Chief Forecaster: Projects Disaster Risk Reduction at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Key Performance Areas: 

• Develop and draft public awareness programmes (stakeholder engagement plan) for communities and key stakeholders and ensure implementations. 
• Liaise with critical stakeholders, weather bodies and agencies (WMO, NOAA etc.), to develop techniques to improve the services to minimise risk for SAWS with relation to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and weather forecasting. 
• Establish strategic partnerships and identify areas of co-operation with institutions of similar interests through MoU’s and/or SLA. 
• Maintain effective working relationships with other regions, international and national stakeholders. 
• Ensure effective implementation of community outreach program in line with the strategic objectives of the organisation. 
• Keep abreast of new forecasting theories and techniques developed in weather services. 
• Carry out all administrative functions attached to the post. 
• Assist with the implementation and compliance to the requirements of the SAWS Quality Management System. 
• Drafting of SAWS quarterly RSMC (SWFDP), or any related DRR reports (National and International). 
• Provide mentorship and training to junior personnel. Assist in all training activities related to weather forecasting within the office. 
• Conduct case-studies and other research to enhance the accuracy and quality of the products and services offered. 
• Conduct case-studies and other research to enhance the accuracy and quality of the products and services offered.  

Required Minimum Education/Training: 

• Master’s degree in meteorology or equivalent. 
• Project management or related qualification will serve as advantage. 
• Enthusiastic and willing to further his/her studies, preferably in PHD Meteorology field.  

Required Minimum Work Experience: 

• At least 07 to 10 years Meteorological experience, preferably in operations. 
• Project management experience will serve as advantage. 
• Comprehensive understanding of Impact-based forecasting.  

Technical and behavioural Competencies Required 

• Extensive knowledge, skills, and experience in all spheres of Operational Meteorology 
• Ability to analyse and/or interpret weather charts, surface observations, upper air observations, weather satellite and radar imageries. 
• Ability to analyse and/or interpret Numerical Weather Prediction and Ensemble Prediction System products. 
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). 
• Ability to work well under pressure.