National Hydrological Modelling 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 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 security. The office works closely with local governments and organizations to implement projects that address pressing challenges in the region, particularly in the context of water resource management and disaster risk reduction. The POiB employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its mission, which includes enhancing national capacities and promoting sustainable practices in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

Job Overview:
The National Hydrological Modelling Expert will play a crucial role in the project titled 'Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan.' This project aims to enhance the existing monitoring system of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) by incorporating advanced hydrodynamic modeling techniques to simulate potential glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) scenarios. The expert will be responsible for designing, calibrating, and operationalizing hydrodynamic models for 5 to 10 priority lakes, producing inundation hazard datasets, and building national capacity to interpret and update hazard maps. The position requires a deep understanding of hydrology, hydraulic engineering, and the ability to integrate climate scenarios into hydrodynamic frameworks. The expert will work closely with the MoES and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project, which is structured in two phases over a period extending from June 2026 to December 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Hydrological Modelling Expert include:

• Conducting an inception meeting with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the Hydrometeorological Forecasting Department (HMFD) of MoES, and the Climate Scientist to outline project objectives and deliverables.
• Reviewing the MoES monitoring system interface and identifying integration options for the hydrological scenario simulation tool.
• Preparing a comprehensive modeling work plan that includes the compilation of digital elevation models and historical flood records.
• Developing a hydrological scenario simulation tool that utilizes downscaled climate inputs, and integrating this tool into the MoES monitoring system interface or providing initial code for implementation.
• Constructing HEC-RAS 2D (or equivalent) hydrodynamic models for the selected lakes, simulating various breach scenarios, and generating flood extent, depth, velocity, and arrival-time rasters.
• Collaborating with the GIS Specialist to produce inundation hazard maps based on refined scenarios.
• Preparing a technical report on inundation hazard mapping and delivering training to HMFD MoES staff on hydrodynamic modeling and hazard map interpretation.
• Supporting survey planning for bathymetric profiling and preparing protocols for model updates based on collected data.
• Updating hydrodynamic models with new measurements and observations, revalidating inundation maps, and integrating revised thresholds into early-warning standard operating procedures. 1
• Compiling a final modeling technical report and ensuring the handover of all model files to MoES.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in hydrology, hydraulic engineering, water resources engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in hydrodynamic or 2D flood modeling, with demonstrated proficiency in tools such as HEC-RAS 2D, FLO-2D, RAMMS, or r.avaflow.
• Proven experience in modeling debris flows, dam-break, or GLOF events, particularly in mountain catchments similar to those found in Central Asia.
• Experience in integrating climate and hydrological scenarios into hydrodynamic frameworks.
• Working knowledge of GIS platforms such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or SAGA GIS, along with digital terrain analysis skills.
• Proven experience in training and capacity-building, particularly with national institutions.
• Fluency in Russian and a good working knowledge of English; knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with OSCE or comparable international organization procedures is advantageous.
• Previous experience in conducting research, data collection, and analysis is beneficial. 1
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. 1
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in fields related to hydrology, hydraulic engineering, water resources engineering, civil engineering, or other closely related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills required for the complex tasks associated with hydrodynamic modeling and flood risk assessment.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of hydrodynamic modeling, particularly with a focus on 2D flood modeling. This experience should include demonstrated proficiency in using relevant modeling tools such as HEC-RAS 2D, FLO-2D, RAMMS, or r.avaflow. Additionally, the candidate should have proven experience in modeling events such as debris flows, dam-breaks, or glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in mountainous regions, ideally in contexts similar to Central Asia. Experience in integrating climate and hydrological scenarios into hydrodynamic frameworks is also crucial, as is a background in training and capacity-building, particularly with national institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory for this position, as the technical documentation and communication will primarily be conducted in this language. A good working knowledge of English is also required to facilitate collaboration with international stakeholders and to understand technical materials. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders. Professional fluency in both Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written, is highly desirable.

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 looking to fill this position as part of a roster, indicating that multiple candidates may be selected for similar roles. The contract duration is tied to the project timeline, which runs from June 2026 to December 202

• 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 is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.