National GIS Specialist with Geomorphology & Remote Sensing Tasks

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 addressing security challenges in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the areas of environmental security, human rights, and conflict prevention. The office works closely with local authorities, civil society, and international partners to implement projects that enhance the resilience of communities and promote sustainable development. The POiB employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering cooperation and dialogue among different stakeholders in the region.

Job Overview:
The National GIS Specialist will play a crucial role in the project titled 'Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan,' which is set to run from June 2026 to December 202

• This position involves developing and operationalizing a geomorphology-based risk classification module within the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) GLOF monitoring system. The specialist will support aerial surveys with remote sensing analysis and produce both technical and community-level GLOF hazard maps derived from hydrodynamic model outputs. The role requires a strong understanding of GIS and remote sensing applications in the context of mountain hazards, particularly in relation to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The specialist will also be responsible for building national capacity in GIS-based GLOF risk assessment, ensuring that local stakeholders are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage and mitigate risks associated with glacial lake outbursts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National GIS Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including: conducting an inception meeting with POiB, HMFD MoES, and the Climate Scientist/Modelling Expert; auditing existing MoES GIS layers, lake inventory, and risk-scoring algorithms; preparing a geospatial work plan and data-management protocol; developing a geomorphological indicator framework that includes dam material/type, moraine stability, seepage indicators, ice-cored moraine presence, and slope instability; defining classification protocols for remote, aerial, and proximal assessments; validating the scoring system against documented historical outbursts; performing remote sensing screening of priority lakes using satellite data; participating in aerial survey mission planning and conducting onboard observations during helicopter sorties; cataloguing and georeferencing geotagged photos; producing detailed technical maps for emergency managers and simplified community hazard maps; preparing a final GIS technical report; and participating in the project closure workshop to hand over all geospatial datasets and documentation to MoES.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in geography, geoinformatics, engineering geology, geomorphology, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in GIS analysis and remote sensing applied to mountain hazards is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience with the geomorphological characterization of moraine-dammed lakes and dam-stability indicators. Proficiency in GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, SNAP, Google Earth Engine, and programming languages like Python or R for geospatial analysis is essential. A working knowledge of optical and SAR satellite data, as well as experience in producing cartographic products for emergency management and community-level audiences, is also necessary. Fluency in Russian and a good working knowledge of English are mandatory, while knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset. Familiarity with OSCE or comparable international organization procedures is advantageous, and previous experience in research, data collection, and analysis would be beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or PhD, in fields such as geography, geoinformatics, engineering geology, geomorphology, or other closely related disciplines. This level of education is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the project and fulfill the responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in GIS analysis and remote sensing, particularly as it relates to mountain hazards such as debris flows, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and landslides. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in the geomorphological characterization of moraine-dammed lakes and an understanding of dam-stability indicators. This level of experience is crucial for the successful execution of the project tasks and responsibilities, as it ensures that the candidate is well-versed in the complexities of the environmental challenges faced in Kyrgyzstan.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory, and candidates should also possess a good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of community engagement efforts. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for the successful implementation of the project and for fostering collaboration among diverse groups.

Additional Notes:
The 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 within its workforce, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications, experience, and the specific tasks and deliverables associated with the position, in accordance with the OSCE's established rates. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process, and only those selected for further stages of recruitment will be contacted.