SMA and TMA Strengthen Competency-Based Framework, with Six Forecasters Awarded Certificates
The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) and the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) have further strengthened their technical cooperation through a two-week competency assessment and capacity-building exercise aimed at supporting the development of a sustainable competency-based framework within SMA.
The exercise brought together three experts from TMA and selected SMA staff, with a dual focus on assessing the competency of operational forecasters and building the capacity of SMA personnel to conduct similar assessments locally in the future.
At the conclusion of the exercise, six SMA forecasters were awarded competency certificates after successfully completing the required assessment process. Four of the forecasters joined the Authority within the past two years and were undergoing the competency assessment process for the first time, while two were completing a subsequent assessment following the expiry of their previous competency certification.
The successful assessment of the six forecasters represents an important step in ensuring that SMA continues to maintain the professional standards required for the delivery of reliable and high-quality meteorological services, particularly in areas where competency assessment and certification form an important part of operational quality assurance.
Equally important was the capacity-building component of the exercise. Throughout the two weeks, SMA staff were given practical exposure to the assessment process, including the approach, methodology and standards applied when evaluating the competency of operational personnel. This knowledge transfer is expected to enable SMA to progressively develop its own team of competency assessors. The Authority intends to build on the experience gained during the exercise as it prepares for a larger group of forecasters to undergo competency assessment in the coming year.
While the exercise has enhanced SMA’s ability to move towards greater local ownership of the competency assessment process, the Authority considers continued cooperation with TMA to be important. Future engagement will provide opportunities for TMA experts to review SMA’s progress, provide further guidance and, when appropriate, supervise local personnel as they begin assuming a greater role in conducting competency assessments.
The initiative forms part of SMA’s wider effort to develop and embed a competency-based approach across the organisation. In parallel with the work being undertaken in aviation meteorology, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is also supporting SMA through a small grant project to develop competency resources for non-aviation meteorological services. This work will help broaden the application of competency standards beyond aviation and support the Authority’s longer-term objective of achieving a structured competency framework across its different technical and operational areas.
For SMA, the development of a competency-based framework is not limited to certification. It is an important mechanism for ensuring that staff continue to develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional judgement required to provide accurate, timely and dependable meteorological and climate services. By strengthening local assessment capacity and extending competency standards across its services, SMA aims to build a more sustainable system for maintaining professional standards and supporting continuous improvement within the Authority.
The presentation of certificates to the six forecasters marked the successful conclusion of the two-week exercise and an important milestone in SMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen staff competency, institutional capacity and the quality of services provided to the people of Seychelles and other users of meteorological information.