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 approximately 24 million people annually through its proven 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. The organization is currently implementing a DG ECHO-funded Regional Disaster Preparedness Program in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, focusing on climate and malnutrition predictive modeling support across the Greater Horn of Africa.

Job Overview:
The Regional Climate and Anticipatory Modeling Specialist will act as the technical authority for climate science, environmental risk, hydrometeorological modeling, early-warning systems, and anticipatory-action trigger development across the Greater Horn of Africa. Reporting to the Regional Consortium Coordinator, the Specialist will be responsible for translating climate intelligence from various sources into operational trigger matrices, Early Action Protocols, contingency plans, and preparedness decisions. This role is crucial for leading the calibration and validation of multi-hazard models, strengthening cross-border trigger systems, and supporting 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 of the Regional Climate and Anticipatory Modeling Specialist include leading the development, calibration, and validation of multi-hazard climate and hydrometeorological models that 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 decision-ready risk information, assess shared river-basin risks, and review existing early-warning systems to enhance interoperability. Additionally, the Specialist will produce accessible climate-risk bulletins, lead the development of multi-hazard trigger matrices, conduct cross-border trigger-validation exercises, and ensure alignment with national disaster-risk management systems. The role also involves developing technical guidance, leading climate-informed malnutrition modeling, conducting environmental-risk assessments, and providing technical support to urban preparedness activities. The Specialist will mentor technical staff and produce various technical publications and operational research outputs.

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, forecast-based humanitarian action, or climate adaptation is strongly preferred. Additional qualifications in Disaster Risk Reduction, GIS, Remote Sensing, Humanitarian Action, or environmental management are advantageous. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in climate science, hydrometeorological modeling, early-warning system development, or environmental-risk analysis, with at least three years of experience applying climate or environmental expertise within the humanitarian or international development sector in fragile or climate-vulnerable 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, Atmospheric Sciences, or closely related disciplines. Advanced training in climate modeling and related areas is highly desirable, 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, early-warning system development, or environmental-risk analysis. Candidates should have at least three years of experience applying their expertise within the humanitarian or international development sector, particularly in fragile or climate-vulnerable contexts. Furthermore, candidates should have at least five years of experience in climate forecasting, including practical use of numerical weather-prediction models and impact-assessment tools.

Languages:
Full professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, working knowledge of Somali, Amharic, or French is considered a strong advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Kenyan, Somali, and Ethiopian nationals, as well as non-national candidates who already have the legal right to work in Kenya, Somalia, or Ethiopia. The role may require travel approximately 30%–40% of the working time across Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Sudan, including remote and high-security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security locations. Candidates should be available outside standard working hours during seasonal forecast windows and other critical periods. The position is full-time and offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to climate science and humanitarian action in the Greater Horn of Africa.