River Flood Forecasting Specialist

JOB SUMMARY/JOB STATEMENT
The jobholder oversees the operation of the Regional Flood and Drought Management Centre (RFDMC) and ensures the provision of accurate and timely forecasting and early warning information products. The incumbent supports the Member Countries in managing the river flood forecasting along mainstream stations in the flood season, water level monitoring in the dry season and provides country-wide (LMB-wide only for Thailand) flash-flood guidance in flood season. Moreover, he or she supports the four core members in developing capacity for effective management of drought risks in the LMB. He or she therefore uses relevant monitoring systems and assures the timely dissemination of regional flood forecasts and warnings (alerts) to stakeholders, as well as information on drought.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the management direction of the Division Director and technical advice of the Chief Hydrologist and in close collaboration with the Operational hydro-meteorologist/forecaster, the incumbent performs the following duties:
• Receive and check quality of incoming hydro-met data transmitted from monitoring stations in Member Countries, verify model input data, simulate water levels and provide forecasting analyses based on model results;
• Provide regular forecasting services to Member Countries, e.g.:
o Flood season: daily 1-5 days flood forecast
o Dry season: weekly water level forecast
o Provide flash flood guidance at village (CMA-LAO) and district levels (TL-VN)
o Provide flash-flood analysis based on retrieved maps and create village- and district level-flash flood alerts
o Drought monitoring and forecasting in the whole LMB
• Calibrate and update forecasting models, in close cooperation with the Modellers;
• Improve and ensure accuracy of flood forecasting system;
• Improve Flood Early Warning System and ensure bias correction;
• Disseminate forecasts and warnings to stakeholders through MRC website and agreed mechanisms with Member Countries;
• Prepare report on forecasting and guidance activities as required;
• Contribute to the development of relevant technical guidelines as led by other specialists / Divisions;
• Provide technical support to the work of the MRC's regional technical/expert group related to flood risk management, climate change, and/or emergency response (if applicable), and contribute to the work of other regional groups as required;
• Ensure that relevant knowledge and products developed by the MRC are available at the national level to assist decision-making processes;
• Contribute to and support the implementation of the MRC Procedures, especially in what regards river monitoring;
• Perform other relevant tasks as required.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
a. Supervision requirements: The position holder supports the Division Director to supervise the Assistant forecaster.
b. Level of autonomy: Decision making follows defined procedures. The position does not administer a budget, yet has responsibility for ensuring the financial accountability of MRC.
c. Level of problem solving required: Problem solving skill is expected and the incumbent must display sensitivity, initiative and creativity.
d. Level and type of communications required: Communications are wide, within and outside the organisation, and require considerable oral and written skills.