National Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Expert

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, security, and stability in the region. The OSCE has been operational since 1975 and has a mission to foster cooperation among its member states in various fields, including economic and environmental affairs. The POiB specifically focuses on addressing security challenges in Kyrgyzstan and the surrounding region, working closely with local authorities and communities. The office employs a diverse team of professionals and operates various projects aimed at enhancing disaster risk management and early warning systems, particularly in the context of climate change and natural disasters. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of environmental challenges, and it collaborates with multiple stakeholders to achieve these goals.

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 part of a larger project aimed at assessing and mitigating the risks associated with glacial lake outburst floods, which pose significant threats to local communities due to the country's unique geographical features. The expert will work closely with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) and other stakeholders to build national capacity in geomorphology and integrated system operation, ensuring that the early warning systems are sustainable and effectively handed over to local authorities and communities. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, community engagement, and training delivery to ensure that the systems developed are practical and tailored to the needs of the communities at risk.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will be responsible for a variety of 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 selected 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 on geomorphological risk assessment and early warning standard operating procedures (SOPs); establishing pilot early warning mechanisms in selected communities; planning field studies at pilot lakes; overseeing field campaigns and technical supervision of equipment installation; operationalizing the early warning system; and ensuring a sustainable handover of the system to MoES and local communities. The expert will also be responsible for producing various deliverables, including community action plans, training reports, and final project reports.

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. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems is required, with a preference for experience focusing 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, is a strong asset. Candidates should demonstrate experience in designing and operationalizing community-based early warning systems, developing SOPs, leading community consultations, and conducting awareness campaigns and emergency drills. A working knowledge of technical specifications for hydrometeorological monitoring equipment is also necessary, along with proven training and capacity-building experience with national authorities. Candidates must exhibit professional fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written, and demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, integrating a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's Degree (second-level university degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as disaster risk management, civil protection, geography, environmental science, or civil engineering. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively address the challenges associated with disaster risk reduction and early warning systems in the context of Kyrgyzstan's unique environmental conditions.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of professional experience in the field of disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems. This experience should preferably include a focus on hydrometeorological or mountain hazards, particularly within the Central Asian context. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with national emergency management agencies and should be familiar with the operational procedures and structures of the MoES of the Kyrgyz Republic. Experience in community engagement, training delivery, and the development of early warning systems is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Professional fluency in both Russian and Kyrgyz is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local communities and stakeholders is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their proficiency in both oral and written forms of these languages. While fluency in English is not explicitly required, it may be considered an asset, particularly for candidates who may need to engage with international stakeholders or access global resources related to disaster risk management.

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 qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications and experience, as well as the specific 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. The closing date for applications is August 5, 2026.