CONSULTANCY - Artificial Intelligence Product Owner & Quality Assurance Consultant - SSA-2026-MFDP-DPPD-23

Background

The Word Meteorological Organization (WMO) is implementing a project to develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools to automate the collection, extraction, structuring, and visualization of information related to hydrometeorological (Hydromet) projects.

The project aims to strengthen transparency, coordination, and accountability in Hydromet investments by developing an AI-driven data extraction system and an associated Partner Coordination Mechanism (PCM) Dashboard. The solution will automate the extraction of project information from donor websites project documents, standardize information across multiple funding sources, and support evidence-based decision-making through interactive visualizations.

To support the successful implementation of this initiative, WMO seeks an AI Product Owner & Quality Assurance Consultant to provide operational oversight, quality assurance, stakeholder coordination, and validation support throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for the following:

1.   Product ownerships and requirements management;
•    Support the translation of business requirements into detailed functional and technical specifications.
•    Maintain and track project requirements, enhancement requests, issues, and corrective actions, and support prioritization of     activities in consultation with project stakeholders.
•    Coordinate regular implementation meetings with AI tool and dashboard developer and relevant stakeholders.
•    Monitor project progress and support risk identification and mitigation.

2.  Quality assurance and validation;
•    Develop testing and validation in line with state-of-the-art computer science methods.
•    Develop testing data sets. 
•    Conduct quality assurance and acceptance testing.
•    Review extraction accuracy and confidence scores.
•    Coordinate user testing.

3.   Technical coordination and sustainability;
•      Liaise with IT focal point to ensure maintainability, documentation, architecture, hosting, security and handover requirements and incorporated from the start.
•      Review technical architecture, documentation, and deployment approached from an operational sustainability perspective.
•      Ensure maintainability, scalability, security, and operational requirements are adequately addressed. 
•      Support preparation and execution of knowledge transfer and handover activities.
•      Verify that technical documentation, user documentation, and maintenance procedures meet WMO operational requirements.

4.    Stakeholder coordination and reporting;
•      Maintain issue and risk logs.
•      Facilitate communication between WMO stakeholders, AI tool and dashboard developers, the Technical Focal Point, and the IT Focal Point.
•      Prepare implementation progress report and recommendations.
•      Escalate technical and operational risks as required.
•      Support project governance and decision-making processes through evidence-based recommendations.
 

Deliverables at the end of the contract:

1. Inception Report including detailed workplan, implementation methodology, risk assessment, and quality assurance framework in line with state-of-the-art computer science methods.
2. Review of product requirements and acceptance criteria at each phase of the project.
3. AI Validation and Testing Frameworks including (i) testing methodology, (ii) validation protocols, (iii) performance indicators, and (iv) accuracy benchmarks.
4. Validation report including (i) testing results, (ii) accuracy assessments, (iii) gap analysis, and (iv) recommendations for improvement. 
5. Support activities related to (i) Validation framework, (ii) Test datasets, (iii) Pilot Quality Assurance report, (iv) Accuracy assessment reports, (v) Donor template mapping catalogue, (vi) User acceptance testing reports, (vi) Final quality assurance report and (vii) Knowledge transfer package.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in (Master's degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Digital Transformation, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in International Relations, Economy, Business and Administration, or related field; combined with additional demonstrated qualifying experience in programming, machine learning and artificial intelligence for similar projects may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
   

Experience

• Evidence of working knowledge in generative AI applications.
• AI/NLP experience (Large Language Models, Retrieval systems, Information extraction, document processing).
• Evidence of working experience in the translation of business needs into automated systems.

Other Requirements

•    Strong understanding of AI lifecycle management, validation methodologies, and quality assurance principles.
•    Knowledge of software development methodologies, including Agile and iterative delivery approaches.
•    Ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
•    Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
•    Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
•    Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in an international and multicultural environment.
•    Familiarity with climate finance, hydrometeorological services, or international development projects.

Desirable:
•    Experience supporting development assistance projects.
•    Experience with AI governance, responsible AI principles, and data quality management frameworks.
•    Previous experience working with UN agencies.

Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written) is required. 

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish).

Payband: B (will be published only the range corresponding to the payband). 

Duration: 90 days over a period of 9 months

Additional Information:

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator and WMO Focal Point for the project: Ana Laura Zuanazzi (azuanazzi@wmo.int)

Applications:

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Scam alert

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.