National Climate Scientist (SSA) - Roster Call

About the Position

National Climate Scientist (SSA) - Roster Call

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (MoES), is implementing the project “Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan” (June 2026 – December 2027). The project aims to enhance the existing GLOF monitoring system and build national capacity to operate the scenario simulation tool. To deliver the project, POiB will contract national consultants on a Special Service Agreement (SSA) modality. The present Terms of Reference (ToR) define the duties, deliverables, and time schedule of the consultant.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an inception meeting with POiB and HMFD MoES; review the existing MoES GLOF monitoring system architecture; compile available hydrometeorological observation records for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins; prepare an inception note describing data inventory and downscaling methodology.
• Select CMIP6 global climate model ensembles (≥3 models) representative of Central Asian mountain climates; perform statistical/dynamical downscaling to 5 km resolution for the 2030 and 2050 horizons; bias-correct against Kyrgyzhydromet station data.
• Generate glacier-melt and runoff projections for priority watersheds feeding moraine-dammed lakes; prepare ≥5 scenario simulations (RCP/SSP combinations × time horizons); document key climatic triggers relevant to GLOF generation (extreme precipitation, heatwaves, freeze–thaw cycles).
• Conduct joint sessions with the Modelling Expert to feed climate projections into hydrodynamic breach scenarios; prepare Module 1 “Climate Scenario Modelling” training materials; deliver hands-on training to up to 20 HMFD MoES technical staff; participate in the Technical Working Group meeting.
• Update climate inputs based on the latest CMIP6 model releases and new station data; integrate climate projections into updated hydrodynamic models for the 10 field-surveyed pilot lakes; peer review climate-related sections in the field validation reports.
• Prepare the final climate-modelling technical report; participate in the project closure workshop; formally handover all datasets, scripts, and documentation to MoES; conduct a knowledge-transfer session with HMFD specialists.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in climatology, atmospheric sciences, hydrometeorology, physical geography, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in climate modelling and/or downscaling of global climate models for Central Asia or comparable mountain regions.
• Demonstrated experience with CMIP5/CMIP6 datasets and at least one statistical or dynamical downscaling technique (e.g., WRF, RegCM, bias-correction methods).
• Working knowledge of mountain-cryosphere processes (glacier mass balance, snowmelt, permafrost) and their links to GLOF generation.
• Proven training and capacity-building experience with national institutions.
• Fluency in Russian and good working knowledge of English; knowledge of Kyrgyz is an asset.
• Familiarity with OSCE or comparable international-organization procedures is an asset.
• Previous experience of conducting research, data collection, and analysis would be an asset.
• Professional fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural, religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

We Offer

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks, and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

About the Company

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence, and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.