National Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Expert (SSA) - Roster Call

About the Position

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is seeking a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Expert for a Special Service Agreement (SSA) role in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This role is part of the project "Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan" (June 2026 – December 2027).

Responsibilities

• Inception and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with POiB and the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) Civil Protection Department; map existing civil-protection mechanisms in the Chu and Issyk-Kul regions; prepare a stakeholder engagement plan.
• Participatory Validation: Coordinate the validation of draft hazard maps in pilot communities; collect local historical knowledge of past GLOF events; integrate community feedback into the Modelling Expert / GIS Specialist outputs.
• Training and Capacity Building: Develop and deliver training modules on geomorphological risk assessment, aerial survey methods, and integrated system operation and early warning SOPs for MoES technical staff.
• Pilot Early Warning Mechanisms: Establish early warning mechanisms in two selected communities; conduct community consultations; draft and adopt SOPs with MoES; conduct awareness campaigns and early warning drills.
• Field Studies and Technical Oversight: Plan and execute field studies at 10 pilot lakes; supervise field campaigns and equipment installation; integrate revised trigger thresholds into SOPs.
• Operationalization and Sustainability Handover: Integrate real-time sensor data feeds with MoES procedures; expand community early warning; finalize training on equipment maintenance; transfer all necessary documentation and contact directories.

Requirements

• Qualifications:
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in disaster risk management, civil protection, geography, environmental science, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum 7 years of professional experience in disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems, preferably with a focus on hydrometeorological or mountain hazards in Central Asia.
  • Proven experience working with national emergency management agencies; familiarity with MoES of the Kyrgyz Republic and HMFD is a strong asset.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and operationalizing community-based early warning systems and developing SOPs.
  • Experience leading community consultations, awareness campaigns, and emergency drills.
  • Working knowledge of technical specifications for hydrometeorological monitoring equipment.
  • Proven training and capacity-building experience with national authorities.
  • Professional fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written.
  • Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity.
  • Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team with people of different cultural, religious backgrounds, genders, and political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
  • Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

We Offer

• Remuneration: 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.

Application

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

Note: 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.

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