Recruitment of Experts in Different Sections of Rwanda Meteorological Service

Tender for Recruitment of Experts in Different Sections of Rwanda Meteorological Service

A. Context

Ref: 230/PS/010

Rwanda Meteorological Service plays a strategic role in the social and economic development of our country and the Region.

Weather and climate information and products provide useful inputs into sectors such as agriculture; livestock development; food security; road, air and maritime transport; health and public safety; building and construction industry; disaster management; water resources management among many other uses.

There is urgent need to establish professionalism in areas of Agro meteorology, Hydrometeorology, Forecasting, Prediction services and Data Management, in order to ensure effective application of meteorological products in support of sustainable development.

In order to enhance the above processes, the Ministry of Infrastructure seeks to recruit experts in:

• Agro meteorology
• Hydrometeorology
• Weather forecasting
• Data processing

1. Post of Agro meteorology Expert

Specific activities of Agro - meteorologist will include the following:

• Assess the status of agro meteorological stations network, how it should be sustained, expanded and modernize
• Re-activate Agro-Climate Data Management Systems with emphasis on archival of near real time data and rescue of historical data;
• Build capacity of agro meteorologists on the Operations of Data Processing and Agro Forecasting Systems,
• Based on WMO guidelines, start up an integrated agro- climate management system;
• Acquire and factor (GIS) information and products into agro meteorological forecasts;
• Ensure regular (ten day, monthly and seasonal) agro meteorological publications
• Ensure production of agro meteorological forecasts and outlooks
• Introduce into the department, cost recovery scales for products and services destined to different clients and customers
• In collaboration with research teams existing in Rwanda Meteorology Service, initiate and develop crop yield forecasts models suited for different parts of our country,
• Also as directed by the management of Rwanda Meteorological Service.

Competences

• She/he has necessary knowledge, understanding and skills of producing generic Agro meteorology based forecasts and bulletins for the country,
• Capable of determining exhaustively, the relevance of climate in crop and Livestock agriculture,
• Capable of interpreting weather and climate prediction forecast products correctly in terms of local conditions and their implications in agriculture sector.
• Capable of using agro-based computer models and software
• Well organized with planning skills,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with fluent written and spokenEnglish and/or French.

Deliverables

The following constitute the desirable deliverables

• A professional work plan based on needs and requirements of a well functioning agro Meteorological section
• A strong database of agro meteorological information and products
• Introduce user friendly agro climate bulletins
• Make the department a viable source of professional solutions to Rwanda's weather / climate based agriculture.

Qualifications

• A minimum of Masters Degree in Agro meteorology, with experience of three years in a reputable Meteorological Centre or B.sc. in Meteorology with at least a Post graduate diploma in Agro Meteorology with experience of a minimum of Five years.
• Proven work experience in a similar position
• Knowledge of Principle softwares used in Agro climatological data.

2. Post of Hydro- Meteorology Expert

Strategic objectives:

• To provide an effective nation-wide source of Hydro- meteorological data and application in order to meet the needs of the Rwandan community, for effective water management resources and flood warning services.
• To set-up a functional section of Hydro-meteorology that contributes to enhance applications of speciaKsed hydro-meteorological advisories for the scientific and engineering professionals, for safe designs of a wide range of hydrological and civil infrastructure and for safety and well-being of Rwandan community.
• Promote and facilitate the collection, exchange, dissemination and use of water-related information for sustainable socio-economic development of Rwanda.

Duties

The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position, the Hydro meteorological expert recruited will carry out the following:

• Develop an elaborated plan of action to setup, expand and modernise hydrometric and gauge stations to suite specific catchments and basins throughout the country,
• Develop a tender for purchase and installation of hydrometric instruments
• Establish a data collection, transmission, archival and retrieval system
• Create and consolidate a national hydro-meteorological data bank with appropriate, user friendly application softwares.
• Develop and implement a national hydrometric information system, conceive and design a plan of action for capacity building for observers, technicians and scientists,
• Do data analysis and forecasting
• Prepare written and oral reports, and make suggestions and recommendations for inclusion in reports on hydro-meteorological service development,
• Studies the effects of proposed development and identifies the applicable regulatory Compliance issues and requirements as per National and World Meteorological Organization guidelines,
• Improve the national hydrometric network,
• Establish a data collection and transmission system;
• Develop and implement a national and regional water resources information system;
• Any extra duties as deemed necessary by the management of Rwanda Meteorological Service

Qualifications

• The applicant should be in possession of a university degree in meteorology or hydrology with a specialty in application of hydro-meteorology at post graduate level.
• Seven years of working experience mainly in departments responsible for improving the availability, accuracy and dissemination of water resources data and information through the development and implementation of appropriate national water resources information systems.

3. Post of Weather Forecasting and Numerical Weather Prediction

The successful candidate for the post of weather forecasting, the expert in Numerical Weather Prediction must fulfill the following Strategic objectives:

• Carry out a needs assessment in section of Numerical Weather Prediction in context of a sector wide approach;
• Identify existing inadequacies and make suitable recommendations to address them;
• Design Numerical Weather Prediction operational guidelines in accordance with WMO recommended practices and align them to suit different end users,
• Initiate and develop the capability to provide the forecast to the community with practical information-based on knowledge of the climate, recent weather, and short-, medium-, and long-term forecasts—that can be used to improve production, reduce risks and crop losses.

Specific activities include the following:

• Carry out needs assessment for establishing National Forecasting Centre
• Developing long and short term forecasting techniques
• Create guidelines for the verification of forecasting models
• Review and recommend on the type of information and products provided by the centre,
• Train technicians on interpretation and application of model products in early warning and other areas,
• Carry-out daily and routine weather forecasting exercise
• Ensure professionalism and demonstrate expertise in developing weather forecasting techniques
• Perform other tasks as required and/or directed by the management.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Numerical Weather Prediction from a recognized University or Institution of Higher Learning with at least four (4) years post-qualification experience in programming and the design and IT meteorological related structures;
• Knowledgeable of the principles and practices of Numerical Weather Prediction;
• Proven work experience in a similar position
• International experience relating to Numerical Weather Prediction;
• Capable of developing a limited area model for the country Rwanda, that shall be tested and when approved can be adopted for operational use.
• Experience in directing and coordinating the work of technical and professional personnel; capable of using forecast-based computer models and software
• Capable of interpreting weather and climate prediction forecast products correctly in terms of local conditions and their implications to different users.
• Well organized with planning skills.

4. Post of Data Processing Manager

Under general direction, plans, organizes and directs data processing services to departments; provides highly technical and staff assistance for meteorological and other applications, including systems analysis, design and development.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is responsible for central computer operations; he or she will have functional responsibility and must possess technical knowledge of data processing.

The Manager is distinguished from programming staff by the extent of technical knowledge, systems development and administrative responsibility as regards to meteorological data.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes and directs the Rwanda meteorological service data processing operation.
• Develops and implements long-range goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Plans, schedules and controls the work of the data processing division.
• Provides technical advice to the data processing committee concerning overall automation priorities.
• Provides staff assistance to departments; determines and recommends appropriate programs; monitors and evaluates installed application.
• Meets with users to analyze data processing needs; identifies information system problems; determines new system requirements or changes necessary to existing systems.
• Designs systems and supporting documentation; coordinates overall system development and modification of applications software.
• Manages, supervises, trains and evaluates assigned staff.
• Prepares and administers division budget; supervises inventory and order of supplies; participates in forms design.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex administrative and data systems; identify problems, and develop conclusions and effective solutions.
• Participate in and coordinate, direct, and supervise systems analysis, design and programming activities.
• Prepare work plans and time estimates for projects and proposed systems.
• Document procedures and provide for training for data processing staff and users on implementation and operation requirements of the systems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, user departments, vendors and others.
• Communicate effectively in both technical and non-technical terms; prepare concise written reports and correspondence.

Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science with specialization in data processing and data management systems.

Experience:

• Five years experience as a Data Processing professional, including programming, systems analysis, networking installation management, and supervision.

NB:

Authority:

• All the experts will be directly answerable to the Coordinator of Rwanda Meteorological Service on all technical matters.

Job rewards and benefits for the advertised posts:

• Rewarding (payment of salary), a competitive salary package will depend on the experts qualifications and experience.

Mode of application

Interested candidates for the posts will respond as much as possible to the following profile:

• Application letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary Minister of Infrastructure
• Notified copies (2) of academic and professional certificates
• Detailed curriculum vitae indicating 3 refers
• A medical certificate issued by a Government Physician
• A copy of criminal record

Deadline for submission of application (s) is scheduled on 26th February 2010.

Done at Kigali on 23rd January 2010

Mukasine Marie Claire
Permanent Secretary
Minister of Infrastructure
Republique Du Rwanda
Ministere Des Infrastructures
B.P 24 Kigalitel: (250) 582619
Fax: (250) 582621
E-mail: mininfrast @ rwanda1.com

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