CLIMSOFT Project Coordinator

CLIMSOFT Project Coordinator

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible  

Duration: 12 months (with potential for extension)

REPORTING

Under the overall supervision of the VCP (Voluntary Cooperation Programme) Manager, International Relations, UK Met Office and under the direct supervision of the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) Representative for Eastern and Southern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, the contractor will work as a member of a CLIMSOFT Climate Data Management System (CDMS) multidisciplinary team and coordinate the development, capacity building and reporting of all related CLIMSOFT activities.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TASK(S) AND OBJECTIVES TO BE ACHIEVED

Background: CLIMSOFT was designed by programmers from Zimbabwe, Kenya and Guinea in early 2000 with support from the Met Office in the UK and a number of other organizations inAfrica. CLIMSOFT was designed for the purpose of effectively collecting, archiving and utilizing climate data and is a free to access and use CDMS. CLIMSOFT now requires further coordination and development, in line with technological advancements.

Tasks: The Project Coordinator will assist in the strategic development, management and promotion of the Climate Data Management System, CLIMSOFT. In particular, he/she will: 

• Coordinate the smooth development, programming and delivery of a user-friendly CLIMSOFT software (compatible with commonly used commercial CDMS in developing countries) and taking into account the WMO CDMS Specification Document, including managing and coordinating the CLIMSOFT work plan and activities;
• Act as a focal point for CLIMSOFT enquiries and support – forwarding enquiries to developers and other stakeholders as appropriate and develop, and implement , a CLIMSOFT helpdesk;
• Coordinate CLIMSOFT implementation and training activities (online and face to face);
• Continuously liaise with users and identify user’s issues on CLIMSOFT and bring them to the attention of developers; Integrate the development and implementation of a user feedback mechanism;
• Assist in the evaluation of climate data management capacities in individual National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) – including any issues which may prevent effective implementation and performance of a CDMS - with the view of developing appropriate capacity building programmes ;
• Assist in designing and recommending suitable climate data management staffing structures for smooth running of CLIMSOFT and data processing activities;
• Prepare and submit reports on the progress of the development of CLIMSOFT on a quarterly basis to the Steering Committee and the supervisors;
• Facilitate the preparation of documents and training material on CLIMSOFT including revisions, translations and upgrades based upon emerging insights and practical implementation experience, including through partnerships with appropriate organizations;
• Assist in the coordination, including: organizing, facilitating and documenting group meetings e.g. Steering Committee and developer workshops;
• Monitor and coordinate the update of the CLIMSOFT moodle website, and case studies for inclusion on the website;
• Develop the annual work plan and budget, for review by the Technical Advisory Group and Steering Committee;
• Undertake any other related duties as may be assigned from time to time, including resource mobilization.

Although the focus is on the development and implementation of the CLIMSOFT CDMS, the Project Coordinator is also likely to be involved in helping to provide ‘wider’ support to climate data management activities e.g. coordinating the development of ‘holistic’ climate data management training regardless of CDMS used.

Initially the CLIMSOFT Project Coordinator contractor position is for the period of 12 months, but with the possibility for extension.

Remuneration: $48000USD per Annum (Contractor position)

This position may involve some travel, mainly within Africa, and travel and subsistence will be covered by the project fund.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONs, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Essential:

1. Proven experience in effectively managing projects, preferably with a professional qualification e.g. PRINCE2
2. Excellent organizational skills
3. Proven ability to work with people at different levels and from different countries/organizations
4. Ability to lead and influence others to ensure desired outcomes are effectively achieved
5. Excellent written and spoken English
6. Ability to effectively pull together and analyze information from different sources and present in a succinct manner.

Not essential, but desirable:

1. Degree in Meteorology, Climatology, Computer Science, Business Administration or related field;
2. Professional experience in Databases/Climate Database Management Systems and knowledge of different computer languages.
3. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
4. Working knowledge of French and Portuguese.
5. Knowledge/use of Moodle websites and software management tools e.g. Github
6. Understanding of the work of National Met Services and WMO (World Meteorological Organization)

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are required to send a CV and Covering Letter (3 pages maximum) to

Karen.mccourt@metoffice.gov.uk by the 17th October 2014.