Observation Officer

Job Summary

The Observation Officer is responsible for monitoring the state of the atmosphere by observing, recording, and transmitting critical meteorological data. This role ensures that high-quality data is obtained from the station, instruments are calibrated and well-maintained, and real-time updates are communicated to the forecasting office. The position reports directly to the Data Observations, Quality Control and Processing Division Manager.

Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in one of the following fields:

• Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology
• Degree in Atmospheric Science
• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics
• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences
• Bachelor's Degree in Geography
• Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry
• Bachelor's Degree in Applied Meteorology
• Bachelor's Degree in Hydrometeorology
• Bachelor's Degree in Agrometeorology
• Bachelor's Degree in Physics
• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture
• Bachelor's degree in Climatology

N.B. Alternatively, a candidate possessing a Degree or Diploma in any other field is eligible provided they have a professional/technical certification in the field of meteorology from a recognized WMO center/Institution.

Experience

• 0 Years of relevant experience are required for candidates holding any of the specified Bachelor's degree qualifications.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in meteorological observations is required only if qualifying via a Degree/Diploma in an alternative field with a WMO certification.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Meteorological Data Observation & Management:

• Observe, record, and transmit meteorological data from weather observation stations according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain hard and soft copies of weather observations data in recommended formats and processes.
• Perform appropriate quality checks at the station and during data transmission.
• Fill electronic forms or logs on a daily basis and transmit them to headquarters for processing and final archiving.
• Carry out routine data entry in the CLIMSOFT data management system at the station.
• Enter weather observations into appropriate logbooks as recommended in QMS processes and procedures.
• Generate and transmit weekly, monthly, and annual climatology reports.
• Provide the state of weather observations in real time to the forecasting office.

Station Instrument Maintenance & Compliance:

• Maintain meteorological stations and instruments in a well-functioning state, ensuring proper maintenance of both manual and automatic stations.
• Perform basic calibration of instruments at the base station and ensure they are performing correctly.
• Regularly consult WMO manuals and technical documents on how to carry out monitoring of weather and climate observations.
• Report any changes in station metadata to the supervisor.
• Report instrument malfunctions immediately in writing to the observation supervisor at the site station, with a copy to the headquarters for remedial actions without delay.

Stakeholder Engagement & Operations:

• Appropriately represent the interests of the Rwanda Meteorological Agency within the designated operational area.
• Receive and document visiting persons or institutions at the designated station.
• Maintain active engagement with stakeholders for regular updates on weather events.
• Maintain good relationships with users and cooperate with observers based in the area, reporting requirements for new or changed services to the immediate supervisor.

Skills & Competencies

Required Competencies & Key Technical Skills:

• Knowledge to maintain professional data observation, recording, transmission, and management.
• Ability to carry out weather observations and backstop observers, assistants, and volunteer observers.
• Capacity to maintain station instruments in good environmental working conditions.
• Resource management, risk management, and digital literacy skills.
• Result-oriented with strong analytical capabilities.
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda, English, and/or French, with knowledge of all three considered an added advantage.

Behavioural & Psychometric Domains:

Candidates will be stringently evaluated across these designated psychometric fields:

• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Analytical skills
• Time management
• Clear and Effective Communication

Examination Structure & Timeline

The institutional selection procedure dictates that shortlisted candidates must successfully complete a multi-tiered evaluation process:

• Psychometric Test (Administered in English)
• Written Examination
• Oral Interview

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies
• Applied / Natural / Science
• Economics / Statistics
• Environmental / Natural / Resource
• Mechanics / Mechanical / Engineering