reporting related to observing system performance and GBON compliance.

Provide forecasting services:

  • Support integration of forecasts into early warning messages.
  • Support development and delivery of inclusive early warning systems (EWS) by ensuring that forecasts and alerts are accessible, understandable, and actionable for diverse user groups, including those with limited literacy or access to digital platforms.
  • Collaborate with the GESI Specialist and communication team to design and tailor climate information products (bulletins, advisories, SMS alerts, radio messages) that reach vulnerable populations, especially women farmers, indigenous groups, and remote communities.
  • Advocate for gender-responsive climate services by identifying barriers faced by women and marginalized groups in accessing and using weather and climate information and recommending practical measures to overcome them.

Build capacity of counterparts:

  • Train government staff in meteorological monitoring and forecasting, including short- and medium-term forecasts relevant to glacial and river systems.
  • Train DHM staff and local stakeholders in data interpretation and use in EWS.
  • Develop user-friendly materials for decision-makers and communities, including simplified climate information products for end-users.
  • Contribute to capacity-building initiatives by participating in training and awareness programmes that enhance the ability of local stakeholders particularly women and marginalized groups to interpret and use climate and weather information for risk reduction and livelihood planning.

Knowledge products, oversight and reporting:

  • Draft technical reports, bulletins, and weather updates for decision-makers.
  • Contribute to donor reports, lessons learned, and case studies.
  •  Contribute to technical reports and early warning bulletins.
  • Synthesize the inputs provided by the team (PIU/PMU) and ensure timely delivery of outputs and preparation of reports
  • Document climate trends and their implications for GLOFs.
  • Certify installation/operation of meteorological equipment and prepare related documentation for audits and payments.
  • Monitor contractors’ compliance with safeguards and technical standards.
  • Maintain records of equipment performance, site visits, and data quality.
    Contribute updates to annual workplans, budgets, and technical reports.
     
  • The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
     

Competencies

Core competencies:

  • Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
  • Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
  • Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
  • Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

 Digital     

  • Geospatial analysis. Skilled in techniques which study entities using their topological, geometric, or geographic properties.

Business Management    

  • Partnerships Management. Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies 
  • Risk Management. Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks 

Procurement    

  • Strategic sourcing. Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

2030 Agenda: Planet    

  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery. Disaster Risk Reduction: Mainstreaming/Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation into Development

2030 Agenda: Peace    

  • Governance. Inclusion and Participation of Marginalised Groups

2030 Agenda: People    

  • Gender. Innovation for Gender Equality

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Secondary education is required.
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Meteorology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Science, or related fields will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.  

Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in meteorology.

Required skills:

  • Proficiency in computer applications like MS Word, Excel and PPT.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

  • Experience in installing and maintaining meteorological equipment.
  • Knowledge of meteorological analysis and forecasting methods.
  • Experience with climate modeling and data management.
  • Knowledge in weather data analysis, forecasting, and climate services.
  • Experience with WMO standards and regional climate centers.
  • Prior experience in multi-hazard early warning systems.
  • Experience working with UNDP, GCF, or other donor-funded projects, particularly in climate change adaptation or disaster risk reduction.
  • Knowledge of environmental and climate change issues in Nepal, including GLOFs, Eco-DRR, and early warning systems.
  • At least 4 years of experience in the area of meteorology after Masters degree is preferred.
  • Experience in preparing of Terms of Reference (ToR) and procurement related documents.”
  • Knowledge on specifications of the hydro-meteorological equipment, hydrological and hydraulic modeling softwares”

Required Language(s):

  • Fluency in English and Nepali is required.
  • Knowledge of any other national language will be an asset.
     

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP 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. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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