The Instrumentation Technologist will plays a key role in providing technical advice and support for the efficient operation of the CCCCC’s regional climate change, meteorological and oceanographic observing network, and support as necessary for the Information Clearinghouse.

Instrumentation Technologist

Terms of Reference (TOR)

OVERVIEW 

Job Title: Instrumentation Technologist 

Type of Position: Fixed Term Contract 

Duty Station: Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Headquarters, City of Belmopan, Cayo, Belize  

Duration of Appointment: To start March 2025 or earlier if possible, for a duration of three (3) years in the first instance with a probationary period of three (3) months, with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and availability of funding. 

Reports To: Assistant Executive Director, Office of the Assistant Executive Director 

Requirement: CARICOM Nationality 

BACKGROUND

Officially opened in August 2005, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated by the CARICOM Heads of Governments to lead the region's response to managing and adapting the impacts associated with anthropogenic-driven climate change, in addition to, serving as the main repository for regional and national information on climate change.  The CCCCC manages its portfolio of responsibilities through its network of national, regional, and international collaborating agencies and institutions.

The CCCCC is accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a Regional Accredited Entity that allows it to access and manage projects up to USD 50 million per project, on behalf of CARICOM Member States. The CCCCC, since April 2022, is also accredited as a Regional Implementing Entity by the Adaptation Fund and serves as a Public International Organization for United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In addition, the CCCCC is currently implementing projects with other donors and bilateral partners that include the European Union, USAID, Government of Italy (GoI), and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The work of the CCCCC is guided by the draft CARICOM Revised Regional Framework (RRF) for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change. It provides the high-level strategy, identified by its Member States, to  systematically address the challenges posed by climate change for the Caribbean and by the CCCCC’s Strategic Plan (2021-2025) “Building Resilience. Securing Our Future.”

The CCCCC’s Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) outlines five inter-related Strategic Objectives that, when achieved, will support the achievement of the CCCCC vision of a “Resilient and Sustainable Caribbean region for all.” The Strategic Objectives outlined in the SIP include:

• Strategic Objective #1: Scale up actions to manage the effects of climate change.
• Strategic Objective #2: Strengthen strategic partnerships for sustained climate change results within the Region. 
• Strategic Objective #3: Increase the uptake of climate data and innovative tools for socio-economic development and evidence-based decision-making across the region. 
• Strategic Objective #4: Increase the Caribbean’s public ability to make informed decisions in responding to climate change and its impacts.
• Strategic Objective #5: A strong and sustainable Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre delivering on its mandate and providing added value to the Region.

Strategic Objective #5 seeks to transform the CCCCC into a fit-for-purpose institution that has the internal capacity to deliver on its mandate and deliver the outcomes of its SIP. To assist in the delivery of this strategic objective, the CCCCC is desirous of recruiting an Instrumentation Technologist to support the CCCCC efforts in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

OBJECTIVE

The Instrumentation Technologist will play a key role in providing technical advice and support for the efficient operation of the CCCCC’s regional climate change, meteorological and oceanographic observing network, and support as necessary for the Information Clearinghouse.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Instrumentation Technologist is expected to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Technical

Regional Data Collection:

1. Maintain a regional catalogue and metadata of all hydro-meteorological stations provided by the CCCCC to the CARICOM region.
2. Ensure that the data generated by our donor stations are collected locally, made available to our regional partner, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), and backed up at the CCCCC Data Center.
3. For quality control, coordinate with regional and national-level data collectors to ensure continuous, high quality data reception, and that sensor exposure is up to international standards.
4. Coordinate with regional, national-level data collectors and related stakeholders, to support and enhance sustained station maintenance.
5. Provide technical support to the CCCCC's regional network of hydro-meteorological and climate stations. (This may include actual assistance in deploying these assets).
6. Document in a manual format the workflow for meteorological and environmental monitoring programs to enable effective use of equipment.
7. Provide support to the CCCCC in diagnosing issues with the Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in the region, and identifying which countries need new sensors, new stations, among other requirements.
8. Provide support to the CCCCC in the installation and operation of the Coral Reef Early Warning Stations (CREWS) throughout the Caribbean.
9. Document steps taken to install the Coral Reef Early Warning Stations (CREWS) in the Caribbean.

10. Provide training and capacity building for new staff in the operationalization of the CREWS and AWS.

Information Technology (IT) Unit

1. Provide support to the IT Unit in computer applications, hardware, and network troubleshooting support to staff of the CCCCC.
2. Support the IT Unit in the establishment and maintenance of a local area network (LAN) to provide efficient exchange of electronic information and to maximize the benefits of technology.
3. Give guidance to the design, establishment, and maintenance of the CCCCC’s web portal.
4. Support the IT unit in the identification of hardware and software needed to provide solutions to problems.
5. Advise in the customization and adaptation of existing programs to meet users’ requirements.
6. Support the acquisition of hardware, software, and user solutions from vendors and programmers. 

Regional Representation

1. The Instrumentation Technologist is responsible for participating in regional meetings and workshops organized by partner institutions to enhance the CCCCC's presence and stay informed about its relevance to the Climate Sensitive Sectors. Attendance at the Early Warning Information System Across Climate Timescales (EWISACT) and Caribbean Outlook Forum (CariCOF) meetings are particularly important, as these forums provide insights into the specific needs of the Climate Sensitive sector in their efforts to build resilience against Climate Change Hazards and Impacts.
2. They are responsible for attending the Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS) meetings, an initiative by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This attendance is essential as CREWS forms the foundation of the overarching Global Early Warning for All framework, ensuring the CCCCC remains aligned with global standards and practices in early warning systems.
3. Any other tasks assigned. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION, EXPERTISE, AND COMPETENCIES 

Eligible candidates should have the following minimum qualifications, experience, and competencies:

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and/or Instrumentation Engineering, Meteorology, Oceanography, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science.

Technical Expertise:

• Technical training in the operation and maintenance of hydro-meteorological and environmental monitoring systems.
• Proficiency in electronics and instrumentation engineering.
• Experience with data loggers, sensors, and telemetry systems.
• IT and Networking Skills:
  • Understanding of network configuration and maintenance for data transmission.
  • Familiarity with data analysis and system diagnostics.
• Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving Skills:
  • Ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve technical issues efficiently.
  • Strong analytic skills to interpret data from weather and marine monitoring systems.
• Project Management Skills:
  • Ability to plan, execute and oversee installation projects.
  • Experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• At least three (3) years’ relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of industry standards (hardware, software, and networking).
• Hands-on experience with the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting or hydrometeorological or environmental monitoring equipment.
• Advanced degrees or certifications in related areas will be an asset.

Competencies:

• Proficiency in electronics and instrumentation engineering.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining meteorological and oceanographic instruments and equipment.
• Experience with software tools relevant to data management and analysis.
• Knowledge of data collection and methodologies and quality control processes.
• Experience in and ability to work with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools, including troubleshooting hardware/software issues.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data effectively.
• Excellent program/activity management.
• Proficiency in English with strong verbal and written communication skills for documentation and representation of the CCCCC; strong interpersonal communication and networking skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels in a multicultural environment to achieve results.
• Self-directed, creative problem-solver with the ability to initiate new ideas.
• Exceptional attention to detail, planning, and organization skills, ability to set goals, work under pressure, prioritize, effectively manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work on concurrent projects under tight deadlines and work beyond the normal working hours, as needed.
• Understanding of environmental impacts and requirements for sustainable operations.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and safety standards.
• Awareness of workplace safety procedures and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Flexibility to work in varied environments, including remote field locations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Performance Standard:

Strict adherence to:

• CCCCC Policies and Procedures.
• CCCCC Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct. 

COMMENCEMENT AND PLACE OF WORK

The Instrumentation Technologist will be contracted full-time at the CCCCC’s Headquarters in the City of Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize. The initial contract duration is for a thirty-six (36) months period with a probationary period of three (3) months, and subject to extension and/or renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding. A hybrid modality will not be considered for this role. 

The Instrumentation Technologist is expected to take up assignment in March 2025, or earlier, if possible. 

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Instrumentation Technologist will report directly to the Assistant Executive Director and will seek approval/acceptance of outputs from the CCCCC’s Project Manager. 

SUBMISSION OF PACKAGE

a)      Submission Package:

Eligible candidates shall submit the following:

• A Motivation letter outlining how your experience, skills, qualifications, and professional associations fit with the required job description.
• A Detailed Curriculum Vitae or Résumé with full details of experience, achievements, and qualifications (include copies of Degrees and certificates).
• Proof that nationality is that of a CARICOM Member State.
• Three (3) professional references from past employers, including name, title held, entity/company, contact number, and email address. 

b)     How to Apply:

Applications should be clearly identified as: “Vacancy for Instrumentation Technologist” in the subject matter of the email and be submitted as ONE PDF package (in the order listed above) via an email to:

Caryn Guerrero

Human Resources Unit

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

3^rd Floor, David L McKoy Business Center, Bliss Parade

City of Belmopan, Cayo, Belize

c)      Deadline for Submission of Application:

Friday, February 28, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Belize Time (GMT-6).

Incomplete packages and late applications may be rejected.

d)     Additional Notes:

• Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.
• The CCCCC is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture.
• The CCCCC is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture.
• The successful candidate will be required to submit a valid Police Record (no older than six months).
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
• ALL qualified individuals are equally encouraged to apply.