Job
Description
Position Title: Meteorologist Open Period: 27 May 2025 – 26 June 2025 Background: The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and managed by its Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. RIMES was established on 30 April 2009, and was registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. RIMES operates from its regional early warning center located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand. Position Description: The Meteorologist will be responsible for managing, analyzing, and interpreting observational and forecast weather data, ensuring its quality, relevance, and timely dissemination. This role supports TNSDMA operations by evaluating forecast model performance, generating weather reports, coordinating during extreme weather events, and maintaining compliance with operational standards and protocols. The candidate should have experience with AWS data, forecast validation, and producing actionable insights for decision-makers. Duty station: TN-SMART Project Office, Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency, Ezhilagam Annex Bld., Chennai, India. Type of Contract: Full-time, project-based contract Skills and Qualifications: Knowledge Doctorate or master’s degree in atmospheric science, physics, and other related fields. Experience A minimum of three years of experience in system analysis, database management, or software support. Technical Skills: Meteorological & Forecast Tools Proficiency in handling Automatic Weather Station (AWS) data and interpreting meteorological parameters. Familiarity with forecast models such as ECMWF, GFS, WRF, and regional ensemble systems. Knowledge of satellite imagery interpretation and radar data usage is a plus. Data Processing & Visualization Experience working with gridded datasets, time-series data, and spatial interpolation techniques. Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB for data automation, statistical analysis, and plotting. Tools like GrADS, NCL, Panoply, or NetCDF Operators (NCO). Forecast Verification & Statistical Methods Strong grounding in forecast verification metrics: RMSE, Bias, POD, FAR, CSI, etc. Ability to automate daily and seasonal forecast validation scripts and comparative assessments. GIS and Mapping (Optional) Familiarity with QGIS or ArcGIS to create spatial visualizations and impact overlays (e.g., rainfall distribution maps). Communication & Documentation Excellent skills in preparing weather bulletins, technical reports, and presentations. Ability to convey complex weather data to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner. Coordination Tools Familiarity with incident management systems, early warning platforms, and communication protocols used in emergency response. Personal Qualities: Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of working in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with stakeholders. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Data Collection & Management: Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for observation data collection, storage, quality control, and reporting. Conduct daily, monthly, seasonal, and event-based weather reporting using AWS and forecast model data. Perform periodic audits and evaluations of AWS stations to ensure performance and data reliability. Forecast Evaluation & Model Validation: Analyse and evaluate multiple forecast products integrated into TNSDMA platforms at various administrative levels (district, taluk, block). Compare forecasts with observed data to assess accuracy and identify trends, especially during extreme weather events. Recommend suitable models or blends to improve forecast reliability and event capture (e.g., heavy rain, heatwaves, windstorms). Weather Interpretation & Impact Analysis: Interpret AWS and gridded data to understand weather patterns, microclimate variations, and sectoral impacts (e.g., agriculture, infrastructure, health, transport). Update and issue forecasts twice daily to administrative officials and emergency response teams. Monitor real-time conditions and provide expert input on potential risks and response needs Emergency Coordination & Communication: Develop response protocols for severe weather events, ensuring clear roles and timelines. Coordinate with disaster management authorities, line departments, and external stakeholders during high-impact weather scenarios. Ensure timely dissemination of critical data and alerts during emergencies to relevant departments and public platforms. Quality Control & Continuous Improvement: Perform regular reviews of data quality, station health, and reporting timelines. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecasting accuracy and operational readiness. Stay updated with emerging tools and global standards in observational meteorology and weather forecasting. Contract Duration The contract will be for 1 year, subject to a 6-month probationary period, and annual performance review. How to Apply: Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 26 June 2025, Bangkok time. Please state “Meteorologist: Name “the Subject line of the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Ms. Dusadee Padungkul Head-Operational Support Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand. RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants particularly women are encouraged to apply. Job Type: Full-time Schedule: Monday to Friday Ability to commute/relocate: Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred) Application Question(s): Do you have any prior work experience with Non-Profit Organizations, International Organizations, or Inter-Governmental Organizations? If not, are you interested in working in such environments? Please elaborate briefly. Kindly specify your salary expectations. Education: Master's (Required) Experience: working with government : 1 year (Preferred) working with international organizations: 1 year (Preferred) working with NGOs: 1 year (Preferred) Automatic Weather Station : 1 year (Preferred) Interpreting meteorological parameters: 1 year (Preferred) Forecast models: 1 year (Preferred) Python, R, or MATLAB: 1 year (Preferred) Systems analysis: 3 years (Preferred) Database management: 3 years (Preferred) Language: English (Required) Location: Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Required) Application Deadline: 26/06/2025
