Job Description

The

Meteorologist - Impact Based Forecasting

involves providing technical expertise in Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) within the domains of hydrology and meteorology, while also supporting project-specific assignments. Key responsibilities include the design, development, and operationalization of hydro meteorological impact forecasting tools; co-production of user-cantered services in collaboration with clients, scientific research institutions, and partner agencies; advancement of scientific and modelling methodologies; and active engagement in capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

? Master's or higher degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Oceanic Science, Environmental Science, or similar disciplines.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

? Demonstrated expertise in dynamic model or AI/ML-based predictive modeling tools and platforms, and geospatial analysis tools including NWP, GG-Earth engine, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS).

? Strong knowledge of disaster risk modeling, including integration of forecast products with hazard, exposure, and vulnerability data to support impact-based decision-making.

? Proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, R, or similar platforms used for meteorological data analysis, automation, and visualization.

? Experience with WMO-compliant forecasting systems and working knowledge of climate service frameworks is highly desirable.

? Excellent communication and coordination skills, with proven experience engaging diverse stakeholders across multi-agency, regional, or international contexts.

? Demonstrated ability to manage tasks and deliver results under tight timelines, with a solution-oriented and collaborative work ethic.

Experience:

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Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience

in meteorology, hydrology, disaster risk modeling, or related fields. Demonstrated expertise in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, ensemble forecasting, and now casting techniques.

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At least 2 years of hands-on experience

in operational forecasting, with preference for work involving multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS).

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Proven track record

in analyzing meteorological and hydrological patterns, designing impact-based forecasting systems, and integrating multi-disciplinary datasets to support decision-making.

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Experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects

and facilitating training or capacity-building programs, particularly in collaboration with government agencies, research institutions, and community-based organizations.

Personal Qualities

? 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

Core Technical Functions

? Downscale and customize meteorological and climate forecasts to specific geographic locations of interest.

? Analyze and interpret high-resolution weather and climate forecast products in probabilistic terms (e.g., IMD, INCOIS, NCMRWF, ECMWF, WRF,etc), with a focus on high-impact extreme events such as cyclones, storm surges, tsunamis, floods (urban & riverine), extreme rainfall, lightning and heatwaves.

? Integrate forecast uncertainty, risk, and consequence factors to transform meteorological data into actionable hazard forecasts.

? Collaborate with AI/ML experts, GIS analysts, and disaster risk professionals for model integration, automation, and performance enhancement.

? Co-design and validate disaster risk models in collaboration with the RIMES IT team to improve model accuracy and operational reliability.

? Co-design and implement sector-specific early warning protocols for national and state disaster management authorities.

? Support the development of decision-support tools and interactive dashboards for communicating forecast-based risk insights to emergency planners and end-users.

? Deliver capacity-building workshops and training programs to strengthen the technical skills of national meteorological and disaster risk management institutions on IBF methodologies.

? Contribute to the preparation of localized impact outlooks and early warning bulletins and develop the sector-specific hazard risk maps and forecast-based early warning templates.

? Contribute to the generation of impact forecast bulletins and the development of technical documentation, including SOPs and IBF guidance notes for disaster management stakeholders.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement and Documentation

? Facilitate training programs for internal teams and external stakeholders, covering RIMES policies, operational procedures, and the use of forecasting tools and systems.

? Lead training and implementation of IBF models for IT and disaster management teams.

? Prepare comprehensive technical reports, progress updates, and outreach materials for stakeholders, including senior officials and executives

? Maintain detailed project documentation including strategies, workflows, milestones, outcomes, and impact assessments.

? Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for project-based services and ensure continuity of critical operations, including data management, forecasting workflows, system maintenance, and other essential functions. These SOPs will serve as reference documents to standardize practices, minimize disruptions, and ensure accountability across all activities.

? Compile capacity-building workshop content, training materials, and post-event reports.

Other Responsibilities

? Provide technical inputs to support system implementation and development of decision-support systems (DSS) for early warning and risk reduction.

? Support operational readiness for client early warning systems, including participation in 24/7 support rotations, with backup from RIMES Headquarters.

? Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or HR manager, based on organizational needs and recommendations from RIMES technical teams.

? Perform any other tasks relevant to the role as may be required from time to time.

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.

RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants particularly women are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to ?100,000.00 per month

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Application Question(s):

Do you have any experience or interest in working with international or non-profit organizations? Please explain. What are your salary expectations per month? Do you have experience and a track record in analyzing meteorological and hydrological patterns, designing impact-based forecasting systems, and integrating multi-disciplinary datasets to support decision-making? Please explain
Education:

Master's (Preferred)
Experience:

meteorology, hydrology, disaster risk modeling: 3 years (Required) Operational Forecasting: 3 years (Required)
Location:

Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:

25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 01/09/2025