National Climate Scientist (SSA)

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 through various initiatives and projects. The POiB specifically focuses on addressing security challenges in Kyrgyzstan and the surrounding region. The office collaborates with local authorities, civil society, and international partners to implement programs that enhance security, governance, and environmental sustainability. The POiB has been operational since the early 1990s and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering cooperation and dialogue among different stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan. The organization operates in multiple countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a mission to ensure comprehensive security in the region.

Job Overview:
The National Climate Scientist 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 selecting, downscaling, and operationalizing localized climate models for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing climate-driven scenario inputs that will enhance the existing GLOF monitoring system operated by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES). The role requires a deep understanding of climate modeling, hydrometeorological data analysis, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including technical staff from MoES. The National Climate Scientist will also be tasked with building national capacity to operate the scenario simulation tool, ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively and efficiently. This position is vital for addressing the increasing risks associated with glacial lake outburst floods in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in light of ongoing climate change impacts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Climate Scientist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting an inception meeting with the OSCE Programme Office and the MoES; reviewing the existing GLOF monitoring system architecture; compiling hydrometeorological observation records for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins; and preparing an inception note that describes the data inventory and downscaling methodology. The scientist will select CMIP6 global climate model ensembles that are representative of Central Asian mountain climates and perform statistical or dynamical downscaling to a resolution of 5 km for the 2030 and 2050 horizons. They will also generate glacier-melt and runoff projections for priority watersheds, prepare scenario simulations, and document climatic triggers relevant to GLOF generation. Joint sessions with the Modelling Expert will be conducted to integrate climate projections into hydrodynamic breach scenarios. The scientist will prepare training materials and deliver hands-on training to MoES technical staff, participate in Technical Working Group meetings, and update climate inputs based on the latest CMIP6 model releases. Finally, the scientist will prepare a final climate-modelling technical report and participate in the project closure workshop, ensuring a formal handover of all datasets and documentation to MoES.

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. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate modeling 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 have a working knowledge of mountain-cryosphere processes and their links to GLOF generation, as well as proven training and capacity-building experience with national institutions. 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 also advantageous.

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 other closely related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complex interactions between climate systems and hydrological processes, particularly in mountainous regions like Kyrgyzstan.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate modeling and/or downscaling of global climate models. This experience should ideally be focused on Central Asia or similar mountainous regions, where the candidate has developed a strong understanding of the local climate dynamics and hydrometeorological processes. Previous roles should demonstrate the ability to work with complex datasets and apply advanced modeling techniques to real-world scenarios, particularly in relation to glacial lake outburst flood risks.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. A good working knowledge of English is also required to engage with international partners and access relevant scientific literature. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local communities and enhance the effectiveness of capacity-building efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a Special Service Agreement (SSA) basis, which is a contractual modality used by the OSCE for consultants. The contract type indicates that the role is temporary and project-specific, with a defined duration aligned with the project timeline from June 2026 to December 202

• The position is classified as a consultant role, and 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 is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and professionalism among its officials, ensuring that all staff members uphold the integrity and impartiality expected of international civil servants.