The GAW Scientific Advisory Groups and Expert Teams have the following terms of reference:
(a) Keep informed of scientific and technical developments in their field;
(b) Advice the SSC and Members on the developments, priority areas and progress in their field, taking into consideration user requirements;
(c) Contribute to the review of the GAW Implementation Plan;
(d) Implement recommendations, tasks and projects as defined in the GAW Implementation Plan;
(e) Review the status of the relevant part of the GAW network, ensure active collaboration with contributing networks, and advise on further enhancement of the observational capacity of the GAW Programme, fostering the development of QMF;
(f) Promote timely data delivery;
(g) Develop a broad spectrum of products and services, taking socio-economical needs into consideration;
(h) Interact effectively with the WMO Secretariat on matters related to the GAW Programme;
(i) Take into consideration activities by other UN organizations and institutes in their field and collaborate as appropriate.
The following SAGs have been established under the GAW programme:
Membership of the SAGs and ETs:
(1) The GAW Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) and Expert Team (ET) Chairs are selected for their scientific expertise, capacity, leadership and teamwork abilities. The Chairs should be drawn to promote thematic representation and geographical and gender balance. The SAG and ET Chairs are appointed by the CAS president in consultation with the CAS Management Group, upon the EPAC SSC Chair’s proposal, prepared in consultation with the Secretariat. The initial term of the GAW SAG and ET Chairs is four years and can be renewed for a maximum of another four years;
(2) The GAW SAG and ET members are selected for their scientific expertise, capacity, and teamwork abilities. The members should be drawn considering GAW priorities and promoting wide thematic representation and geographical and gender balance. The GAW SAG and ET members are appointed by the Chair of the EPAC SSC, upon the relevant GAW SAG or ET Chair’s proposal, prepared in consultation with the Secretariat. The initial term of the GAW SAG and ET members is four years and can be renewed for a maximum of another four years. The SAGs and ETs include as ex-officio members representatives of GAW central facilities when a clear need is identified and approved by the SSC Chair. The provisions related to length of terms do not apply to ex-officio members.