National Expert to Provide Services on Ecological Assessment and Monitoring of Pollution in the Caspian Region Water Basin

Background:

This position is open only for citizens and permanent residents of Kazakhstan.

The urgency of conducting an expert examination of pollution in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea cannot be overstated. Recent data underscores a troubling trend of environmental degradation that imperils the biodiversity and economic stability of the region. The Caspian Sea, one of the world’s largest inland bodies of water, has faced significant ecological strain due to the unregulated discharge of pollutants from various sources, including oil transportation. Fauna such as the Caspian seal and sturgeon have experienced considerable declines due to habitat destruction and pollution. Reports of dead seals washing up on the Caspian Sea coast have become all too common.

Statistics indicate a significant decline in the aquatic resources of the Caspian Sea in recent years, with fisheries catch rates plummeting by 40-50 percent due to pollution. This degradation not only threatens marine life but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands who rely on fishing and related industries.

The Office, in collaboration with the Association of environmental organizations of Kazakhstan, has initiated a project to conduct an expert review of water pollution in the Caspian region. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is a key stakeholder in this endeavour.

The proposed project aims to address these critical issues through several focused activities: mandatory state monitoring to assess the impact of oil-transporting vessels, crucial for understanding and mitigating the direct environmental effects of oil spills and routine discharges. Additionally, examining regulatory frameworks will ensure that operations adhere to best practices for environmental safety and compliance – a necessary step in safeguarding the fragile marine ecosystem. Overall, project execution will facilitate informed decision-making and prompt interventions. This approach ensures that emergent issues can be addressed swiftly, minimizing potential environmental and economic fallout. Engaging stakeholders through this project will promote greater transparency and collaboration among involved parties, including local communities and international bodies, essential for the long-term sustainability of the Caspian Sea’s natural resources.

Objective of Assignment: 

In light of the above, the Office is seeking a national consultant to provide expertise on water pollution in the Caspian region.

Duration of Assignment:
2.5 months 

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

Port activity analysis: identify entities operating in the port of “Aktau” and track sea vessel movements (dry cargoes, tankers) over 5 years. Determine the volume of oil products, fertilizers, and chemicals transported by ferry within the same period.

Oil pollution assessment: evaluate the state monitoring of anthropogenic impact on vessels transporting oil in the Kazakhstan part of the Caspian Sea. Document the number of oil spills detected in the past five years;

Regulatory response review: investigate actions taken by regulatory bodies and accountability measures for water pollution incidents;

Offshore drilling monitoring: monitor offshore drilling activities, including the installation of sensors for emissions and discharges over the last 5 years

Environmental monitoring: assess KazHydromet’s monitoring of water and atmospheric air pollution, including the number of monitoring posts.

Aerospace survey evaluation: analyze the effectiveness of aerospace surveys in identifying and preventing environmental law violations;

Data analysis and reporting: conduct statistical data analysis and compile a comprehensive final report containing any project-related issues.

Gather and analyse information related to institutions of higher education (universities) involved in the education and education of specialists in the sphere of water resources, water management and water use.

Examine various aspects, such as programmes and training methods, technical equipment, educational and industrial practices, international collaborations with other universities.

Identify opportunities for enhancing the system of retraining and advanced training of specialists in water resources, water management and water use.
Collect and analyze information concerning the supply and demand dynamics within labour market for specialists in the field of water resources, water management and water use.

Prepare a comprehensive SWOT analysis highlighting strengths and, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the existing education system for specialists in water resources, water management and water use.

Formulate recommendations aimed at improving the education of specialists in this field of water resources, water management and water use, and actively participate in project meetings.

Prepare the preliminary consolidated assessment report with all the above-mentioned findings.

Address the comments provided by the POiA, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, and the International Water Assessment Centre to the draft report.

Finalize the report, prepare the power point presentation, and present the findings.

Deliverables:

Oil pollution assessment record

• Overview of state monitoring mechanisms for vessels transporting oil;
• Summary of oil spill incidents detected and documented over the last five years; 
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of response strategies employed by relevant authorities

Regulatory and offshore drilling monitoring report

• Analysis of actions taken by regulatory bodies in response to water pollution incidents;
• Detailed review of accountability measures for the pollution incidents;
• Overview and timeline of offshore drilling activities, detailing the installation and performance of sensors for emissions and discharges.

 Environmental and aerospace survey analysis report:

• Analysis of KazHydromet’s monitoring data of water and atmospheric pollution, including details about the number and distribution of monitoring posts;
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of aerospace surveys in detecting and preventing environmental violations, with case studies or specific examples where applicable.

Necessary Qualifications:

Fluency in the English and Russian languages, both oral and written.

Higher education in one or more of the following fields: environmental protection, sustainable development, law or a related field;

At least 5 years of experience in the environmental field;

Experience in developing project concepts, analytical reporting, strategic documents and reviews in the environmental field;

Project management skills and experience will be an advantage;

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. Payment will be transferred in local currency (tenge) to the bank account of the consultant.

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.

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. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. 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 https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

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