Meteorologist Assistant

Volunteering Human Resources

Overview

Support MONUSCO Aviation by collecting and monitoring weather data for flight safety.

You have:

• Proficient in reporting, recording, and disseminating hourly meteorological observations in METAR format in compliance with ICAO procedures.
• Expertise in preparation of weather forecasts and usage of meteorological instruments and software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
• Solid overall computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid national driver's license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain.

Contract

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A Meteorologist Assistant supports MONUSCO Aviation by collecting and monitoring weather data, helping prepare flight weather briefings, and alerting pilots and aviation staff about any weather conditions that may affect flight safety.

• Report, record and distribute hourly weather observations in METAR format in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) procedures. • Report, record and distribute special weather observations as meteorological conditions arise in the SPECI format in accordance with ICAO/WMO procedures. • Collect, record and distribute weather observations and forecasts in accordance with ICAO/WMO procedures for MONUSCO and United Nations (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 Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF ) format that shall be recorded and distributed in accordance with ICAO/WMO procedures. • Prepare and disseminate morning and afternoon weather briefing folders to the regional stations in order to standardize the weather briefing procedures across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (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 TAFs 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 and UN agencies flights. • Provide en 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. • Assist in the maintenance, inspection, and calibration of meteorological instruments and software. • Any other observational issues as required by the meteorological observer/meteorological forecaster. • Any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

• Adaptability and flexibility • Planning and organising • Professionalism

• Expertise in preparation of weather forecasts. Knowledge of weather and climate phenomenon, understanding terrain and environmental conditions, interpreting weather data, and using weather software and instruments.

• Proficient in reporting, recording, and disseminating hourly meteorological observations in METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) format in full compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO ) regulatory procedures and international aviation weather standards.

• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge : • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain. • Sound security awareness.

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, 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 which is now considered a family duty station. Beni is a non-family duty station. 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). In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 days ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: unv.org