Aviation Meteorologist Assistant

Overview

Support aviation operations with weather data and analysis.

You have:

• Experience with reporting and distributing hourly weather observations in METAR format according to ICAO/WMO procedures.
• Ability to prepare and issue aviation weather forecasts in TAF format
• Proficiency using computer-based forecasting models and real-time weather data.
• Ability to provide weather observations to aircrews in real-time according to daily flight schedules.
• Ability to work in difficult and harsh conditions.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Assignments are non-family (1xGoma, 1xBunia, 1xBukavu, 1xBeni and 1xUvira)

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Air Region/Unit Chief, the duties of the Meteorologist Assistant, will include but are not limited to the following:

• Report, record and distribute hourly weather observations in METAR format in accordance with ICAO/WMO procedures; • Report, record and distribute special weather observations as meteorological conditions arises in the SPECI format in accordance with ICAO / WMO procedures; • Collate, record and distributes weather observations and forecasts in accordance with ICAO/WMO procedures for MONUSCO and UN agencies flights/Air operations; • Prepare and issue to all the regional stations and MONUSCO air operations staff the daily aviation weather forecasts in writing using the international TAF format that shall be recorded and distributed in accordance with ICAO/WMO procedures; • Prepare and disseminate morning & afternoon weather briefing folder to the regional stations in order to standardize the weather briefing procedures across the DRC. • Employ computer-based forecasting models, satellite images, radar images and real time weather data collected from Internet sources provided by international agencies to predict weather patterns. • Prepare Backup TAF’s for the following day. • Prepare a backup pilot weather Briefing folder for regional meteorological stations across the DRC. • Prepare and Issue to all stations the daily National Meteorological Weather Forecast to cover the following 24-hour period; • Collect International Weather data to support forecast and observational activity for international MONUSCO Flights and UN Agencies flights. • Provide on route weather observations to aircrews and Flight following offices of all the Regions, in accordance with the Daily Flight Schedule (DFS) and as required for Casevac/Medevac departures or any short notice flights sanctioned by the DMS and CAVO; • Assist in the maintenance, inspection, and calibration of meteorological instrument and software. • Any other observational issue as required by the Meteorological observer/Meteorological Forecaster. • Any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Professionalism Respect for diversity and gender Team work Integrity Commucication

Aeronautical Meteorological Observer

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.

Potential interview questions