CONSULTANCY - Conduct training on Hydrology in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - SSA-2026-TCU-DPPD-12

Background

In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) various CREWS funded projects are contributing on strengthening hydrometeorological early warning services. These projects align to improving knowledge and practices in hydrology, agrometeorology, and weather observation, while promoting the sharing of data and information at national, regional, and international levels to support evidence-based decision-making.

Within this framework, the CREWS Accelerated Support Window (ASW) in the DRC (CREWS-ASW DRC) plays a critical role in ensuring the continuity of METTELSAT’s operations, particularly in maintaining and improving service production and delivery standards. The CREWS-ASW DRC provides transitional support during the period between the completion of the Hydromet Project (P159217) and the CREWS DRC project, as well as upcoming investments by the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

To sustain and enhance operational capacities in hydrology, climatology, agrometeorology and observation services, the project focuses on two main components:

1. Capacity Development: Strengthening human and institutional capacity in key priority areas, including infrastructure management, hydrology, climatology, and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP).
2. Procurement of Equipment: Acquiring and deploying essential tools and instruments to enhance the quality, reliability, and timeliness of service delivery.

Under this project, a consultancy is proposed to conduct training for METTELSAT technical staff on the fundamentals and operational use of available tools and products for the delivery of Hydrological services.

The consultancy will comprise both theoretical and practical components:

• Theoretical sessions: Training materials responding to the identified needs in hydrology will be made available prior to the in-person training. Links to documentation and online training courses will be provided to the participants.
• Practical sessions will be conducted onsite to provide hands-on training with the available tools and equipment for data collection and processing.

By the end of the training, participants are expected to acquire fundamental, technical, and operational competence required to collect, treat, and manage hydrological data using available tools and equipment.

Objective of the consultancy

The consultancy would support WMO to strengthen the capacities and capabilities of hydrological staff within METELSAT related to hydrological basic services (water cycle, data collection and management, modelling). This will be achieved through customized training designed to reinforce fundamental knowledge and enhance the operational skills required for the effective delivery of hydrological services. The aim is to strengthen METELSAT to better contribute to reducing the vulnerability of people and infrastructure to the impacts of climate variability and change.

More specifically the training will enable participants to:

1. Understand the components and processes of the water cycle and its relation to flooding occurrence
2. Learn fundamental methods for collecting hydrometric measurements, and processing data using appropriate digital tools
3. Understand the basics of hydrological and/or hydraulic modelling
4. Define general processes for hydrological analysis and possible flooding situations

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the project manager for CREWS ASW DRC and the WMO hydrological capacity building coordinator, the consultant will provide training in French on Hydrological related activities. This will include the following:

1. Develop comprehensive fundamental training materials on the water cycle and related aspects of hydrological services, data collection, processing, and management.
2. Conduct practical exercises using available tools for hydrometric measurements, provide guidance on the processing of hydrological data and the development of products.
3. Demonstrate best practices in data quality control and validation.
4. Review existing data archiving and visualization processes in place and provide recommendations for improvement.
5. Propose recommendations and actions for sustainable capacity building contributing to foster the development of hydrological services

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in engineering, hydrology, meteorology, applied meteorology or related technical field. Proven experience in training delivery, particularly in technical capacity building related to Hydrological monitoring or hydrometeorological systems.

Experience: A minimum 8 years of demonstrated experience on the use of tools and products for hydrometric measurements and processing hydrological data, and hydrological modelling. Proven ability to design and deliver training programs that effectively combine theoretical and practical learning.

• Knowledge & Skills: Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with open-source tools and digital resources for technical training and field applications.

Languages: Excellent knowledge of French (spoken and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the WMO Secretariat is an advantage. The working languages of the WMO Secretariat are English and French.

Salary and Allowances: Category C (390 - 560 USD per day)

Duration: 10 days over a period of 3 months

Focal point : Bernardine SIMA-A : [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.

Scam alert

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.