CONSULTANCY – Information Note on WMO Perspectives on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and Adaptation Intelligence Briefs for COP31 SSA-2026-CRI-SSCD-1

A. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) calls for enhanced understanding and communication of global progress on adaptation. The indicators include specific references to systematic observation systems, multi-hazard early warning systems and climate information services.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as the authoritative UN specialized agency for weather, climate, hydrology and related environmental sciences, plays a foundational role in supporting Members in the development and operationalization of systematic observation systems, multi-hazard early warning systems and climate information services.

As part of WMO’s strategic engagement for COP31, WMO will develop a suite of high-level communication and engagement products aimed at translating complex technical knowledge related to adaptation into accessible and visually compelling materials for decision-makers, partners and stakeholders.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the transformation of this technical material into a coherent set of high-quality, publication-ready COP31 engagement products, including a high-level information note presenting WMO’s perspectives on how meteorological, hydrological, climate and Earth system information can support voluntary implementation efforts related to the Belém Adaptation Indicators and Adaptation Intelligence Briefs.

These products are intended to communicate WMO’s potential scientific and technical contribution to ongoing processes related to adaptation implementation, data and information systems relevant to the voluntary operationalization of the Belém Adaptation Indicators in a concise and strategic manner, suitable for high-level dissemination and engagement at COP31.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Climate Research and Information (CRI) Section and will report daily to the Scientific Officer and Associate Programme Officer of the same Section. Under this structure, the Consultant will:

1. Develop Strategic Narrative and Editorial Framing

a) Review relevant international climate framework decisions and the Belém Adaptation Indicators, as well as relevant WMO frameworks and tools.

b) Develop a clear and coherent high-level narrative framing of WMO’s potential contribution to the GGA, with particular attention to the enabling role of hydrometeorological and climatological services in supporting adaptation and resilience.

c) Translate technical content provided by WMO into concise and accessible messaging tailored to support decision-making.

d) Ensure consistency of messaging, tone and narrative coherence across the information note and the three adaptation briefs.

2. Support Content Development and Technical Synthesis

a) Work closely with WMO technical teams to synthesize and organize technical inputs, methodologies, operational examples, datasets, case studies and potential contributions relevant to the Belém Adaptation Indicators.

b) Structure and present technical information in a format suitable for high-level communication products, ensuring scientific credibility while maximizing accessibility and clarity for non-technical audiences.

c) Develop concise explanatory text, thematic summaries, key messages, infographics concepts, call-out boxes and strategic framing elements that strengthen the communication value of the products.

d) Identify opportunities to visually communicate WMO operational systems, country examples, adaptation challenges and institutional contributions through graphics, diagrams, maps and storytelling approaches.

3. Coordinate Product Development and Visual Translation

a) Support the editorial development and production process for the information note and adaptation briefs, ensuring consistency in structure, formatting and messaging.

b) Coordinate with design and communications teams, as required, to facilitate the visual translation of technical material into a high-quality publication product.

c) Provide recommendations on layout, visual hierarchy, graphic elements and presentation approaches appropriate for COP31 strategic engagement.

d) Ensure all products are publication-ready and aligned with WMO editorial standards.

4. Draft, Revise and Finalize the Information Note

a) Prepare draft and final versions of the information note and adaptation briefs in accordance with agreed outlines and editorial direction.

b) Engage in consultations with relevant WMO departments and technical experts to ensure institutional alignment and technical accuracy.

c) Revise and finalize all materials incorporating consolidated feedback from the WMO Secretariat.

d) Work in close coordination with a graphic designer throughout the production process, serving as the primary content lead responsible for delivering structured, design-ready materials — including finalized copy, content hierarchy, and visual concept direction — that the designer will translate into the final visual products.

C. MAINS DELIVERABLES:

1. Inception Note (within 2 weeks of contract start) – Estimated 3 working days

• Refined editorial structure and narrative approach for the information note and adaptation briefs.

• Workplan and production timeline.

• Proposed visual and communication approach for high-level COP31 engagement.

2. Narrative Development and Content Structuring – Estimated 7 working days

• Editorial synthesis of technical inputs provided by WMO Secretariat and technical partners.

• Development of overarching narrative, thematic framing and key messaging across products.

• Draft structure for the information note, taking into account the already developed adaptation briefs, including proposed visual elements and storytelling approaches.

3. First Full Draft of COP31 Engagement Products – Estimated 6 working days

• Complete draft of the information note.

• Provide editorial structuring for the three Adaptation Intelligence Briefs (drafted by internal teams and partners) to ensure consistency with the overall guidance note structure.

• Integrated key messages, strategic summaries, and case studies.

• Draft concepts for graphics, infographics and layout elements.

4. Revised Draft Incorporating Feedback – Estimated 2 working days

• Integrated comments from WMO Secretariat and relevant technical experts.

• Strengthened narrative coherence, decision-making relevance and editorial clarity.

• Refined visual guidance and publication structure.

5. Final Publication-Ready Products – Estimated 2 working days

• Final information note (designed for high-level COP31 dissemination).

• Final Adaptation Intelligence Briefs (3).

• Executive summaries and key messaging elements.

• Publication-ready copy edited and formatted according to WMO publication standards.

• Editorial recommendations for launch and strategic engagement use at COP31.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in climate science and policy, environmental policy, adaptation, climate services, disaster risk reduction, science communication, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in adaptation, with preferred focus on climate services, early warning systems, systematic observation, and strategic communications in an international environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with WMO systems, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and international climate framework processes, including experience communicating UN technical outputs to high-level audiences in these contexts.
• Proven experience in developing technical methodologies, indicator frameworks, or monitoring and evaluation systems at national or international levels.
• Experience drafting high-level technical papers for intergovernmental processes, as well as experience producing engagement materials, briefs or communications products for UNFCCC Conference of the Parties or equivalent high-level events.

Other Requirements:

• Strong understanding of adaptation governance, planning and implementation and related international climate reporting frameworks, including the ability to translate these frameworks into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with WMO operational systems and how these are communicated in the context of multilateral climate processes.