CONSULTANCY: Project Development Consultant – China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Proposals (Multiple Positions) SSA-2026-PDMU-DPPD-14

Background

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) supports its Members in strengthening weather, climate, water and related environmental services and in mobilizing investments for resilient and sustainable development. WMO intends to develop a pipeline of country-specific proposals for possible consideration by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).

The proposals will respond to priorities identified by selected beneficiary countries worldwide and will focus on strengthening meteorological, hydrological and climate services, multi-hazard early warning systems, observing networks, forecasting and warning capabilities, digital transformation, institutional capacity and service delivery, as relevant to each national context.

WMO seeks Project Development Consultants to prepare proposals for selected countries. Assignments will be determined based on candidates’ relevant country and technical experience; each consultant may be assigned one or more proposals. Under the direct supervision of the Project Development Officer, consultants will work in close collaboration with relevant WMO regional offices and technical experts, national governments, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), development partners and other stakeholders.

The purpose is to convert nationally owned priorities into coherent, technically credible, costed and implementable project documents aligned with relevant CIDCA requirements and WMO standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Review national development plans, climate and disaster-risk strategies, existing studies, ongoing investments and relevant WMO, UN and partner initiatives in the assigned country or countries.

2. Coordinate the proposal-development process for the assigned country portfolio and maintain a clear schedule for inputs, consultations, drafting, review and finalization.

3. Consult national authorities, NMHSs and other relevant stakeholders to validate needs, priorities, institutional roles, target beneficiaries and proposed interventions.

4. Prepare a concise baseline and problem analysis, including gaps in meteorological, hydrological and climate observing, forecasting, warning, service-delivery and institutional systems, as applicable.

5. Develop the project rationale, theory of change, results framework, outputs, activities, indicators, implementation arrangements, workplan, indicative budget, risk analysis and sustainability and ownership approach.

6. Ensure that proposed activities are technically sound, feasible, cost-effective, gender responsive, socially inclusive and complementary to existing or planned investments.

7. Draft and consolidate the required CIDCA project proposal and supporting documentation using the applicable templates and guidance.

8. Integrate technical and editorial comments received from WMO, national counterparts, NMHSs, partners and CIDCA and provide a clean final package suitable for internal clearance or submission.

9. Participate in online coordination meetings across time zones and provide brief progress updates to the WMO supervisor throughout the assignment.

Mains Deliverables

1. Draft country project proposal, including the situation and problem analysis, project rationale, theory of change, results framework, implementation arrangements, workplan, indicative budget, risks, sustainability and relevant supporting annexes.

2. Consultation record and consolidated comments matrix showing how inputs from WMO, national authorities, NMHSs and other stakeholders have been addressed.

3. Final, quality-assured CIDCA proposal package for the assigned country or countries, incorporating comments from WMO, national counterparts, CMA and CIDCA, where received within the contract period, and ready for internal clearance or submission.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, meteorology, hydrology, climate change, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, international development, economics, finance, business administration, project management or a related field.

Experience:

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme development, climate change adaptation, climate services, disaster risk reduction, water resources, international development or a closely related field is required.

Demonstrated experience in developing concept notes, funding proposals or full project documents using theory of change, logical framework and results-based management approaches is required.

Experience developing proposals for major climate, development or international financing mechanisms is required. Experience with mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF) or Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an asset.

Experience working with governments, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), UN entities, development partners or international financing institutions is highly desirable.

Previous experience developing projects or funding proposals for the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) would be a significant advantage.

Other Requirements:

Excellent analytical, drafting, coordination and organizational skills.

Ability to synthesize technical inputs into clear and persuasive proposals.

Ability to work independently under short deadlines and collaborate remotely across cultures and time zones.

Sound judgement when handling confidential or politically sensitive information.

Strong focus on quality and results.

Languages:

Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Chinese is an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of WMO are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)

Salary and Allowances: Payband C

Duration: 20 days over a period of 2 months

Focal point name and email for additional information: Ms. Petra Mutic (pmutic@wmo.int)

Applications:

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Scam alert

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.