CONSULTANCY - Regional Expert on Early Warning Systems Governance and Strategy - SSA-2026-ESA-RAF-RCO-9

Background

The East African Community (EAC), through its Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (TCM), has prioritized the strengthening of regional cooperation in meteorological services and Early Warning Systems (EWS) as a key enabler of resilience, safety, and socio-economic development. Deliberations by the Heads of Meteorological Services have highlighted persistent gaps in observation networks, data exchange, forecasting capacity, and operational coordination, as well as the need for harmonized regional approaches to service delivery. These priorities were reaffirmed during the 19th TCM, which emphasized the importance of coordinated regional programmes and strengthened meteorological services in supporting regional integration and economic development. The existing Regional EWS Vision 2025 provides a strong foundation for regional collaboration, including the development of a coordinated, impact-based early warning system supported by regional centres. However, there is now a need to transition this vision into an operational, costed, and investment-ready framework aligned with emerging priorities, including multi-hazard early warning systems and the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The 19th TCM requested the EAC Secretariat to continue collaborating with the WMO in implementing the EAC Early Warning System (EWS) Vision 2025 and support Early Warning for All initiatives. This consultancy will be undertaken as a joint initiative between the World Meteorological Organization and the EAC Secretariat, in direct response to TCM recommendations.

 

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to update the Regional EWS Vision 2025 and develop a comprehensive, costed, and implementable regional framework that provides a clear roadmap for strengthening Early Warning Systems across the EAC region in line with the updated EWS Vision 2025.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of WMO and in close coordination with the EAC Secretariat, the consultant will undertake the following:

• Review the Regional EWS Vision 2025, HIGHWAY Sustainability Plan, and relevant EAC policy and technical documents, and identify gaps in implementation, governance, and financing. 
• Update and expand the regional EWS vision beyond 2025, ensuring alignment with TCM directives, EW4All, and WMO frameworks, and reflecting a shift towards multi-hazard and impact-based early warning systems. 
• Develop a comprehensive regional EWS framework covering the full value chain, including observation systems, data exchange, forecasting, dissemination, and user response mechanisms. 
• Define institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms across regional and national levels, including roles of NMHSs, RSMCs, RCCs, and the EAC Secretariat. 
• Prepare a detailed, costed implementation plan geared towards the operationalisation of the updated EWS Vision 2025, including phased investments, prioritization of interventions, and differentiation between regional and national responsibilities. 
• Develop a financing and resource mobilization strategy, including identification of potential funding sources and development of an investment case. F
• Facilitate consultations with key stakeholders and support validation of outputs through technical and high-level processes, including submission to the TCM. 

 

Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following:

• Inception Report outlining methodology, workplan, and stakeholder engagement approach 
• Policy and Gap Analysis Report 
• Updated Regional EWS Vision Framework 
• Costed Implementation Plan 
• Financing and Resource Mobilization Strategy 
• Final Consolidated Report incorporating all components 
• Presentation materials for technical and policy validation 

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree preferably a Master’s or higher in meteorology, climate science, hydrology, environmental science, economics, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in early warning systems, climate services, disaster risk management, or related fields 
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic frameworks, investment plans, or costed implementation plans 
• Proven experience working with regional or intergovernmental organizations, preferably within Africa and/or the EAC region 
• Experience working with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and regional climate centres 
• Strong understanding of WMO frameworks, EW4All, and multi-hazard early warning systems 

Competencies: