Position Title:  Climatologist

Position Description

The Climatologist will be responsible for analyzing climate data, developing climate models and forecasts, and providing expert guidance on the impacts of climate variability and change. This position plays a critical role in supporting evidence-based planning, information adaptation strategies, and contribute to risk reduction efforts. The Climatologist will specifically contribute to the generation, interpretation, and application of seasonal, sub-seasonal, and long-term climate forecasts to guide decision-making in climate-sensitive sectors. Additionally, the Climatologist will strengthen RIMES' multi-hazard early warning systems and climate risk management services through advanced climate modeling, data analysis, and technical capacity development in collaboration with RIMES partners.

The position reports to the Project Manager overseeing the climatologist’s work, or as assigned by RIMES’ institutional structure.

Duty station:   RIMES Regional Facility, AIT Campus, Pathumthani, Thailand.

Type of Contract: Full-time Project-Based contract

Skills and Qualifications:

Education

• A Master’s degree in Climatology, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or a related field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in climatology or related areas is required.
• A Ph.D. in a related field may be considered in lieu of some experience, provided the candidate demonstrates strong applied expertise relevant to the position.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of climate variability and weather-related hazards, including extreme rainfall, droughts, heatwaves, tropical cyclones, and severe storms, particularly in the Southeast Asia and South Asia regions.
• Proficiency in climate modeling, data processing, and visualization using R, Python, MATLAB, GIS, or other relevant statistical and geospatial tools.
• Familiarity with global and regional forecasting systems and platforms (e.g., ECMWF, CFS, GFS, WRF, RegCM), and experience working with climate datasets such as ERA5, CMIP6, CHIRPS, and CRU.
• Advanced understanding of seasonal and sub-seasonal prediction systems and their application in risk-informed planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of climate risk assessment, disaster risk reduction (DRR), early warning systems (EWS), and climate change adaptation (CCA) concepts and planning frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to generate and translate climate information into impact-based forecasts and advisory products relevant to agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster risk management.
• Experience in statistical downscaling, bias correction, and real-time error correction methods, including application of machine learning techniques.
• Proficiency in geospatial analysis, remote sensing data applications, and integration of spatial datasets into climate assessments.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and systems-level problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including policy- and decision-makers.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills, including the development of scientific reports, policy briefs, proposals, training materials, and donor reporting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and representation skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary, multicultural, and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Capacity to manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in operational climate forecasting, climate modeling, and climate data analysis.
• Experience collaborating with national meteorological and hydrological services, regional climate centers, governmental agencies, and/or international organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing climate products and integrating climate information into early warning systems or decision-support tools for climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster preparedness.
• Experience working with climate systems and hazard contexts in Southeast Asia and/or South Asia.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and solution-oriented capabilities in applied climate science.
• Self-driven and capable of working independently while maintaining accountability and initiative.
• Effective collaborator with the ability to work in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-sectoral engagement.
• Detail-oriented and results-focused, with adaptability in dynamic and evolving operational environments.
• Professional, respectful, and proactive in both independent and team-based work settings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of climate-related products and services under the Decision Support System (DSS), including seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasts, bulletins, and outlooks.
• Design scalable climate analysis tools and frameworks for integration into RIMES’ DSS across countries and projects.
• Analyze historical and real-time climate data to identify trends, anomalies, thresholds, and risks.
• Manage and apply climate datasets, assimilation data, and remote sensing for climate analysis and risk assessment.
• Develop and implement bias correction and error adjustment methods, including statistical and machine learning techniques, to enhance forecast accuracy.
• Integrate climate information into sector-specific early warning systems and planning processes across agriculture, water, health, and disaster risk management.
• Provide technical support and capacity strengthening to national and regional partners on climate data analysis, modeling, and application.
• Design and conduct trainings, workshops, and technical mentoring; produce manuals, guidance notes, and documentation to ensure sustainability and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate across RIMES thematic teams to develop integrated, impact-based climate advisories and contribute to cross-sectoral resilience programming.
• Represent RIMES in technical forums, support resource mobilization, and maintain active engagement with meteorological agencies, donors, and development partners.
• Contribute to the design, testing, and documentation of forecasting tools and services, as well as to the preparation of reports, proposals, and related documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support RIMES’ climate-related programs and institutional objectives.

Contract Duration

The contract will initially be for one year and may be extended based on the satisfactory completion of a 180-day probationary period and subsequent annual performance reviews.