Background

In May 2021, torrential rains triggered floods, landslides and mudflows across much of the country. The largest losses were experienced in the east of Khatlon Province, including the loss of life in Kulob city and significant damage in surrounding districts.

Most of the damage was caused by uncontrolled massive water discharge through Tebalay River, which watershed is home to some 310,000 people. Tebalay watershed is a hilly area with steep inclinations, comprised mainly of loose soils and limited vegetation, intensely used by local communities for uncontrolled livestock grazing and being actively deforested for fuel purposes. Seasonal emergencies in the area are further affected by changing precipitation patterns, adding an unpredictability factor to the localized weather forecasts and early warning.

Through this project, UNDP aims to support local communities and authorities in the East Khatlon province with eco-based solutions for the effective watershed management of the Tebalay River to reduce incidence and impact of the hydro-meteorological hazards (flash floods, landslides, mudflows) on local habitation (shelter, public infrastructure), agricultural livelihoods (fields and pastures) and local ecosystems. Livelihoods-centered eco-based solutions are expected to reduce financial burden of disaster damage and self-recovery of the communities and increase their financial standing to withstand external shocks, e.g., those linked to COVID-19 pandemic.

To address these challenges UNDP, with the financial support from the Government of Japan, is implementing a project “Strengthening community resilience to climate-induced disasters through nature-based solutions in Tajikistan” with overall objective to strengthen community resilience to climate-induced disasters through nature-based solutions in the watershed of Tebalay River. To reduce impact and increase resilience of the local community to recurring hydrometeorological disasters, UNDP will apply two-folded approach aiming at (i) reduction/removal of hazards’ triggering factors and (ii) re-shaping local agricultural practices to create positive impact on disaster dynamics.

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective of the assignment is to conduct the hydrometeorological hazards assessment to inform watershed management planning. To meet the objective, the consultant will provide expertise and necessary resources to deliver the following tasks:

• Conducts timely hydrological analysis and assessment in the watershed of Tebalay river (including the districts of Sh.Shohin, Muminobod and Kulob zone), and prepares needed technical reports
• Provides specialized technical advice in the application of methodological skills and knowledge to improve integrated and climate-sensitive water management
• Develop the technical guidance in relation to hydrological data collection management and development of database systems and tool to support river monitoring
• Collaborate in the establishment and implementation of intersectoral coordination mechanisms with different relevant actors (e.g. regional and local governments, agriculture users and other water users’ groups)
• Advise modelling activities and ensuring its contribution to hydrological, flood, drought and other assessments
• Guides and assist hydrological and hydraulic studies for flood management activities
• Prepare the Hydrological, Flood and Drought Reports in the watershed of Tebalay river zone and other river (Soy) monitoring reports
• Develop at least 3 case studies and/or articles on recent development of flood risk management related activities in target districts
• Work in close collaboration with the international experts to conducting the remote sensing data analysis for guiding local warning efforts and support prioritized on-the-ground risk reduction interventions.
• Prepare detailed final narrative report indicating issues, lessons learned and recommendations for further flood risk mitigation in the target area of Tebalay river (districts of Sh.Shohin, Muminobod and Kulob zone). 

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Proven problem-solving skills, creative thinking to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging economic environment;
• Proven ability to develop high-level policy briefs, strategies, including experience in conducting cost effectiveness analysis.
• Ability to plan and organize his/her work, efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results
• Ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a big team;

Functional/Technical Competencies:

• Skills and knowledge on modern information technologies and analysis of statistic data;
• Extensive knowledge of computer applications;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Strong oral and writing skills;
• Ability to operate under strict time limits.
• Language skills: fluent Tajik and Russian is required; English is considered an asset;
• Good communication and analytical skills as well as excellent writing skills.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in hydrology and meteorology, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, water management, climate change, environmental policy, economy or related areas

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience related to scoping and facilitating research, policy development, evaluation and review in water management, hydrology and meteorology, climate change adaptation, climate change and security, natural resources and/or environmental management;
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in conducting hydrological hazard assessment, watershed assessment and working with research institutions and international organizations;
• Work experience, familiarity with multi-stakeholder dialogue and knowledge and experience exchange and understanding of sustainable partnerships and development in Tajikistan. Ability to hold discussions with government officials, representatives of private and civil society sectors;
• Familiarity with or experienced in state/public service sector (water, disaster risk reduction, environmental) is an advantage

Application Procedure:

Please follow the link to download Individual Consultant Procurement Notice and follow the application procedures indicated in the downloaded ICPN:

http://www.undp.tj/va/upload/va/ICPN%20JSB_National%20Consultant_Hydrometeorologist%202022.pdf

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP.
Personal CV and/or resume.
Brief description of approach to work/technical proposal of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a proposed methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment; (max 1 page)
Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price and all other travel related costs (such as flight ticket, per diem, etc.), supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template attached to the Letter of Confirmation of Interest template. If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.
All application materials should be submitted by email at the following address ONLY: (ic.tj@undp.org) by (30 June 2022). Incomplete applications will be excluded from further consideration.