Consultant for Dniester River Basin Project

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, established with the aim of fostering peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. With 57 participating States, the OSCE operates on a consensus basis, ensuring that all member states have equal status in decision-making processes. The organization has been actively involved in various initiatives since its inception, focusing on security, economic and environmental issues, and human rights. The OSCE has a significant presence in multiple countries, working on projects that address transboundary issues, including water management, conflict prevention, and crisis response. The OSCE's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its ongoing projects, such as the one aimed at enhancing cooperation in the Dniester River basin between Moldova and Ukraine, which has been in place since 200

• This project has led to several key achievements, including the signing of the Dniester Treaty and the establishment of the Dniester Commission, which oversees the sustainable use and protection of the river basin.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the Dniester River Basin Project will play a crucial role in advancing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Dniester River basin. This position involves supporting the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) priority actions, which aim to strengthen Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation in water resources management, enhance regulatory frameworks, and improve ecological conditions in the river basin. The consultant will be responsible for conceptualizing and designing activities related to the rehabilitation of oxbow wetlands and the development of Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs). This role requires a deep understanding of hydrology, environmental management, and stakeholder engagement, as the consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of project components. The consultant will also be tasked with conducting feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and developing detailed implementation plans for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks, including:

• Conducting feasibility studies for the Upper Dniester Wetlands Rehabilitation through desk analysis and field research.
• Engaging stakeholders to gather input and ensure their involvement in the rehabilitation plan development.
• Developing a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the Upper Dniester wetlands.
• Reviewing available information and conducting stakeholder engagement for the development of Flood Risk Management Plans for selected sites.
• Creating three Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) for identified high-risk areas.
• Assessing improvements needed for Flood Early Warning Systems and developing flood hazard and risk mapping and modeling for additional high-risk settlements in the Dniester basin.
• Preparing deliverables such as inception reports, public consultation summaries, detailed implementation plans, and technical reports on flood risk and hazard mapping.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree (or higher) in hydrology, hydraulics, water resources management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in river basin management, hydrology, eco-hydrology, hydromorphology, flood-risk management, or a related area is required. Knowledge and expertise in environmental issues, particularly in water management and transboundary water cooperation, are considered strong assets. Experience in river and wetland restoration, as well as familiarity with the EU Water Framework Directive and EU Floods Directive, is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in GIS, flood mapping, and modeling tools, and have experience working in Eastern Europe or transboundary river basins. Experience with early warning systems and disaster risk reduction projects is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as hydrology, water resources management, or environmental science. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of water management and the ecological considerations involved in the Dniester River basin project.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as river basin management, hydrology, eco-hydrology, and flood-risk management. This experience should include work on projects related to water management, environmental restoration, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in transboundary contexts. Proven expertise in similar assignments at national or international levels is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory, with excellent communication and drafting skills. Professional fluency in English, both oral and written, is considered an asset. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is classified under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is expected to last for 180 working days within a calendar year. The consultant will be working under the supervision of the Environmental Programme Officer and will be expected to deliver a series of reports and plans as outlined in the duties and responsibilities. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration for this position will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, expertise, and experience, and applicants are requested to indicate their proposed daily or monthly rate during the application process. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.