CONSULTANCY: Senior Consultant- Strengthening Private Sector Engagement in CREWS Operations - SSA-2026-CREWS-3

Position details

• Vacancy type: Individual Consultancy
• Department: CREWS Secretariat
• Location: Home Based
• Application deadline: 2026-08-23T21:59:00+00:00

Background

The Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative is the leading global financing mechanism dedicated to supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in strengthening people-centred, multi-hazard early warning systems. 

CREWS is implemented through a partnership between the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Bank/GFDRR and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Under the CREWS Strategy 2030, Priority 3 focuses on driving next-generation systems through innovation, technology, partnerships and sustainable financing. 

Recognizing the increasing importance of private sector participation in strengthening early warning systems, CREWS adopted Operational Procedures on Private Sector Engagement to encourage structured engagement with businesses, academia, scientific institutions and civil society organizations. The CREWS Secretariat seeks to further operationalize these procedures and identify scalable approaches for leveraging private sector expertise, technology, innovation and financing to support national early warning systems in LDCs and SIDS. 

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic advice and practical guidance to strengthen private sector engagement across CREWS operations and develop tools that support CREWS Implementing Partners in identifying, engaging and partnering with relevant private sector actors.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the CREWS Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, the consultant will: 
1.    Review and analyse existing CREWS practices, WMO frameworks, international good practices and relevant literature on private sector engagement in early warning systems. 

2.    Assess the current status of private sector engagement across the CREWS portfolio and identify opportunities for expanded collaboration, innovation, co-financing and sustainability. 

3.    Develop a concise strategic note outlining how CREWS can engage with the private sector to strengthen operational delivery and contribute to CREWS objectives. 

4.    Prepare a practical Private Sector Engagement Toolkit or Guidance Document for use by CREWS Implementing Partners and country partners. 

5.    Develop practical partnership models and engagement pathways covering: 
•    Private sector mapping and identification; 
•    Engagement through chambers of commerce and business associations; 
•    Public-private collaboration models; 
•    Philanthropic and foundation engagement; 
•    Innovation partnerships; 
•    Co-financing mechanisms; 
•    Legal and procurement considerations; 
•    Partnership governance arrangements. 

6.    Facilitate consultations with CREWS Implementing Partners and selected stakeholders as required. 

7.    Develop a roadmap for piloting and operationalizing private sector engagement approaches in selected CREWS projects. 

8.    Present findings and recommendations to the CREWS Secretariat and Implementing Partners. 
 

Main Deliverables 

Deliverable 1: 
Private Sector Strategy Note (maximum 5 pages) outlining strategic options, priorities and engagement approaches for CREWS. 

Deliverable 2: 
CREWS Private Sector Engagement Toolkit / Guidance Document, including templates, partnership models and implementation guidance. 

 Deliverable 3: 
Roadmap for implementation identifying priority opportunities, pilot initiatives and recommended next steps for CREWS operations. 

 Deliverable 4: 
Presentation and briefing session for the CREWS Secretariat and Implementing Partners summarizing findings and recommendations. 

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

Master's degree or equivalent in international development, economics, business administration, public policy, climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental management, international relations or a closely related field. A first level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience:

•    Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in private sector engagement, development finance, public-private partnerships, climate resilience or related fields. 

•    Demonstrated experience working with the private sector, international organizations, multilateral development banks, governments or climate financing mechanisms. 

•    Proven experience developing partnership strategies, engagement frameworks or investment approaches. 

•    Strong understanding of climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems. 

•    Experience working in developing countries, particularly LDCs and SIDS, is desirable.
 

Other Requirements: 

Competencies 
•    Communication & Influence 
•    Collaboration & Team Dynamics 
•    Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness 
•    Decision Making & Problem Solving 
•    Integrity & Accountability 
•    Innovation & Digital Agility 
•    Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

 

Languages: 

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

 

Salary: Payband D

 

Duration:30 working days for a period of 6 months 

 

Additional Information:

Focal point email for additional information: mlkmacasil@wmo.int 

 

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.