Programme Policy Officer (Weather Forecast Modelling)
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WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply.
WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability.
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Since 2015, WFP Nepal is working closely with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in defining relevant triggers and thresholds for early warnings, specifically focusing on flood hazard. Since 2020, WFP piloted an innovative approach for anticipatory action, where cash was delivered to households-at-risk before the flood occurred. With a view to strengthen the existing systems, policies and procedures enabling anticipatory action, WFP has developed a project for advancing the systems at all levels of Government and sustainably systematize the initiative.
At this level, job holders are expected to demonstrate responsibility and initiative to respond independently to various queries with only general guidance. There is a requirement to use judgment in dealing with unforeseen operational problems on a daily basis. Job holders are expected to manage resources and coach and coordinate support staff.
JOB PURPOSE
The objective is to equip Department of Hydrology and Meteorology with a comprehensive and customized WRF model focusing monsoon season in Nepal with different microphysics, radiation and boundary layer schemes testing different forcing data, compare different ensembles run with observation data, and find the best combination of model schemes and forcing data that can improve the model and its operationalization in weather forecasting in an endeavor to flood forecasting.
Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is the most commonly used forecasting model to simulate the real time weather because it has shown the forecasting skill to produce the realistic weather. WRF model has been validated in different parts of the world however it has been utilized in very limited studies over the complex terrain, specifically over the Indian monsoon region. Even though WRF model is being utilized in south Asia to forecast monsoon precipitation, it has difficulty to forecasting observed precipitation during the monsoon. There could be several reasons for this. Since only one model is being utilized with specific microphysics, radiation and boundary layer schemes and different combination of schemes with ensemble’s runs have not been tested/applied.
Improvement of the model is a gradual process and it may not get perfect forecasting for the convective vs stratiform cases, however improvement on forecasting can be made using different schemes. Additionally, single scheme and forcing data may not be useful for different season (winter vs. pre-monsoon vs. monsoon) to forecast observed precipitation. In addition to the precipitation, extreme weather forecasting is critical since isolated convective storm may bring not only heavy precipitation but also extreme wind similar to the one that occurred in March 2019 in Bara and Parsa.
An expert is needed to run the WRF model focusing monsoon season in Nepal with different microphysics, radiation and boundary layer schemes testing different forcing data, compare different ensembles run with observation data, and find the best combination of model schemes and forcing data that can improve the model.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Weather Forecast Modelling)
Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA)
Level: SSA-10 (Equiv. to NOC)
Contract Duration:4 months
Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Vacancy Number: 828559
Date of Publication: 21 July 2023
Deadline of Application: 30 July 2023
WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary plus a medical insurance (https://www.henner.com/en/accueil-english/)
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Evidence, Policy and Innovation (EPI) unit and in direct coordination with the Programme Policy Officer for Forecast based Anticipatory Action (FbAA); the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Appraise, review and refine all available scientific data and information generated by previous assessments undertaken by different organizations and institutions to collect baseline information on meteorological results and any other studies on NWP across Nepal and surrounding region including weather forecast verification results.
- Evaluate the skill in available forecast data for flood forecasting applications from global, regional and national Numerical Weather Prediction Models covering lead times from 3 hour to 15 days from NCMRWF, GLOFAS, GEFS, GFS and NWP-DHM, and thus evaluate both deterministic and ensemble precipitation forecasts
- Develop a multi-model ensemble that combines the different weather forecast products using weighting methods that consider their relative skill scores at grid scale.
- Develop and run WRF models particularly for monsoon (i) under different schemes (ii) with different forcing data (e.g. GFS, ERA5, GDAS, etc) considering (iii) at least two cases: one case with convective event and other one is stratiform precipitation, and (iv) at least two domains: outer domain should cover the Indian subcontinent and Indian ocean and inner domain Nepal. One case will be tested turning on the cumulus parameterization schemes (Kain-Fritsh scheme)
- Develop diagnostic forecast verification approach with bias corrections and calibration for developed forecast products to compare different ensemble runs with observation data including skills scores
- Identify areas receiving exceptionally heavy precipitation at grid scale for different time resolutions , and thus calculate and prepare anomalies (wet/dry days, seasonal/annual rainfall and rain days, climate indices) in discussion with DHM
- Visualize the WRF outputs using different software and programming languages, including NCL, PYTHON and Panoply. The WRF modelling outputs as data will be in hourly timescale and compared with the available observational data. Vertical profile will be compared with the observational sounding data from Kathmandu to validate the model at different atmospheric levels.
- Undertake consultative meeting with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) for acquiring, compiling, and analysing relevant data and information including defining the resolution and model domain.
- Instruct, guide and supervise DHM and WFP teams to conduct studies, data coverage, data density, quality assurance, data compilation and analysis, interpretation of results and assessment.
- Regular meeting will be conducted between DHM, CDHM-TU and WFP team to report the progress and get feedbacks
- One Master's student will be involved in this project so that he/she can conduct the research for the master's thesis. Student will be trained for the model data analysis and writing the results.
- The computing resource will be used from the CDHM-TU which has a computer server to run the WRF modeling. However alternative computing resource would be valuable for the project. Powerful desktop can be used to run the WRF or server at Kathmandu University could be an alternative.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree) in Meteorology, Atmospheric Physics or other related field. PHD is an added advantage.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Nepali.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
At least 5 years of post graduate professional experience in numerical weather prediction modelling with particular expertise on Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF).
Knowledge & Skills:
Working experience of WRF model with good understanding, knowledge and skills on different parameterization schemes.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
Leads by example with Integrity
Drives results and Delivers on commitments
Fosters inclusive and collaborative teamwork.
Applies strategic thinking
Builds and maintains sustainable partnerships
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HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:
It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to [email protected]. A member of the HR team responsible for reasonable accommodation will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.
This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements and not for sending the application itself. Due to the volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.
WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment
WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.
