World Meteorological Organization

Regional Association IV Focal Point for Research and Modelling (RA IV FP-REM)
Terms of Reference:
The RA IV FP-REM shall be responsible for the following:
1. To represent RA IV on the WMO Research Board.
2. Advise the RA IV MG on the development of the WMO and co-sponsored research programmes in the Region (Global Atmosphere Watch Programme: GAW, World Climate Research Programme: WCRP, World Weather Research Programme: WWRP, Global Climate Observing System: GCOS, and Global Ocean Observing System: GOOS) and the requirements for support from RA IV.
3. Coordinate the development of a Regional Roadmap for R&M, articulating coordination actions with RA IV committees, panels, expert teams and focal points at the regional and national levels. The roadmap should be framed by regional priorities, recognizing current major projects and considering available and emerging resources (including projects under implementation) to deliver on R&M.
4. Prepare a R&M Work Plan to address the identified RA IV research priorities by increasing interaction with WMO research programmes, ensuring its alignment with the implementation work plans of the RA IV committees, panels, expert teams and focal points.
5. Organize at least two regional webinars annually with the support of the WMO Office for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, with an extended participation of universities, research centres, etc.
6. To identify and map, through the WMO Expert Network, scientists from the region who can support operational activities following the WMO research to operation approach.
7. Review, on a regular basis, the activities of other RA IV committees, panels, expert teams and focal points, as well as relevant WMO inter-regional and global programme activities and roadmaps, in order to identify those that are relevant to R&M in RA IV for coordination, collaboration and/or implementation.
8. Participate in relevant R&M meetings and make recommendations in line with RA IV views on action priorities, specific tasks and associated deliverables, to leverage relevant activities in support of the implementation of WMO and regional R&M programmes. Submit these recommendations for the consideration and approval by the RA IV MG.
9. Follow up on the activities of WMO Research Board on Weather, Climate, Water and the Environment (Research Board) to ensure the timely consideration of related activities, needs or recommendations from the RA IV perspective. Coordinate the alignment of R&M activities in the region with the key areas developed by the Research Board, considering identified regional priorities and current major R&M initiatives.
10. Assure the establishment of a coordination mechanism with WMO Regional Centres, including new approaches for collaboration with universities, donors, and research institutions.