National Hydrological Modelling Expert (SSA) - Roster Call

About the Position

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 MoES monitoring system for GLOF risks, develop inundation hazard maps, and build national capacity to interpret and update these maps. To achieve these objectives, we are seeking a National Hydrological Modelling Expert on a Special Service Agreement (SSA) modality.

Responsibilities

• Inception and Planning: Collaborate with POiB, HMFD MoES, and the Climate Scientist to review the MoES monitoring system, prepare a modelling work plan, and compile necessary digital elevation models and historical flood records.
• Hydrological Scenario Simulation: Develop a simulation tool using downscaled climate inputs, integrate it into the MoES monitoring system, and prepare a technical user manual in Russian.
• Hydrodynamic Modelling: Construct HEC-RAS 2D (or equivalent) models for 5–10 priority moraine-dammed lakes, simulate various breach scenarios, and generate flood extent, depth, velocity, and arrival-time rasters.
• Inundation Hazard Mapping: Refine inundation scenarios with aerial-survey-derived inputs and geomorphological indicators, prepare a technical report, and deliver training to MoES staff.
• Survey Planning and Model Updates: Support survey planning, prepare a model update protocol, and update hydrodynamic models with bathymetric measurements and field observations.
• Final Deliverables: Prepare final modelling reports, training packages, and handover all model files to MoES.

Requirements

• Qualifications:
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in hydrology, hydraulic engineering, water resources engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in hydrodynamic/2D flood modelling, with proficiency in HEC-RAS 2D and/or FLO-2D, RAMMS, r.avaflow, or equivalent tools.
  • Proven experience in modelling debris flows, dam-break, or GLOF events in mountain catchments.
  • Experience integrating climate/hydrological scenarios into hydrodynamic frameworks.
  • Working knowledge of GIS platforms (QGIS, ArcGIS, SAGA GIS) and digital terrain analysis.
  • 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 in 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, genders, 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

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply. 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 OSCE Competency Model.

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

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.