CLIMSA YEAR 5 OUTPUT 4 STATUS
Presented by: Naheed Hussein
OUTPUT SUMMARY
Strategic Outcome & Overall Performance
STRATEGIC OUTCOME
Strengthened regional and national capacity to generate and apply climate information, products, and services relevant to priority sectors and user needs across the Pacific.
OVERALL STATUS
ON TRACK
5 of 5 indicators GREEN (70–100%)
All tracked indicators achieved or exceeded, reflecting solid delivery of training, scholarships, and regional partnerships.
14
NMHS & RCC staff
trained (34% women)
6
Master's & PG Diploma
scholars funded
4
New publications
produced
2
Key university
partnerships
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
2
A · KEY INDICATORS
Key Indicators — Training, Staff Reach & Scholarships
Indicators 1–3 of 5 · Year 5 reporting period
1
Training sessions delivered to improve RCC/NMHS competencies
TARGET 1 training course per year for Pacific region�RESULT Achieved 200% — CLIPSA Portal (with COSPPac) and PICASO training (Nadi, Fiji, with APCC) delivered
2
RCC & NMHS staff trained (disaggregated by gender)
TARGET 15 staff trained (20% women)�RESULT 14 Pacific Island Countries & RCC members trained across CIMH study tour, Toolkit, Helpdesk, CLIPSA, PICASO, Media & ICT training — ~34% women
3
Master's students funded, disaggregated by gender
TARGET At least 1 master's student funded�RESULT 4 Master's + 2 Postgraduate Diploma students funded (6 total) — ~50% progress; 3 of 6 flagged at risk of delayed completion
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
3
A · KEY INDICATORS
Key Indicators — Publications & Regional Fora
Indicators 4–5 of 5 · Year 5 reporting period
4
New publications produced, available on the Information Platform/Portal
TARGET 2 publications available on the dedicated Portal�RESULT 4 developed this period — 2 published to the SPREP portal, 2 pending upload once cataloguing is complete
5
ACP yearly fora on climate services organised
TARGET 1 ACP forum at the Pacific + all Intra-ACP fora attended (25% women)�RESULT No reporting required — the global forum ended with OACPS ClimSA closure. Pacific already hosted the ClimSA Forum in Samoa (2022)
All five Output 4 indicators are GREEN. Contribution mapped to SDG 4, 5, 9, 13 & 17, and aligned to PRSCS Priority Area 4 (Capacity Development) and the GFCS Capacity Development Pillar.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
4
B · MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Major Achievements
1
Capacity Development Plan tender advertised
A tender was advertised to engage expert(s) to develop a regional Capacity Development Plan for climate services.
2
AgroMet course partner selected
The University of Melbourne selected to develop an AgroMet course, targeted for completion by end of 2026.
3
Masters Scholarship Programme launched with USP
University of the South Pacific signed as delivery partner via Letter of Agreement; six gender-balanced NMHS staff selected as scholarship recipients.
USP MASTER'S & PG DIPLOMA SCHOLARS
COUNTRY
PROGRAMME
GENDER
Samoa
Master's
Male
Kiribati
Master's
Female
Papua New Guinea
Master's
Female
Fiji
Master's
Male
Tonga
PG Diploma
Male
Fiji
PG Diploma
Female
Total: 4 Master's + 2 PG Diploma candidates (3 male, 3 female)
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
5
C & D · COUNTRY SUPPORT & PARTNERSHIPS
Country-Level Support & Key Partnerships
COUNTRY-LEVEL SUPPORT
Samoa
Funding 1 full-time staff — Master's Programme
Kiribati
Funding 1 full-time staff — Master's Programme
Tonga
Funding 1 full-time staff — Postgraduate Diploma
Fiji
Funding 1 part-time staff (Master's) + 1 part-time staff (PG Diploma)
Papua New Guinea
Funding 1 full-time staff — Master's Programme
KEY PARTNERSHIPS
University of the South Pacific
Delivery partner for the Scholarship Programme, supporting six NMHS staff members through Master's and Postgraduate Diploma study.
University of Melbourne
Engaged to develop a dedicated Agro-Meteorology (AgroMet) course, targeted for completion and launch by end of 2026.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
6
E · ACTIVITY STATUS
Status of Each Activity (1 of 2)
Capacity Building Plan & AgroMet
#
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
RAG
UPDATE
4.1.1
Develop and implement a Pacific-wide capacity building plan for the climate services value chain.
Tender for expert(s) advertised; contractor onboard expected July 2026.
4.1.1.1
Engage a consultant to update and formalise a capacity development plan across the value chain, in line with the CFCS.
Tender advertised this reporting period, as reported under 4.1.1.
4.1.1.2
Work with USP (School of Agriculture & USP-PACE) to mainstream climate science into courses; develop a short AgroMet course.
USP feedback not favourable to reviewing its Agriculture Programme; University of Melbourne selected instead to develop the AgroMet course, with ClimSA supporting delivery twice before project close.
4.2.1
Support Pacific participants to attend the Intra-ACP Climate Services yearly fora for the duration of the Action.
Completed — no further ClimSA forum hosted since 2025; Pacific NMHS supported to attend prior fora.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
7
E · ACTIVITY STATUS
Status of Each Activity (2 of 2)
Knowledge Platform & Scholarships
#
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
RAG
UPDATE
4.3.1
Support development and submission of best practices, newsworthy materials, and lessons learned for the Knowledge Management Platform (costs under Output 5).
Last contribution made in Year 4. Platform no longer active following OACPS ClimSA closure; possible CIMH hosting under discussion.
4.4.1
Facilitate discussions with universities offering climate/agriculture, climate/water or climate/DRR programmes to identify partnership opportunities.
Completed. Review of universities with SPREP MoU conducted; USP selected via procurement; LoA signed for the Scholarship. Scholarship Programme in place
4.4.2
Fund at least two candidates to undertake or continue a Master's degree in a climate application area (DRR/Agriculture) at a leading university.
Six candidates from five countries received scholarships: Samoa, Kiribati & PNG (Master's), Fiji (1 Master's + 1 PG Diploma), Tonga (PG Diploma).
Knowledge sharing continues via SPREP Library and the Pacific RCC platforms, even as the global ClimSA Knowledge Management Platform winds down.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
8
F · CHALLENGES & RISKS
Challenges and Risks
USP scholarship programme delays
Extension-approval and contracting delays meant the LoA with USP was not signed until Nov 2025; the programme, originally due to start in semester 2 of 2025, did not begin until semester 1 of 2026. Risk: With a 2-year minimum Master's duration and project closure end-Nov 2027, the three Master's students (Kiribati, Samoa, PNG) are in a high-risk category for completing before closure.
Training fatigue among NMHS staff
The same officers are repeatedly attending trainings across ClimSA, COSPPac and UNEP CISPac-5, reducing effectiveness and uptake. Risk: Follow-up calls and requests for updated products started in workshops are often never fully completed.
Sustainability of the ClimSA Knowledge Platform
The platform faces closure beyond project end. Risk: Loss of a critical regional knowledge-sharing resource for Pacific and ACP NMHSs.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
9
LOOKING AHEAD
Priority Actions — Next Year
1
Contract expert(s) to conduct a gap assessment informing the Pacific Capacity Building Plan for Climate Services.
2
Develop a Pacific-wide Capacity Building Plan for the Climate Services value chain.
3
Develop training materials aligned to the Capacity Building Plan, focused on at least four priority training areas. Support Delivery of 4 priority training materials
4
Deliver at least four training sessions in accordance with the Capacity Building Plan.
5
Finalise an agreement with USP to facilitate review of its existing Agriculture Programme. Design/support development of the course including delivery.
6
Submit at least three ClimSA newsworthy items, best practices, or lessons learned to SPREP and/or regional platforms.
7
Develop an AgroMet course in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. Having it as Micro credential short course. And delivery of Agro Met course at least twice before project closure
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
10
Decision Paper – DP4-1
BACKGROUND
Under Output 4 – Capacity of the Pacific region is enhanced to generate and apply climate information and products relevant to particular concerns, ClimSA Pacific supports six National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) staff undertaking Master's and Postgraduate Diploma studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Suva, Fiji, under Activity 4.4.2 (Masters Scholarship Programme).
Following a meeting with the scholarship students in March 2026, students raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the current living allowance relative to the actual cost of living in Suva. Rental costs in Suva have increased significantly, and affordable accommodation is generally only available at a distance from USP, requiring students to factor in additional transport and associated costs.
The current living allowance is FJD2,000 per month. As evidence of the issue, one student reported paying FJD1,500 per month in rent alone, having had to secure accommodation further from Suva in order to find an affordable rate — leaving only FJD500 per month for all other living expenses (food, transport, utilities, and study materials).
All six scholarship recipients are NMHS staff who are on leave without pay for the duration of their studies, meaning the living allowance is their sole source of income while studying.
Students have requested — subject to USP's agreement — an increase in the living allowance from FJD2,000 to FJD2,500 per month (an increase of FJD500 per month) so that it more appropriately reflects the actual cost of living in Suva.
.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
9
Financial Implication
The proposed increase would apply to the four current Masters scholarship students, for a period of 15 months (September 2026 – November 2027):
It is proposed that this additional funding be reallocated from within the same Output, under Activity 4.4.3 (short-term and six-month internship for Masters programme candidates and other regional partners), which has an approved budget of USD38,000.
Activity 4.4.3 was originally intended to fund a six-month internship at SPREP for Masters candidates upon completion of their studies. As all six scholarship recipients are experienced NMHS staff, particularly in the area of Climate Services, it is not anticipated that this internship will be required; upon completion of their studies, these staff are expected to return directly to their substantive roles within their respective NMHS. The reallocated funds would therefore not be required for their originally intended purpose within this Output.
Decision Paper – DP4-1
Activity 4.4.3 was originally intended to fund a six-month internship at SPREP for Masters candidates upon completion of their studies. As all six scholarship recipients are experienced NMHS staff, particularly in the area of Climate Services, it is not anticipated that this internship will be required; upon completion of their studies, these staff are expected to return directly to their substantive roles within their respective NMHS. The reallocated funds would therefore not be required for their originally intended purpose within this Output.
PURPOSE
This paper is submitted to the Steering Committee to seek its decision on:
The increase is intended to ensure the living allowance reasonably reflects the current cost of living in Suva, Fiji, and to support the continued wellbeing, retention, and academic progress of scholarship recipients who are on leave without pay from their NMHS for the duration of their studies.
RECOMMENDATION
ClimSA Pacific, through the SPREP Advisory Committee (SAC), recommends that the Steering Committee:
a. Approve an increase in the Masters scholarship students' living allowance from FJD2,000 to FJD2,500 per month, effective September 2026 to November 2027, to ensure it appropriately reflects the cost of living in Suva;
b. Approve the reallocation of USD15,000 (FJD30,000) from the Activity 4.4.3 budget to Activity 4.4.2 to fund this increase, on the basis that the six-month SPREP internship originally budgeted under 4.4.3 is not expected to be required for these candidates; and
c. Note that implementation of the increased allowance is conditional upon, and will only take effect following, endorsement by the University of the South Pacific (USP).
.
ClimSA Pacific | Year 5 Annual Report | Output 4
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THANK YOU