IT Specialist

The CIMH is seeking to recruit an IT Specialist to support enhanced regional climate monitoring in the Caribbean by delivering IT services to strengthen the Institute's ability to develop and deliver a range of climate, weather and hydrological services.

IT SPECIALIST

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

1. INTRODUCTION

Climate change and increasing climate variability and their potential impacts have boosted society’s demand for tailored climate products and services. The delivery of critical climate services related to climate change and climate variability in a sustained timely manner requires computational power, model research and know-how, IT expertise, interpretation capabilities and national, regional and international collaborations.

The programme Building Regional Climate Capacity in the Caribbean is being funded by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered by World Meteorological Organization and implemented by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). The funding will assist the CIMH in building its institutional and regional capacity to sustainably deliver climate services to the Caribbean region in order to become the WMO designated Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for the Caribbean.

2. ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN INSTITUTE FOR METEOROLOGY AND HYDROLOGY

The CIMH is an Institution of the Caribbean Community and the technical Organ of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization. The mandate of the CIMH is to assist in improving and developing the Meteorological and Hydrological Services as well as providing the awareness of the benefits of Meteorology and Hydrology for the economic well-being of the CIMH member states. This is achieved through training, research, investigations, and the provision of related specialized services and advice.

In achieving its mandate, the CIMH has established an affiliation with the University of the West Indies where its primary responsibility is the delivery of the B.Sc. programme in Meteorology in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. The CIMH is also recognized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as:

• The WMO Regional Training Centre in the Caribbean for Meteorology and Hydrology and related disciplines.
• A Regional Instrument Centre for the Caribbean.
• Centre of Excellence in Satellite Meteorology Training;
• The WMO Regional Climate Centre for the Caribbean.

In addition, the CIMH is a repository for the climate data from CMO Member States. The CIMH is also an important Caribbean centre for research and development related to Meteorology, Hydrology, Agro-Meteorology and Climate in the Caribbean. The CIMH is active in such areas of hydrological risk impacts forecasting and agricultural risks forecasting. The CIMH has strong collaborations with other Regional Institutions, national organizations in CMO Member States and the international community

3. DESCRIPTION

The CIMH is seeking to recruit an IT Specialist to support enhanced regional climate monitoring in the Caribbean by delivering IT services to strengthen the Institute's ability to develop and deliver a range of climate, weather and hydrological services to a diverse user community throughout the Caribbean.

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will work in a team conducting multi-disciplinary training, research and development to support:

• Further development and upgrading of the multi-hazard DEWETRA early-warning information system to support Climate Early Warning, particularly to climate sensitive sectors;
• Enhance the IT infrastructure, increase IT security at the Institute to adhere to an increased number of protocols and procedures associated with the functions and capacity of the RCC.
• Participate in an exchange of know-how with the Institute’s core IT staff to enhance the management of CIMH’s IT infrastructure.

5. PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates applying for the position should have a university degree (B.Sc. or higher) specializing in computer science. The candidate has an extensive, proven track record of enhancement of IT infrastructure and security in governmental, public non-governmental or private organisations, with at least 7 years experience in a relevant field.

The successful candidate should have a proven track record of successful knowledge and competency transfer to team members on enhanced IT infrastructure and security. Knowledge of and a passion for management of risks related to natural hazards (such as hydro-meteorological hazards) through delivery of IT services is a prerequisite.

6. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate should be performance driven through independent as well as collaborative and synergetic research, demonstrate excellent coordination and communicational skills and experience in small/mid-scale project funding acquisition.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be familiar with (i) GIS-based information systems and spatial analysis tools.

The successful applicant must have written and verbal skills in the English language.

7. REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

The appointment will be commensurate with the academic background and experience of the candidate. The ideal candidate should be early in his/her professional career. However, mid-career professionals will be considered. A non-contributory medical plan is being offered.

8. DEADLINE

The deadline for applications is 5th September 2014. Enquires and applications (curriculum vitae, certificates and the contact information for two professional referees) should be addressed to:

The Principal

Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology

Husbands

St. James

Barbados

With BRCCC-2014 IT Specialist in the Subject Line

9. DURATION

The full-time position is available for 1 year (starting as soon as possible) and may be prolonged subject to candidate’s performance and funding availability.

10. PLACE OF WORK

The candidate is expected to reside in Barbados during the period of employment under the project. The CIMH is an equal opportunity employer.