CONSULTANCY : State of Global Water Resources report for 2026 - SSA-2026-HWC-ESDP-17

Background

Under the supervision of the Scientific Officer at the Division of Hydrology & Cryosphere of the Department of Earth System Data and Prediction the consultant will work on preparation of the State of Global Water Resources report (SoWR) for 2026. 

The WMO State of Global Water Resources report provides an annual overview of global hydrological conditions based on observations, satellite data and model outputs. The 2026 edition will assess streamflow and, subject to data availability, variables such as terrestrial water storage, precipitation, soil moisture and groundwater. Conditions will be presented relative to long-term reference periods using standardized WMO categories and primarily through maps and graphical products. The report is designed as a concise, reproducible annual product supported by standardized data processing, analysis and visualization workflows.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In line with the previous annual SoWR reports, compile various hydrological variables for catchments around the globe. Data to be collected from WMO Members, or other available platforms and data centres and modelled data from global hydrological models.
• Perform analysis and develop graphical representation of the hydrological data using R or Python and relevant GIS tools. 
• Compile the first draft of the State of Global Water Resources 2026 report, by drafting core chapters, and prepare subsequent revised versions, incorporating comments received during the review process.
• Provide a written workflow or algorithm documenting the step wise procedure adapted to generate the results shown the report. 

Main Deliverables

• Detailed work plan, including proposed methodology, milestones and delivery schedule.
• Initial analysis of the collected data, including draft maps, figures and other visual outputs.
• First draft of the State of Global Water Resources 2026 report.
• Revised final draft of the State of Global Water Resources 2026 report, incorporating comments from internal and external reviewers

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or Doctorate) in Hydrology, Environmental studies, related sciences and engineering fields.

Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience required in data analysis, working with in-situ and modelled time series data for various hydrological variables, uncertainty analysis, preparation of scientific publications, statistics. Prior experience in SoWR for WMO or similar would be an advantage.

Other Requirements: Proven extensive experience in Hydrological modelling, GIS and advanced coding skills (R/Python).

Languages: Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of WMO would be an advantage. Note: The official languages of WMO are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Salary and Allowances: Pay band D

Duration: 90 days over a period of 4 months

Focal point: Sulagna Mishra smishra@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.

Statements:

WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.

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.