Chair - Met Office Science Advisory Committee (MOSAC)

We’re looking for an exceptional scientific leader to be the Chair of the Met Office Science Advisory Committee, helping us make a difference to our planet. 

The Met Office Science Advisory Committee (MOSAC) provides independent assessment of the quality and relevance of the Met Office National Capability research and innovation programmes. The Met Office National Capability comprises the observations, modelling and technology required to deliver products and services. The purpose of the role of Chair of the MOSAC is to lead MOSAC, and such, act as a critical friend to the Met Office. And to provide guidance and advice using their own deep domain expertise, and that of the other specialists on the committee, to ensure that the Met Office is best-placed to retain its world-leading position in weather and climate science and services. MOSAC reports to the Met Office Board. 

The chair of MOSAC will work closely with the Chief Scientist of the Met Office and the Science and Technology Senior Leadership to deliver the annual MOSAC meeting, and to report findings and recommendations to the Chair of the Met Office Board. 

Your key duties

• Work with Met Office senior science and technology leadership to set the format and scope of enquiry of the annual MOSAC meeting.
• Chair the annual MOSAC meeting held in the third week of January, which evaluates the Met Office research and innovation strategy and progress in implementation.
• Lead of the production of an annual written report of findings and recommendations to the Met Office Board on behalf of all MOSAC experts.
• With the Met Office leadership, appoint new members to the committee and ensuring diversity and breadth to address the range of science and technology the deployed in the Met Office.
• To provide, occasional, additional independent advice to the Met Office, for example sitting on a selection committee for annual Met Office science awards. These additional duties are not expected to exceed 35 hours per year

World changing work 

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are. 

• We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact
• We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better
• We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making
• We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater
• We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

Your world of expertise 

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Abilities 

1. Internationally recognised expertise in one or more areas of weather and climate science or technology (for example large scale computer and data provision, or application of AI) directly applicable to the needs of an operational weather and climate service provider.
2. Experience advising large organisations on science or technology strategy, either in a leadership role or as an independent advisor.
3. The ability to effectively challenge, support and encourage a culture of scientific and technical excellence in an environment of rapid technological change and 24/7 operational delivery.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Why join us 

Our work is life-changing, often life-saving and always life-enhancing. The Met Office is accredited as a 'Great Place to Work UK 2023' and in addition has achieved a place on both the UK's 'Best Workplaces in Tech' and 'Best Workplaces for Women' lists. 

Details 

• Pay will be equivalent to Non-Executive Director remuneration, £15,000 for 20 days per year.
• Initial term will be 3 years with an option to extend as per Non-Executive Director terms.
• We can potentially offer Visa Sponsorship for this role.

How to apply 

If you share our values, we’d love to hear from you! Click apply to begin your application. Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend candidates use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning) for presenting evidence of experience and skills. 

Closing date 14th October 2024 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 6th November 2024. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed. 

How we can help 

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please contact us via careers@metoffice.gov.uk. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario-based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role. 

We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.