Background
Tajikistan, with 93% of its territory covered with mountains, is disaster prone country. Mudflows, landslides and floods are most frequent, followed by avalanches and small-scale earthquakes. Disasters in Tajikistan are most often local, frequently affecting the more inaccessible piedmont and mountain areas of the country. On top of that, Tajikistan has a challenging mountainous geography with severe climate conditions and isolated topography with old infrastructure. In such environment, vulnerability of societies to natural disasters increases.
Damage from localized mudflows, floods, severe winter weather, hail, strong winds, avalanches, or small earthquakes diverts a household’s limited disposable assets and remittances from financing food needs, education, health care or investment into increasing one’s income (a fundamental element of the development process), to rebuilding after the disaster. This situation creates the classic poverty-shock trap where shocks (disasters) cause the families’ assets to fall below a level at which they are unable to provide for their basic needs or build assets to move ahead. These climate-related hazards are closely associated with short-term weather patterns, specifically periods of stormy weather, heavy precipitation (i.e., rain or snow) and changes in temperature and wind conditions (for avalanches).
Currently, the Tajik Agency for Hydrometeorology (Hydromet) monitors weather conditions on a daily basis and issues daily forecasts of severe weather, including heavy precipitation or severe storms and the potential for flooding and rapidly melting snow pack (important sources of mudflows). In 2019, the Agency for Hydrometeorology will begin using the updated forecasting software which is expected to improve the quality and precision of forecasts.
However, there is a significant constraint remains. Currently Hydromet has 52 weather stations, most of which have not been fully operational. Characteristic mountainous terrain in Tajikistan, diverse topography and climate patterns at district level requires wide and tight network to report detailed weather information, such as on time temperature, air pressure, precipitation, particularly in order to cope with severe and abrupt weather transition.
In September 2016, Disaster Risk Management Programme (DRMP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the new project support to the Government of Tajikistan in undertaking a nation-wide risk assessment, establishment and implementation of risk reduction measures, improvement of early warning and disaster management planning, preparedness and response, as well as strengthening capacities of search and rescue teams. Within the framework of the project, rain gauges and other equipment for 20 weather stations are ongoing for Hydromet to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasting. Moreover, Hydromet estimates further capacity building needs to strengthen the human resource.
Currently, Hydromet has been using GISMETEO and “The Consortium for Small-scale Modeling” (COSMO) for weather data analysis tool and weather forecast modeling. However, they also require upgrading these software and tools, and also to diversify the analytical options to compare the effectiveness and accuracy with current information channels and approaches.
Therefore, in order to improve the knowledge and analysis capacity of Hydromet to understand the diversified weather phenomena, UNDP DRMP needs a highly qualified expert to develop a comprehensive capacity building strategy/plan and to strengthen the meteorological and institutional capacities of Hydromet staff. Currently, Hydromet analyzed its own capacities and expressed interest in subjects below;
- Weather map analysis to deeply understand weather related phenomena which threat economic activities in Tajikistan especially agricultural industries;
- Weather forecast modeling to update knowledge and modeling patterns including other regions and countries, and to upgrade software and tools if necessary;
- Long-term seasonal forecast for early disaster-related warning in the future.
These efforts also address the Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework endorsed in 2015 and invest in disaster risk reduction for building resilience in Tajikistan. Improved warning and risk avoidance are also likely to have a proportionally greater benefit for women and girls who are more likely to be in disaster prone locations due to male outmigration.
Duties and Responsibilities
PURPOSE
UNDP DRMP is seeking for an International Consultant, who, under an overall supervision of UNDP DRM Programme Manager and Project Analysts, and in close consultation with the Hydromet and other relevant counterparts, will support and lead the activities related to analyzing and developing a capacity building strategy/plan to strengthen the meteorological capacities of Hydromet.
THE SCOPE OF WORK
The International Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- On the basis of the 1) Existing capacity building strategy/plan, 2) Interviews and meetings with Hydromet and other relevant stakeholders, including review of technical tools, methods and software that Hydromet uses, develop the situation analysis and basic framework of meteorological training scheme in order to improve the knowledge and capacities of Hydromet staff, especially on:
- Weather map analysis to deeply understand weather related phenomena;
- Weather forecast modeling to update knowledge and modeling approaches, and to upgrade software and tools;
- Long-term seasonal forecast for early disaster-related warning in the future;
- Develop the training modules, based on identified needs including the detailed curriculum, timeframe for capacity building of Hydromet staff;
- Based on the agreement and coordination with Hydromet and other stakeholders, conduct trainings;
- Develop the training report with finalized package of the whole training records and tools, including lessons learned of the entire meteorological capacity building process;
- Develop the proposal of nation-wide Early Warning System including the possible and effective modalities for transmitting these messages to the general public (where general warnings are appropriate) and specific at-risk populations
For detailed information, please refer to annex 2- Terms of Reference of the below link.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
- Good knowledge of state structures/institutions, their roles and governance set-up;
- Strong analytical skills, initiative and self-starter;
- Strong networking and coordination skills, and demonstrated ability to liaise and involve partners including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sector;
- Good presentations skills;
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work under pressure and to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
- High sense of responsibility, attention to detail, willingness to take initiative, excellent communication skills;
Corporate Competencies:
- Affinity with the mandate and role of the United Nations;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
- Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree in meteorology, and meteorological technology related to disaster risk management and reduction perspectives; or an equivalent combination of education and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area.
Experience:
- At least 8 years of working experience related to meteorology, and meteorological field, such as weather map analysis, weather forecast modeling, and long-term seasonal forecast or an equivalent combination of the relevant professional experience with state or non-state institutions.
- Working Experience related to meteorological field in Central Asian region is an asset;
Language:
- Written and verbal fluency of English language;
- Knowledge of Russian or Tajik is a strong asset.
Application Procedure:
Please follow the link to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice:
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.