Vaga Servisu - Local Oceanographer (Timor-Leste) - RIMES

Position Title: Local Oceanographer (Timor-Leste)

Open Period: 12 June 2025 – 11 July 2025

Background: The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and governed by its Member States, for the generation, application, and communication of multi-hazard early warning information. RIMES was formed in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, as a collective response by countries in Africa and Asia to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework, to strengthen preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. 

RIMES was formally established on 30 April 2009 and registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. It operates from its regional early warning center located at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) campus in Pathumthani, Thailand.

Position Description: The Local Oceanographer a key to support the establishment and operationalization of the Forecasting Centre by providing technical expertise in oceanography, with a focus on integrating and applying ocean forecasting tools and models relevant to Timor-Leste’s marine and coastal environment. The Oceanographer will contribute to the implementation and customization of the Ocean State Forecasting and Advisory System (OSFAS), support the interpretation and use of ocean data (e.g., sea surface temperature, currents, wave height), and assist in the development of marine advisories.

The role includes training DNMG staff in ocean modelling, data analysis, and marine forecast interpretation to strengthen national capacity for delivering ocean-related early warning services. The Oceanographer will also help ensure that ocean forecasting outputs are scientifically robust, locally relevant, and tailored to the needs of stakeholders such as the marine transport, fisheries, and disaster risk management sectors. 

The position reports to the senior oceanographer in close coordination with the RIMES Operation Support Department will be essential to ensure alignment with program objectives and adherence to timelines.

Duty station: Dili, Timor Leste

Type of Contract: Full-time Project-Based contract

Skills and Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Marine Science, Physical Geography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is required.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an advantage. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with ocean forecasting tools and models such as ROMS, SWAN, WW3, or similar.
• Ability to analyze oceanographic datasets and model outputs using software such as Python, MATLAB, R, or GIS tools.
• Knowledge of web-based platforms for forecast visualization (e.g., dashboards or DSS tools like OSFAS) is desirable.
• Proficiency in Tetum and English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese or Bahasa Indonesia is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in oceanographic research, modelling, or marine forecasting.
• Experience working with ocean observation data (e.g., satellite, buoy, or coastal monitoring systems) and marine models (e.g., wave, current, sea surface temperature models).
• Prior involvement in applied oceanography projects or early warning systems is an asset.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and presentation skills, especially in translating scientific data into user-friendly information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with national agencies, local communities, and regional/international experts.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Local Oceanographer will support the integration and operational use of ocean forecasting capabilities within DNMG’s Forecasting Centre. Key tasks include:

1. Implementation of Ocean Forecasting Systems

Support the customization and deployment of the Ocean State Forecasting and Advisory System (OSFAS), ensuring it is tailored to the marine and coastal context of Timor-Leste.

2. Data Analysis and Interpretation

Analyze and interpret oceanographic data (e.g., wave height, sea surface temperature, currents) from satellite, model outputs, and observation networks for operational use and decision-making.

3. Forecast and Advisory Development

Contribute to the generation of location-specific marine forecasts and advisories, including those for wave conditions, coastal hazards, and ocean state to support maritime safety and fisheries.

4. Capacity Building and Training

Deliver training and technical support to DNMG staff on ocean modelling, marine data interpretation, and the use of OSFAS tools to build national capacity in marine forecasting.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback Integration

Work with local stakeholders (e.g., fisheries, ports, disaster agencies) to ensure forecast products meet user needs and integrate feedback to improve accuracy and relevance.

Contract Duration

The contract will initially be for one year and may be extended based on the satisfactory completion of a 180-day probationary period and subsequent annual performance reviews.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 11 July 2025, Bangkok time.

Please state “Local Oceanographer (Timor Leste) :Your Name“ the Subject line of the email.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.