Chief, Programme and Operations, P.5 (Fixed-term - 1 year)

Position details

• Grade: P5
• Vacancy type: Fixed Term
• Department: CREWS Secretariat
• Location: Geneve, Switzerland
• Application deadline: 2026-09-17T21:59:00+00:00

Background

This position is located in the CREWS Secretariat under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The Chief, Programme and Operations will report to the Director of the CREWS Secretariat. The incumbent to this position will serve as a senior manager responsible for overseeing the CREWS portfolio of global, regional and national programmes and projects implemented by its partners. The incumbent will provide strategic leadership for programme planning, as reflected in the CREWS Operational Procedures, implementation oversight, monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, performance reporting, and organizational learning to ensure the effective delivery of development and institutional outcomes.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Director, CREWS Secretariat, the Chief, Programme and Operations will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Strategic Programme and Portfolio Management
   •    Leads the management and oversight of the CREWS portfolio of programmes, projects and partnerships.
   •    Ensures alignment of programmes and projects with the CREWS Operational Procedures and Steering Committee guidance.
   •    Monitors portfolio performance, delivery rates, risks and achievement of indicators.
   •    Advises the Director of the Secretariat on programme priorities, resource allocation, strategic adjustments and organizational performance matters.
   •    Facilitates portfolio reviews and management discussions to support organizational performance.

    

2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Results-Based Management
   •    Leads and oversees the implementation of the CREWs Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Accountability framework and associated monitoring systems.
   •    Develops and maintains mechanisms for monitoring progress towards expected outputs, outcomes and organizational results.
   •    Establishes performance indicators and targets for programmes and projects.
   •    Oversees the collection, validation and analysis of programme performance data.
   •    Coordinates independent evaluations, mid-term reviews, terminal evaluations and organizational assessments.
   •    Ensures systematic follow-up on evaluation recommendations and management responses.
   •    Promotes evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement through lessons learned and knowledge-sharing processes.
   •    Strengthens monitoring and evaluation capacities in the Secretariat aligned with implementing partners.

    

3. Corporate and Donor Reporting
   •    Leads the preparation of high-quality reports for the CREWS Steering Committee.
   •    Oversees preparation of an annual performance report, programme implementation reports, results reports and donor reports.
   •    Ensures consistency between programme achievements, performance indicators and reported results.
   •    Develops management dashboards and analytical tools that support decision-making and performance oversight.

    

4. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
   •    Serves as a focal point for coordination among CREWS Implementing and Operational Partners.
   •    Manages the CREWS Operational Coordination Group (OCG), sets agendas, runs meetings and produces reports and other documents
   •    Represents the CREWS Secretariat in technical, strategic and international meetings and forums.
   •    Supports collaboration with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), regional centres and partner institutions.
   •    Facilitates exchanges of best practices and lessons learned across the CREWS portfolio.

    

5. Leadership and People Management
   •    Provides strategic leadership and supervision to programme and monitoring personnel in the CREWS Secretariat.
   •    Establishes workplans, performance objectives and development goals for supervised staff.
   •    Promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion and collaboration.
   •    Supports staff development and capacity-building in results-based management and programme management practices.
   •    Ensures efficient and effective utilization of financial, human and operational resources and monitors associated risks.
    

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Masters degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, Programme Management or a Related discipline. 
• A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

 

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international programme management, project portfolio management, monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning or experience managing complex international development programmes and multi-donor project portfolios.
• Proven experience in results-based management and performance measurement frameworks.
• Experience preparing reports for governing bodies, executive management and funding partners.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Experience working with international organizations, development agencies or the United Nations system is highly desirable.
   

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
 

Competencies
The Chief, Programme and Operations must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies: 
•    Communication & Influence
•    Collaboration & Team Dynamics
•    Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
•    Decision Making & Problem Solving
•    Integrity & Accountability
•    Innovation & Digital Agility
•    Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

 

Salary and Allowances

The position is funded from extra-budgetary funding.
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 103,165
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 86,968 (in addition to the net base salary)
 

 

Additional Information:

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.

 

Probation

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

 

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.

 

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.