Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser

Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser

Apply nowJob no: 494521
Work type: Fixed Term
Location: South Pacific Island countries
Categories: Hot Jobs

• Looking for a change in scenery and country lifestyle?
• Rare opportunity in a global organisation
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About SMEC

SMEC is a professional services firm with Australian origins and a global footprint that provides high-quality consultancy services for major infrastructure projects.

SMEC is ranked among the world's top infrastructure design firms and continues to win industry awards for technical excellence, design innovation and the management of environmental and social risks.

The SMEC Profile:

• It is our culture to celebrate diversity, employ great people and work on interesting projects
• We are a private company, wholly owned by our people
• We have an established network of over 70 permanent offices around the world and over 5,000 employees
• We offer our people opportunities to work, both in Australia and internationally, in the areas of: Transport; Water; Geotechnics and Tunnels; Environment; Urban Development; Hydropower and Energy; Social Development; Government and Advisory Services; and Mining, Oil and Gas.

The role

We are currently seeking a talented Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser to be nominated and to work closely with our other specialists to TONGA Climate Resilience Sector Project proposal.

The Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser will provide assistance in the selection, procurement, and installation of three components of the Government of Tonga's environmental monitoring systems: (a) meteorology (b) coastal (sea-level) monitoring and (c) hydrology. The systems will include (i) an integrated meteorological monitoring system meeting WMO requirements (as stipulated in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation) including upgrade of existing stations, installation of new Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and a network of automatic rain gauges; (ii) permanent real time sea level monitoring system operational in key island groups, supported by a short-term installation of a network of temporary gauges (2 year period); and (iii) a network of automated ground and surface water monitoring stations to support integrated water resource management (IWRM).

The equipment for each of the three components listed above will be acquired through separate procurement packages, given the specialist nature of the equipment required. The key role of the Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser will be to ensure that systems are inter-operable, that it shares compatible components and communication systems where possible to reduce maintenance cost, and the systems will be sustainable. This will require advice to ensure that the monitoring systems align with regional standards and approaches and that there is sufficient capacity Tonga to ensure hands-on maintenance of the installed systems.

The consultant will be responsible to review technical documentation related to system(s) design, installation and maintenance. The consultant will also play an important role in strengthening capacity of Tonga Meteorology Service (TMS), NRD of MLNR and other relevant agencies with the ongoing operation and maintenance of the monitoring systems. Specifically, the Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser will:

(i) assist in the design, selection and preparation of specifications for the meteorology, coastal and hydrology monitoring systems;

(ii) support the PMU with technical evaluation of proposals for the following packages

      (a) meteorology monitoring system; (b) coastal (sea-level) monitoring system; and (c) hydrology monitoring system;

(iii) advice the PMU regarding the interoperability and integration of the meteorology, coastal monitoring and hydrology systems during their procurement and installation;

(iv) review meteorology, coastal monitoring and hydrology system design and installation plans;

(v) review technical training curricula and materials for meteorology, coastal monitoring and hydrology system installation and maintenance for Government of Tonga staff;

(vi) review 'as constructed' meteorology, coastal monitoring and hydrology system performance and relevant technical documentation (e.g. System operation manuals, maintenance procedures); and

(vii) provide advice on the harmonization of proposed meteorology upgrade projects associated with the World Bank Pacific Aviation Investment Program (PAIP) – at Fua'amotu and Vava'u international airports, and the SPREP/Government of Finland Reduced Vulnerability of the Pacific Island Country Villagers' Livelihoods to the Effects of Climate Change project.

The Meteorology and Oceanography Adviser will hold a Master's Degree or higher in Science with specialization in Meteorology, Oceanography, Hydrology or other relevant discipline from a recognized university. He/she will have at least 10 years' experience in meteorology, coastal monitoring and hydrology. Experience in the Pacific and preferably in Tonga will be considered an asset.

In return, SMEC offers you the benefits that come from working in a global multidisciplinary consultancy in an environment where your fresh ideas and enthusiasm will be welcomed and rewarded.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted online. To apply, click on the "Apply Now" link below and follow the prompts.

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Jovelyn Garma at jovelyn.garma@smec.com

To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at http://www.smec.com.

SMEC is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is a source of strength for our people, our clients, our partners and our communities.

 

Advertised: 25 May 2015 Central Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: 22 Jun 2015 Central Pacific Standard Time