National Climate Scientist (SSA) - Roster Call

Objective of Assignment

To select, downscale and operationalize localized CMIP6 climate ensembles for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins; produce climate-driven scenario inputs for glacier-melt and runoff projections that feed the enhanced MoES GLOF monitoring system and build national capacity to operate the scenario simulation tool.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Inception meeting with POiB and HMFD MoES; review of existing MoES GLOF monitoring system architecture; compilation of available hydrometeorological observation records for the Chu and Issyk-Kul river basins; preparation of inception note describing data inventory and downscaling methodology.
• Select CMIP6 global climate model ensembles (≥3 models) representative of Central Asian mountain climates; statistical/dynamical downscaling to 5 km resolution for the Chu and Issyk-Kul basins for the 2030 and 2050 horizons; bias-correction 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).
• Joint sessions with the Modelling Expert to feed climate projections into hydrodynamic breach scenarios (Activity 1.3); 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 (Activity 2.3); peer review of climate-related sections in the field validation reports.
• Prepare the final climate-modelling technical report; participate in the project closure workshop; formal handover of all datasets, scripts and documentation to MoES; knowledge-transfer session with HMFD specialists.

Deliverables

• Inception note (EN/RU); data inventory matrix.
• Downscaled CMIP6 datasets (NetCDF) for ≥3 ensembles; downscaling methodology report (EN/RU).
• Scenario simulation archive; technical report on climate triggers (EN/RU).
• Module 1 training package (slides, exercises, datasets) in EN/RU; training delivery report with pre-/post-test results.
• Updated climate scenario dataset; contributions to field validation report.
• Final climate modelling report (EN/RU); handover package.

Necessary Qualifications

• 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 the Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Able and willing to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package

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.