Education and Training Publications

Education and Training Publications

Below are the publications released by the Education and Training (ETR) Office.


A Compendium of Topics to Support Management Development in NMHSs (ETR-24)

The present compendium of topics for management development is intended to help a NMHS establish management development programmes that meet the needs and culture of the organization. The provision of curricular (i.e. aims, learning outcomes and content), briefing notes, sources of further reading and discussion topics should make it easier to establish a bespoke programme rather than having to start "from scrach". Even if an external agency provides the components of a management development programme, having the compendium should make it easier to specify what should be included. Regional Training Centres could also use the compendium as a basis for developing a management development programme that addresses the needs of the region it serves. Finally, the compendium could be used to decide what aspects of management development could be included in scientific and technical training courses.

Available in English


Impact Evaluation of the WMO Fellowships Programme (ETR-23)

The WMO Fellowship Programme plays a key role in the attainment of the Organization’s capacity development goals. Much has been done by the programme over several decades for the capacity building of NMHSs in developing countries, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), but the demand for training is never-ending and revolves around the emerging dynamic issues relating to science, technology, human and societal needs. An evaluation was therefore carried out to review the performance of the programme, particularly its impact on and benefit to the Members and on how it can be delivered in a more sustainable way. The evaluation, approach and criteria were based on the norms and standards of the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG).

Available in English


Seasonal Climate Forecast - COURSE PACKAGE T.O.P.: Theory and Operational Principles, Project Report (ETR-22)

This is the report on the project to create the Seasonal Climate Forecast - Course Package T.O.P. The goal of this online course package is to allow the transfer of seasonal climate forecast knowledge to improve and increase the operational capabilities of the targeted users. The package provides both a theoretical and a practical set of knowledge on seasonal forecast and predictability models, climate and data analysis, forecast verification, and specific application of seasonal forecast for agriculture and water management.

Available in English


Status of Human Resources in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (ETR-21)

The current survey conducted from 2016 to 2017 focused on Human Resource Status of NMHSs, particularly as relates to staff situation by age bracket, gender, and professionals, together with training expectations in 2017, training priority areas, and status of the strategic plans of NMHSs. The report is presented in three chapters. The first chapter provides an introduction and some major findings of the survey. The second chapter provides the details of the results of the survey and the third chapter provides conclusions. The results of this survey provide insight into the state of human resources in the National meteorological and hydrological Services (NMHSs) of Members. In particular, the survey results provide information on training needs, expectations, and resources among Members, the WMO, and its training partners.

Available in English


An International Agenda for Education and Training in Meteorology and Hydrology
(WMO-No. 1219)

This publication summarizes the main conclusions and recommendations from SYMET-13 and includes the Statement agreed by the participants on the final day of the Symposium.

Available in English


Guide to Competency (WMO-No. 1205)

The purpose of this Guide is to provide guidance to Members’ organizations that are developing, implementing and/or maintaining competency-based training and assessment programmes based upon the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) competency frameworks established in the Technical Regulations, Volume I (WMO-No.49). Examples of selected Members’ best practices are included in this guidance material to facilitate transfer of knowledge and experience, and thus enable organizations to achieve compliance with the WMO requirements in the most efficient way.

Available in English, French


Guide to the Management and Operation of WMO Regional Training Centres and Other Training Institutions (WMO-No. 1169)

This publication responds to the recommendations made in the review of the future roles and operation of RTCs, which was carried out by the Executive Council Panel of Experts on Education and Training from 2012 to 2014. The review and recommendations were approved by the WMO Executive Council at its sixty-sixth session in 2014. The review underlined the importance and usefulness of the RTCs to WMO Members. However, it also noted that, for Members to get even more value from such centres, the criteria for designation and reconfirmation of RTCs needed to be improved and that Directors of RTCs would benefit from a handbook that brought the key information on running an RTC together in one publication. The handbook would also be of value to organizations that either use or are considering using RTCs to train their staff.

Available in English


A Career in Meteorology (WMO-No. 1126)

This book is a brief introduction to a career in meteorology. For more information about qualifications, training and opportunities, you are invited to consult your career adviser or your local or national weather service.

Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian


Guidelines for Trainers in Meteorological, Hydrological and Climate Services (WMO-No. 1114)

This publication is intended for those involved in providing training for staff in a National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) or related agencies. In particular, it aims to strengthen training departments and enhance the expertise of trainers by providing a reference manual and introductory guide. It includes guidance on the options available to ensure positive learning experiences for individuals and organizations.

Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian


Guidelines for Applying for a WMO Fellowship (WMO-No. 1104)

This guide is intended to help Permanent Representatives of WMO (hereafter referred to as PRs) and potential candidates understand the purpose and benefits of the WMO Fellowship Programme. It will familiarize them with the application procedure, requirements, entitlements and available fellowship opportunities. It builds upon the Manual on Policies and Procedures for WMO Fellowships (WMO/TD-No. 1356, ETR-18) but takes into account the funding situation for the current financial period, identifying which elements of support can be offered within the available funding.

Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian


Competency Requirements for Education and Training Providers for Meteorological, Hydrological, and Climate Services

This document sets out a competency framework for personnel involved in training and education.

Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian


Guide to the Implementation of Education and Training Standards in Meteorology and Hydrology WMO-No. 1083

This document replaced WMO-NO.258 Volume-I on 1 December 2013.

The present publication is intended to facilitate a common understanding of the basic qualifications being required of individuals who are to be recognized either as Meteorologists or as Meteorological Technicians, as defined by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), while also assisting National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in establishing their respective personnel classification systems and training programmes to satisfactorily meet international standards.

Available in EnglishFrench, SpanishRussianArabic, Chinese


WMO/TD-No. 1390 - ETR-No. 20   

This document is to guide forecasters working for the aviation community. Its intention is to discuss the many and varied phenomena which, unfortunately, can prove hazardous to aviation which lower the safety of air operation and may cause loss of equipment and life. Whilst some forecasting techniques are mentioned, of itself this document is not a forecasting ‘textbook’. It is intended that the reader is familiar with some quite technical terms used in meteorology. Practicing forecasters reading this document should have ready access to more involved texts on the various subjects


Guidelines for curricula in agricultural meteorology

Guidelines for the education and training of personnel in meteorology and operational hydrology - Volume I; Supplement No. 2: Guidelines for curricula in agricultural meteorology.


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