TERMS OF REFRENCE FOR CLIMATE INFORMATION EXPERT

Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Project

1 Introduction

The Horn of Africa (HA) region has a highly variable climate and is prone to climate extremes such as droughts and floods that exacerbate food and water insecurity. Economies and livelihoods of the HA countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda) are dependent on rain-fed agriculture that is highly sensitive to weather as well as climate variability and change. Rainfall plays a significant role in determining agricultural production and thus the economic and social well-being of rural communities.

Climate change in the region could result in an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather/climate events, leading to more intensive flash floods and more recurrent drought and water scarcity. Climate risks impacting the livelihoods and food security situation of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists are also increasingly associated with resource-based conflicts in countries such as Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda and South Sudan that could lead to a further deterioration in vulnerability of the affected populations in the region. It is expected that climate change will enhance the variability in climate as currently observed.

2 Project Background

The Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) project is a direct grant award by the 11th European Development Fund to support the climate information services value chain in the IGAD region with technical and financial assistance, and infrastructure and capacity building to improve wide access and use of climate information, and to enable and encourage the generation and use of climate services and applications for decision making processes at all levels.

The overall objective of the Action is to support the climate information services value chain with technical assistance, financial assistance, infrastructure and capacity building to improve wide access and use of climate information, and to enable and encourage the generation and use of climate services and applications for decision making processes at all levels. The Action will strengthen the tools to bridge climate services stakeholders and users in climate-sensitive sectors to resource and implement GFCS at all levels. The Action will further contribute to six SDGs (1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 15) by (i) building the resilience of poor people and minimizing the risk to climate-related extreme events and early warning, (ii) enhancing food production through improved uptake, access and use of food-security tailored climate services through engagements of the regional multi-stakeholder Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG), by closely working with IGAD Secretariat and its other implementing regional bodies (especially IDDRSI and Cross-Border Cooperation Working Group) and international organizations, and (iii) enhancing cooperation between institutions to tackle a major issue of common concern i.e. supports improvement and capacity building on use of climate services for improved adaptation planning from regional down to national and local levels. The Action complements ICPAC’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020 of enhancing the livelihoods of the people of the region so as to mitigate climate-related risks and disasters.

The specific objectives of this Action is to (1) ensure improved interaction between the users, researchers and climate services providers in the IGAD region through structured and strengthened User Interface Platforms (UIPs); (2) guarantee the provision of climate services at regional and national levels; (3) expand access to climate information; (4) enhance the capacity to generate and apply climate information and products; and (5) mainstream climate services into policy processes at regional and national levels.

3 Objective of the position

The objective of the assignment is to increase the efficiency in delivery of climate services. This includes improving dissemination methods and quality of climate information and early warnings through adequate channels, to relevant audiences, including advocacy for efficient climate services, tailoring climate products and services for specific users and translating climate science for policy makers among others.

4 Tasks and responsibilities

• Work with the climate applications and communication sections of the Centre to contribute to the development and provision of climate early waning advisory services to users.
• Assist in establishing institutionalized interface with user-sectors for effective co-development and uptake of climate information services.
• Assist the Centre in communicating success stories and research results, including the preparation of public awareness materials.
• Assist in consolidating and developing the Centre’s position on climate variability and change and accordingly develop and disseminate advocacy message based on evidence and research, whenever necessary,
• Assist in consolidation of existing evidence-based and research to provide succinct analysis and substantive data to illustrate the need for use of climate information to specific sectors (DRR, water, agriculture and food security, humanitarian, health),
• Assist in developing a Common “terminology" for external communication on issues such as early warning early action; adaptation; disaster risk reduction, etc.
• Spearhead the simplification of climate information particularly development of policy briefs, translation of science to policy and packaging climate information for the end-users.

5 Required Qualifications and Experience

• At least a master of science degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology or related discipline, a PhD will be an added advantage
• A minimum of five years’ experience in delivery of climate services working in a national, regional or international organization
• Experience in disseminating weather and climate information and early warning advisories, and climate services to build resilience of vulnerable communities,
• Excellent understanding of the needs of key climate sensitive sectors in the region

6 Personal Skills and competencies

• Strong quantitative skills and an analytical mindset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – ability to work well in a multi-cultural team environment
• Experience in public speaking and public presentation
• Ability to communicate complex quantitative analysis and analytic approaches in a clear, precise, and actionable manner
• Attention to details and proactive approach to problem solving
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English and knowledge of another language in the region is an added value
• Ability to prepare written reports in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to work with minimum supervision

7 Reporting

The selected candidate will report to the ICPAC Director.

8 Remuneration

Negotiable within the IGAD salary scale and policy which is attractive based on the applicant qualification and experience.

9 Contract Duration

The position will be for one year with possibility of renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

10 Work Station

The ClimSA Climate Information Expert will be based within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

11 How to Apply

All applications must be received in email (Hard copies will not be accepted) with subject line ‘‘Application for ClimSA project Climate Information Expert’’. Applications should be received by close of business on 25th February 2022, include Cover Letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae and Scanned Copies of Certificates to the following Address: recruitment@igad.int with a copy to recruitments@icpac.net