Domain Expert – Meteorologist

1. POSITION VACANT: Domain Expert – Meteorologist, SAMS, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

2. ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Our Client, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development - from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience. With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to support the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

For more information about UNDP India, please visit https://www.undp.org/india

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, faces a wide spectrum of disaster risks owing to its diverse geography, high population density, rapid urbanization, and climatic vulnerabilities. Recurrent floods, seasonal droughts, heatwaves, earthquakes, industrial accidents, and urban disasters significantly disrupt lives, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. While the Government of Uttar Pradesh has taken commendable steps to strengthen disaster preparedness, existing institutional capacities and planning frameworks require substantial support to keep pace with the growing risks exacerbated by climate change.

Recognizing these challenges, the Relief Commissioner’s Office and the UPSDMA are partnering with UNDP to build a comprehensive, resilient, and forward-looking disaster risk management system. The proposal is aligned with the recommendations of the XV Finance Commission, which advocates for proactive disaster mitigation, preparedness, and risk-informed development planning.

UNDP’s technical assistance will support a multi-pronged approach, including and not limited to the development of District and Departmental Disaster Management Plans, Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (HRVAs), Urban Disaster Management Plans (UDMPs), and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). A dedicated team of experts will be deployed at the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (UPSDMA) office to provide strategic direction and technical coordination.

In this context, UNDP is looking to onboard a Meteorologist on a third-party contract for providing support in analyzing historical and real-time weather and climate data to support disaster risk assessments and planning in Uttar Pradesh. S/he will contribute to developing early warning systems, climate-risk profiles, and forecast-based action protocols. The expert will coordinate with IMD and integrate meteorological inputs into disaster management tools and plans. The Meteorologist will also support capacity building and provide technical guidance during emergency response.

3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):

The Meteorologist will provide expert support to strengthen weather-based disaster forecasting, climate risk analysis, and early warning systems in Uttar Pradesh. The role will contribute to the development of risk-informed disaster management plans and tools by integrating scientific weather and climate data into decision-making processes. The expert will work closely with UPSDMA, IMD, and other stakeholders to improve hazard prediction, climate trend analysis, and real-time data utilization for effective disaster preparedness and response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
(A) Climate and Weather Risk Analysis:
(1) Analyze historical, seasonal, and real-time meteorological data to support hazard risk and vulnerability assessments;
(2) Generate climate-risk profiles and trend analyses to inform long-term planning and infrastructure design;
(3) Contribute to the development of localized climate-risk scenarios and early warning thresholds.

(B) Technical Inputs for Planning and Systems:
(1) Provide meteorological inputs for District Disaster Management Plans, Urban Disaster Management Plans, Detailed Project Reports and other DRR related projects of the UPSDMA and RC Office;
(2) Integrate weather and climate data into GIS-based risk mapping and the Disaster Management Information System;
(3) Support development of forecast-based action protocols and decision-support tools.

(C) Coordination and Data Integration:
(1) Collaborate with the Indian Meteorological Department, UPSDMA, and other technical agencies for real-time data sharing and alerts;
(2) Ensure accurate and timely incorporation of weather forecasts into disaster preparedness and response mechanisms;
(3) Facilitate inter-agency coordination for improved forecasting and early warning dissemination.

(D) Capacity Building and Technical Support:
(1) Design and deliver training modules on the application of meteorological data for disaster risk reduction;
(2) Participate in emergency preparedness simulations and technical review meetings.

(E) Inclusion and Emergency Response:

(1) Promote climate-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches in meteorological advisories and risk communications;
(2) Provide technical assistance during disaster events, including real-time interpretation of weather data and advisory preparation;
(3) Support the integration of vulnerable population considerations in weather-based early warning systems.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Master’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field from a recognized institution.

Experience:
(1) At least five years of relevant professional experience in meteorology, weather forecasting, climate risk analysis, or related fields. Experience in disaster risk reduction or working with government or multilateral agencies is desirable;

(2) Prior experience with donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or development sector projects will be an asset;

(3) Additional experience in procurement of goods and services is desirable

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Strong understanding of meteorological and atmospheric science principles, including weather systems, forecasting models, and climate variability.

(2) Experience in analyzing and interpreting weather data, satellite imagery, and climate trends for risk assessment and early warning.

(3) Familiarity with meteorological tools, software, and modeling systems such as WRF, GIS, or remote sensing platforms.

(3) Knowledge of forecast-based disaster preparedness and integration of meteorological data into early warning systems.

(4) Ability to translate complex climate and weather information into actionable inputs for disaster planning and public communication.

(5) Understanding of India’s institutional and policy frameworks for meteorology and disaster management, including coordination with IMD and NDMA.

(6) Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate climate science into planning, especially at the state or district level.

(7) Strong technical writing, data visualization, and communication skills to support training, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential.

Competencies:

Technical Competencies:

(1) Expertise in weather forecasting, climate modeling, and atmospheric data interpretation;

(2) Proficiency in meteorological tools, GIS, remote sensing, and visualization software;
(3) Experience in developing and integrating early warning systems for disaster preparedness.
(4) Ability to contribute meteorological insights to hazard risk assessments and planning documents;
(5) Familiarity with national and international frameworks related to meteorology and disaster risk management.

Core Competencies:
(1) Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure contexts;

(2) Excellent communication skills to translate scientific data for diverse stakeholders;

(3) Effective coordination and collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams;

(4) High attention to detail, accuracy, and scientific integrity;

(5) Commitment to inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient disaster planning.

5. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position is budgeted at INR 1,25,000/-. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.

6. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The selected candidate shall be engaged as a Consultant on the rolls of SAMS, a third-party payrolling agency, for a full-time consultancy engagement for a period of one year. It is explicitly clarified that this consultancy engagement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of future employment, with SAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project. 

7. LOCATION: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

8. REFERENCE: DEM-SAMS

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

www.sams.co.in

10. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply by or before September 04, 2025.