CONSULTANCY: Supporting the development of operational hydroclimatic monitoring services in Central Africa - SSA-2026-TCU-DPPD-20

Background

In 2024, the Central Africa region was severely impacted by major flooding events in the Congo River Basin surrounding areas. Regional and national institutions lacked timely hydrological information, such as water level, forecasts and trend analyses, to support preparedness and emergency response. At the same time, the Laboratory of Geophysical and Oceanographic Studies in Space (LEGOS) had been publishing, since December 2023, regular monitoring bulletins based on satellite altimetry data showing exceptional increase of water levels for key water bodies across the Central African region, especially around Congo River Basin countries. However, this information remained largely inaccessible to operational institutions, highlighting a significant gap between research and operations and the need to bring both communities closer together to accelerate the development of operational services.

In response to these events, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in coordination with the Commission Internationale du Bassin du Congo-Oubangui-Sangha (CICOS), developed a training plan and has delivered, since 2025, a series of workshops on the use of Earth Observation (EO) data for operational hydrometeorological monitoring, targeting the hydrological community of the Central Africa countries. These workshops trained participants on the use of Satellite radar altimetry data with the support of LEGOS, and in the use of EO-derived precipitation and soil moisture products with the support of the EUMETSAT Hydrology SAF (H-SAF) for hydrometeorological analysis for operational applications.

The second step of this training plan is the operationalization of hydroclimatic monitoring services through structured analysis and debriefing sessions between regional centres, river basin organizations (RBOs), National Meteorological et Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and water resources entities in Central Africa, and the consolidation of digital platform to support it. This will be done considering synergies with the development of the regional FANFAR riverine flood forecasting system in Central Africa, under implementation by the technical partners AGRHYMET Regional Centre and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), as part of the CREWS Central Africa project.

This consultancy aims to collaborate with the CICOS and the Central African Climatological Application and Forecasting Centre (CAPC-AC) in coordinating and implementing operational services on hydroclimatic monitoring, with focus on related variability and impacts across Central Africa. Building on EO (satellite and ground) data and user needs identification to develop required information, it will support capacity development and mentoring of regional specialists in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the WMO CREWS Central Africa technical coordinator in collaboration with the CICOS and CAPC-AC focal points, the consultant will perform the following duties:

1. Prepare a detailed programme for hydrometeorological and climatic analysis and related debriefing ​​​​sessions in Central Africa in collaboration with the CICOS, CAPC-AC and RBOs based on user-need identification.

• Support CAPC-AC on the identification of priority user needs and operational requirements for hydroclimatic services in Central Africa. This includes consultations with key regional and national stakeholders (CICOS, NMHSs, RBO and water resources management institutions, among others) for the identification of operational needs and priorities to hydroclimatic services.

• Propose operational procedures and coordination mechanisms for regional hydroclimatic information sharing as support for operational services (hydrological monitoring, seasonal forecasting).

• Develop and submit a detailed programme for regular hydroclimatic analysis and debriefing sessions between regional and national institutions, including objectives, stakeholders, topic sessions products, and procedures for communication and exchange of information.

2. Analyse existing data and tools available, propose and describe those to be considered to support hydroclimatic monitoring services in Central Africa

• Identify, assess and select relevant satellite-based data, as well as hydrometeorological and climatological products to support hydroclimatic monitoring based on the regional and national needs identified.

• Analyse existing data and tools used by RBOs in Central Africa - CICOS, Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) - and identify operational gaps and opportunities to better contribute to hydrometeorological monitoring services.

• Provide a plan for setting up a regional platform for hydroclimatic monitoring, based on an analysis of ICT solutions used for FANFAR flood forecasting, and CAPC-AC for climate monitoring and services, among others.

• Propose and describe indicators and products to be used for hydroclimatic monitoring and guide its integration or development into the regional platforms.

3. Support capacity development and mentoring to regional specialists on the development of operational hydroclimatic monitoring services as support for preparedness, water management, among others

• Support CICOS, LCBT, LTA, and CAPC-AC on the generation of hydroclimatic analysis based on EO data for operational applications.

• Assist CICOS and CAPC-AC junior specialists on the definition of actions and establishment of cooperation for sustainable regional training and coordination framework involving academia, Regional Training Centres (RTCs), Virtual Laboratories for Satellite Meteorology (VLabs), RBO, and national services.

• Provide mentoring and technical coaching to CICOS and CAPC-AC junior specialists on the preparation of technical guidance materials and operational procedures for the use of EO-based hydroclimatic ​​​​products for operational applications in Central Africa.

• Support the coordination and delivery of at least 5 debriefing sessions on hydroclimatic monitoring services.

• Facilitate exchanges of experience and technical coordination with international partners involved in EO-based hydrology, including EUMETSAT and H-SAF partners.

4. Reporting and strategic recommendations for regional hydroclimatic cooperation

• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, concept notes and recommendations related to hydroclimatic services and regional coordination mechanisms.

• Provide strategic recommendations for strengthening sustainable operational hydroclimatic services and regional cooperation in Central Africa, considering innovating solutions adapted to the region.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

• Deliverable 1 (Inception report): Detailed methodology, work plan and initial assessment of operational context (within 2 weeks of contract start).

• Deliverable 2 (Progress report): Analysis of user needs, existing products, operational gaps and institutional coordination mechanisms related to hydroclimatic monitoring services in Central Africa and applications, methodological framework for a sustainable regional coordination mechanism on operational hydroclimatic monitoring services building, illustrative case about satellite-based hydrology applications (Month 3).

• Deliverable 3 (Final technical report): Description of introduced framework for operational hydroclimatic monitoring services in Central Africa in collaboration with River Basin Authorities, CAPC-AC, NMHSs, and other institutions, including a roadmap for sustainability. In addition, summary of activities (such as training, debriefing sessions implemented, etc), recommendations on operational hydroclimatic products, services (end of assignment).

PLANNED TRAVELS

At least four travels to West and Central Africa region (Institutions to be confirmed).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Hydrology, Hydrometeorology, Climatology, Water Resources Management or a related field.

Experience:

At least 5)years of relevant professional experience in operational hydrology, flood forecasting, hydrometeorological services or climate services.

Other Requirements:

Demonstrated experience in regional coordination and capacity development in Africa; strong knowledge of satellite-based hydrology applications and operational flood forecasting systems; experience working with regional climate centres, river basin organizations and NMHSs in Africa; experience in mentoring and technical supervision of experts and operational teams.

Languages:

Fluency in French and good command of English.

Duration:

70 days over a period of approximately 7 months.

Salary and Allowances :

Pay band C.

Focal point name and email for additional information: Tania Gascon taniagascon@wmo.int

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.

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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.

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