The Ocean University of China (OUC) and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) invite applications for the post of Director of the CLIVAR (Climate and Ocean - Variability, Predictability, and Change) International Project Office (CLIVAR IPO), based in Qingdao, China. The director will lead a team, define the IPO’s identity and fulfill its mandate. This is a full-time position available immediately.
About the CLIVAR International Project Office
CLIVAR, launched in 1995, is one of the six core projects of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). CLIVAR’s mission is to understand the dynamics, the interaction, and the predictability of the climate system with emphasis on ocean-atmosphere interactions.
The International CLIVAR Project Office (ICPO) provides overall support for the planning and implementation of CLIVAR priorities and ensures appropriate international coordination and communication between the CLIVAR Scientific Steering Group (SSG) and groups within the CLIVAR structure, and collaboration with related WCRP and other international programmes.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Director leads the CLIVAR-IPO and is responsible for the management of the IPO staff, budget and operations, and prepares and assists in the conduct of CLIVAR-related meetings and the activities of the CLIVAR leadership: Co-chairs and Members of the Scientific Steering Group (SSG).
The Director facilitates CLIVAR contribution to fulfilment of the WCRP’s objectives and goals.
The Director shall have the following key responsibilities:
- Direct and coordinate the overall activities of the ICPO;
- Recruit and manage IPO Staff;
- Manage ICPO budget and expenditures, approximately RMB￥10,000,000 over five years;
- Prepare the WCRP annual budget for the approval of the SSG and manage the CLIVAR activities’ expenditures of the WCRP’s Joint Climate Research Trust Fund allocations in coordination with the WCRP Secretariat;
- Ensure the IPO fulfills its terms of reference, under the guidance of the CLIVAR co-chairs, members of the Scientific Steering Group, WCRP leadership and the WCRP Secretariat;
- Suppor CLIVAR leadership in the development and implementation of CLIVAR’s new strategic science plan.
- Participate in sessions of CLIVAR governing bodies and represent CLIVAR at relevant international meetings;
- Manage the membership of the CLIVAR assembly;
- Manage the membership of the CLIVAR external board;
- Oversee the CLIVAR Secretariat’s contributions to written reports and presentations, including the organization on relevant workshops and meetings;
- Develop and maintain record keeping systems to facilitate links and communications with other WCRP projects;
- Ensure the liaison, coordination and the timely flow of pertinent information to WCRP scientists, projects and relevant international scientific bodies (including through the project newsletter, other publications and the CLIVAR website);
- Liaise and coordinate with US CLIVAR and other national activities;
- Mobilize financial and in-kind resources to maintain adequate funding for the IPO, and fulfil other duties as required or requested by WCRP and the CLIVAR SSG.
The Director will also be expected to develop a broader interest in WCRP and its cross-cutting activities, during the implementation of the WCRP Strategic Plan 2019-2028 and the development of the new strategic plan. This will require close collaboration with WCRP’s Secretariat
Skills and Experience
- Degree in oceanography, climate or a closely related discipline;
- Good knowledge of WCRP strategic plan, overall structure and activities
- A broad knowledge of Earth system science, including the subfields of climate and oceanography;
- Ability to communicate effectively with a range of project stake-holders, including scientists, students, science policy experts, data and information managers, funding agencies, and managers of scientific programmes and institutes;
- Previous involvement and experience in the organization of multi-disciplinary scientific projects;
- Excellent leadership skills through experience in managing teams;
- Excellent organisational skills with experience in organizing and supporting international conferences, working with budget/resources;
- Experience in attracting funding from various sources;
- Proven readiness to work with national/international sources and associated processes for funding scientific programmes and technical projects;
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are required. Ability in other languages, particularly Chinese, would be an asset.
- At least 7 years of relevant work experience;
- Willingness to travel overseas for periods of up to seven days
How to apply
This is a full-time position available immediately.
Send your application to
The application must include a cover letter summarizing details of your relevant qualifications and experience, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references.
Further inquiries about the position may be directed to
About Ocean University of China
The Ocean University of China (OUC), located in Qingdao, China, is a key comprehensive university with unique strengths in oceanography and fisheries. OUC has set its mission to explore, develop and protect our oceans, supported by its foundation in a wide range of subjects across the sciences, arts and humanities. In addition to its extensive research and teaching programs, it enhances the harmonious coexistence between human beings and the ocean and supports sustainable development through investing in international cooperation.