National Climate Scientist (SSA Roster Call)

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) is part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in its member states. The OSCE has been operational since 1975 and has a presence in various countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The POiB focuses on a range of issues including economic and environmental affairs, human rights, and conflict prevention. The office works closely with local governments and organizations to implement projects that address pressing regional challenges, such as climate change and disaster risk reduction. The POiB employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering cooperation and sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan and the surrounding region.

Job Overview:
The National Climate Scientist will play a crucial role in the project 'Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan,' which aims to enhance the existing monitoring system of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) through the integration of localized climate scenarios and hazard mapping. The selected candidate will be responsible for downscaling CMIP6 climate ensembles for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins, producing climate-driven scenario inputs for glacier-melt and runoff projections, and building national capacity to operate the scenario simulation tool. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the MoES and other technical experts, to ensure the successful implementation of the project phases, which include technical enhancements, field validation, and community early warning systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Climate Scientist will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including: conducting an inception meeting with POiB and HMFD MoES; reviewing the existing MoES GLOF monitoring system architecture; compiling available hydrometeorological observation records for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins; preparing an inception note that describes the data inventory and downscaling methodology; selecting CMIP6 global climate model ensembles representative of Central Asian mountain climates; performing statistical/dynamical downscaling to 5 km resolution for the Chu and Issyk-Kul basins for the 2030 and 2050 horizons; generating glacier-melt and runoff projections for priority watersheds; preparing scenario simulations and documenting climatic triggers relevant to GLOF generation; conducting joint sessions with the Modelling Expert; updating climate inputs based on the latest CMIP6 model releases; integrating climate projections into updated hydrodynamic models; preparing the final climate-modelling technical report; and participating in the project closure workshop.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in climatology, atmospheric sciences, hydrometeorology, physical geography, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate modelling and/or downscaling of global climate models for Central Asia or comparable mountain regions is required. Demonstrated experience with CMIP5/CMIP6 datasets and at least one statistical or dynamical downscaling technique is essential. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of mountain-cryosphere processes and their links to GLOF generation, proven training and capacity-building experience with national institutions, and fluency in Russian with a good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset, as is familiarity with OSCE or comparable international-organization procedures.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in fields such as climatology, atmospheric sciences, hydrometeorology, physical geography, or related disciplines. This level of education is necessary to ensure that the candidate has a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and methodologies relevant to climate science and modelling.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate modelling and/or downscaling of global climate models, particularly in the context of Central Asia or similar mountainous regions. This experience should include practical application of climate data analysis, model selection, and scenario development, as well as familiarity with the specific challenges and dynamics of the region's climate systems.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory, along with a good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract type, which is typically used for consultants. The role is classified as a consultant position with no specific grade assigned. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications and experience, as well as the tasks and deliverables associated with the position. The OSCE emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and professionalism among its officials, and candidates should be aware that no payment is requested at any stage of the application process.