Regional Climate and Anticipatory Modeling Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established to develop innovative solutions and advocate for lasting change, the organization reaches 24 million people annually through effective hunger prevention and treatment programs. With operations in over 50 countries, Action Against Hunger partners with communities to tackle the root causes of hunger, which include climate change, conflict, inequality, and emergencies. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the international network and manages operations in several countries including Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Job Overview:
The Regional Climate and Anticipatory Modeling Specialist will act as the technical authority within the consortium for climate science, environmental risk, hydrometeorological modeling, early-warning systems, and anticipatory-action trigger development across the Greater Horn of Africa. This role involves translating climate intelligence from various sources into operational trigger matrices, Early Action Protocols, contingency plans, and preparedness decisions. The Specialist will lead the calibration and validation of multi-hazard models, strengthen cross-border trigger systems, and support climate-informed malnutrition modeling in South Sudan. The position is designed for an experienced climate scientist or hydrometeorological modeling specialist who can effectively translate advanced analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis into practical humanitarian decision-making in fragile and climate-vulnerable contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities include leading the development, calibration, and validation of multi-hazard climate and hydrometeorological models to support anticipatory action across Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Sudan. The Specialist will analyze and integrate various climate datasets, apply drought and flood models to produce risk information, assess shared river-basin risks, and review existing early-warning systems. They will produce climate-risk bulletins and technical reports, develop multi-hazard trigger matrices, conduct cross-border trigger-validation exercises, and ensure methodologies align with national disaster-risk management systems. Additionally, the Specialist will lead climate-informed malnutrition modeling for South Sudan, conduct environmental-risk assessments, and provide technical support for urban preparedness activities. They will also mentor technical staff and produce operational research and learning products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Climate Science, Meteorology, Hydrology, Physical Geography, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related field. Advanced training in climate modeling, hydrometeorological risk, and forecast-based humanitarian action is strongly preferred. Additional qualifications in Disaster Risk Reduction, GIS, Remote Sensing, Humanitarian Action, or environmental management are advantageous. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in climate science, hydrometeorological modeling, and early-warning system development is required, along with at least three years of experience in the humanitarian or international development sector in fragile contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Climate Science, Meteorology, Hydrology, Physical Geography, Environmental Science, or Atmospheric Sciences. Advanced training in climate modeling and related areas is strongly preferred, and additional qualifications in Disaster Risk Reduction or GIS are considered beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in climate science, hydrometeorological modeling, and early-warning system development. Candidates should have at least three years of experience applying climate or environmental expertise within the humanitarian or international development sector, particularly in fragile or climate-vulnerable contexts. Additionally, five years of experience in climate forecasting and practical use of numerical weather-prediction models is necessary.

Languages:
Full professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. A working knowledge of Somali, Amharic, or French is considered a strong advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position involves approximately 30%–40% travel across Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Sudan, including remote and high-security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security locations. The role is full-time and focuses on regional technical responsibilities, requiring collaboration with various stakeholders including Action Against Hunger country teams, IGAD, ICPAC, and FAO. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrating climate risks into humanitarian action and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive timely support.