National Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Expert (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 is an intergovernmental organization founded in 197

• The OSCE aims to promote peace, stability, and democracy in its member states. The POiB focuses on various issues, including economic and environmental affairs, human rights, and security. The office collaborates closely with local authorities, including the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, to implement projects that address pressing challenges in the region. The POiB is committed to enhancing national capacities and fostering sustainable development through its initiatives. The organization operates in multiple countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a diverse workforce dedicated to its mission.

Job Overview:
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Expert will play a crucial role in operationalizing enhanced Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazard information into actionable community-level early warning mechanisms in the Chu and Issyk-Kul regions of Kyrgyzstan. This position is integral to the project 'Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan,' which aims to enhance the existing monitoring systems and build national capacity in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and early warning systems. The expert will work closely with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) and local communities to ensure the sustainable handover of early warning systems and to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are tailored to the specific needs of the communities. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, community engagement, and capacity building to effectively address the risks posed by glacial lake outburst floods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will be responsible for several key tasks, including: conducting an inception meeting with the POiB and the MoES Civil Protection Department; mapping existing civil protection mechanisms in the Chu and Issyk-Kul regions; preparing a stakeholder engagement plan that includes MoES, local governments (ayil okmotu), and pilot communities; coordinating participatory validation of draft hazard maps in pilot communities; collecting local historical knowledge of past GLOF events; integrating community feedback into the outputs of the Modelling Expert and GIS Specialist; participating in field verification missions; developing and delivering training modules for MoES technical staff; establishing pilot early warning mechanisms in selected communities; planning field studies at pilot lakes; providing technical oversight of field campaigns; operationalizing the early warning system; and ensuring a sustainable handover of the system to MoES and the communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in disaster risk management, civil protection, geography, environmental science, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems is required, with a preference for experience focused on hydrometeorological or mountain hazards in Central Asia. Proven experience working with national emergency management agencies, particularly familiarity with the structure and procedures of the MoES of the Kyrgyz Republic and HMFD, is a strong asset. Candidates should demonstrate experience in designing and operationalizing community-based early warning systems, developing SOPs, leading community consultations, awareness campaigns, and emergency drills. Knowledge of technical specifications for hydrometeorological monitoring equipment is essential, along with proven training and capacity-building experience with national authorities.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in a relevant field such as disaster risk management, civil protection, geography, environmental science, or civil engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk reduction and the technical aspects of early warning systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the field of disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. This experience should ideally include a focus on hydrometeorological or mountain hazards, particularly within the context of Central Asia. Proven experience working with national emergency management agencies and familiarity with the operational procedures of the MoES is highly desirable. The candidate should also have experience in community engagement and capacity building, as well as technical oversight of field campaigns.

Languages:
Professional fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, but is not mandatory.

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 is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and impartiality among its officials. Remuneration for the position will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications, experience, and the specific tasks and deliverables associated with the role. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.