WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY 2023

Belize joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Meteorological Day 2023, on the 23rd of March, under the theme “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations”. This day commemorates the coming into force of the convention that established the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950, taking over from its predecessor, the International Meteorological Organization, which was formed in 1873. This year’s theme highlights the past achievements that have been made in the field of Meteorology, present progress, and future potential. The improvement over the years is evident when we look at the changes that have occurred from the late 19th century telegraphs and shipping forecasts to modern supercomputers and space technology.

National Meteorological and Hydrological Services have worked around the clock throughout the years to collect and standardize the critical data that underpin the daily weather forecasts that are often taken for granted. The history of WMO data exchange is a remarkable story of scientific vision, technological development and, most importantly, of a unique system of cooperation to serve society. The rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Big data is being exchanged more freely among a wider community than ever before, and there are new tools being deployed, including machine learning and Artificial Intelligence.

These data, collated over the long term, provide that foundation for analysing trends and assessing climate risks and changes in the climate system. Additionally, improved weather and climate forecasts have helped to significantly reduce losses to lives and properties over the years. In Belize, we can compare the difference from 1931, when a devastating hurricane affected the country without any reliable forewarning resulting in thousands of fatalities, to the present, where with the advances in technology, the population is warned several days ahead of a landfalling hurricane and is able to take necessary actions to protect life and property.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMSB) in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management has also advanced technologically over the years. One of the most striking evidence of this advancement is in the use of automatic weather stations across the country to collect, store and share real-time weather information from remote areas in the country. Just over a decade ago, the department relied heavily on manual weather stations, which require a human observer to read the weather instruments and transmit such data to the office over the phone once per day. Now the department has over 50 automatic weather stations that collect and transmit data via cell phone

25 SEP 2020

ASSISTANT MANAGER, FACILITY MANAGEMENT

The Central Bank invites qualified individuals to join its Administration Department

The Assistant Manager, Facility Management is responsible for the leadership and management of the Facilities Management Unit

(FMU) and reports to the Manager, Administration. The FMU is responsible for providing complete operations and maintenance se rvice support to ensure that the Central Bank’s fac ility is operated at peak performance; the building and grounds are kept in immaculate condition; and the working environment is comfortable, safe, and healthy and is conducive to high productivity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Develops, implements, maintains and oversees a comprehensive Operating and Maintenance Program in line with international standards and best practices

 Develops, implements, and maintains Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.

 Plans for future development in line with strategic business objectives.

 Prepares, negotiates and oversees the performance of service contracts for the maintenance of the facility.

 Plans and oversees Energy Management efforts and provides monthly reports on energy and wate r utilization.

 Establishes and maintains files of as -built, schematic and engineering drawings of plant facilities, including specifications, operations and maintenance manuals.

 Oversees the maintenance, modification and upgrade of computerized systems, such as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building management system (BMS) and any other automated system deemed necessary to improve efficiency.

 Leads and coordinates projects involving spatial requirement s, including re-organization of current premises, facility expansion, and identification of new premises and/or new construction.

 Participates actively in Business Continuity Planning to ensure quick recovery and resumption of critical business function.

 Responds appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise and be accessible on a 24 -hour basis.

The applicants should possess the following:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 Master's degree in Facilities Management or any of the following engineering disciplines: Electrical Mechanical or Civil Engineering with at least four (4) years of industry experience in a management and/or maintenance field; or

 Master's degree in Management (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with at least five (5) years of industry experience; or

 Bachelor's degree in Electrical Mechanical or Civil Engineering or Facilities Management with at least six (6) years of industry experience in management and/or mechanical, electrical, or civil maintenance and/or installation. A certificate or experience in Facilities Management would be an asset.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

 Strong mechanical aptitude and a working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems to deliver quality work, and keep informed of the latest trends and developments in the discipline; Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety Standards and safe workplace practices, facilities management including civil, mechanical, and electrical applications, plumbing and air conditioning and building compliance codes; Proficient in software applications, including CADD software, CMMS, and Microsoft Suite; Proficient in strategic management and project management; Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, specifications, and detailed layout drawings.

COMPETENCIES

 Communications & Interpersonal Skills, Results Orientation, Flexibility/Adaptability, Leadership, Decision Making/ProblemSolving, Empowering and Developing Others, Project Management

Submit the following documents by Wednesday, 12 April 2023:

 CBB Employment Application Form (Available online)

 Curriculum Vitae

 Three (3) current references (one must be from a previous employer)

 Certified copies of university transcripts, degrees, and any other personal certificates