National Hydrological Modelling Expert (SSA) - Roster Call - Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (Bishkek)

About this position

The summary below is published by Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Design, calibrate and operationalize hydrodynamic models simulating GLOF breach scenarios for 5–10 priority lakes in Kyrgyzstan
• Produce inundation hazard datasets and build national capacity to interpret and update hazard maps
• Review MoES monitoring system interface and integration options; prepare modelling work plan
• Compile digital elevation models and historical flood records
• Develop hydrological scenario simulation tool consuming downscaled climate inputs
• Integrate tool into MoES monitoring system interface; prepare technical user manual in Russian
• Construct HEC-RAS 2D hydrodynamic models for 5–10 priority moraine-dammed lakes
• Simulate multiple breach scenarios and generate flood extent, depth, velocity and arrival-time rasters

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in hydrology, hydraulic engineering, water resources engineering, civil engineering or a closely related discipline
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional experience in hydrodynamic / 2D flood modelling with demonstrated proficiency in HEC-RAS 2D and/or FLO-2D, RAMMS, r.avaflow or equivalent tools; proven experience modelling debris flows, dam-break or GLOF events in mountain catchments (Central Asia or comparable mountain regions); experience integrating climate / hydrological scenarios into hydrodynamic frameworks;…
• Languages: Russian (fluency), English (working…), Kyrgyz (asset)
• Key skills: Hydrodynamic / 2D flood modelling, HEC-RAS 2D proficiency, FLO-2D, RAMMS, r.avaflow or equivalent tools, Debris flow modelling, Dam-break and GLOF event modelling, Climate and hydrological scenario integration, GIS platforms (QGIS, ArcGIS, SAGA GIS), Digital terrain analysis, Training and capacity-building, Gender awareness and sensitivity

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: June 2026 – December 2027.

Hiring unit: OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

Position details

Reference

4911

Last Verified

7 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for National Hydrological Modelling Expert (SSA) - Roster Call at OSCE based in Bishkek. The vacancy reference is 4911.

Background:

The Kyrgyz Republic, as the “water tower” of Central Asia, holds nearly 8,000 glaciers and thousands of high-altitude moraine-dammed lakes whose breaches can generate catastrophic debris flows. Since 1952, more than 60 dangerous lake outbursts have been recorded in the country. Ongoing glacier retreat and permafrost degradation accelerate the emergence and expansion of such lakes, increasing the probability of sudden breaches under extreme precipitation or thermal stress.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (MoES) operates an AI-driven GLOF monitoring system based on optical satellite data; it successfully forecast the outbursts of Lakes Zyndan-Western (2024) and Takyr-Tor (2025). However, the system does not yet incorporate localized climate scenarios, geomorphological breach-probability indicators or spatially explicit inundation hazard mapping.

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), in close cooperation with MoES, is implementing the project “Assessment of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in Priority Mountain Areas of Kyrgyzstan” (June 2026 – December 2027). The project is structured in two phases: Phase 1 (2026) — technical enhancement of the existing MoES monitoring system, aerial surveys, hazard mapping and pilot early warning frameworks; Phase 2 (2027) — field validation at 10 pilot lakes, procurement and installation of automated monitoring equipment, and operationalization of community early warning systems.

To deliver the project, POiB will contract national consultants on a Special Service Agreement (SSA) modality. The present Terms of Reference (ToR) define the duties, deliverables and time schedule of the consultant.

Objective of Assignment:

To design, calibrate and operationalize hydrodynamic models simulating GLOF breach scenarios for 5–10 priority lakes in Kyrgyzstan, produce associated inundation hazard datasets, and build national capacity to interpret and update hazard maps within the enhanced MoES GLOF monitoring framework.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Inception with POiB, HMFD MoES and the Climate Scientist; review of MoES monitoring system interface and integration options; preparation of modelling work plan; compilation of digital elevation models (ALOS PALSAR, Copernicus GLO-30) and historical flood records. 2. Development of the hydrological scenario simulation tool consuming downscaled climate inputs from the Climate Scientist; integration into the MoES monitoring system interface (or delivery of scripts/initial code where direct integration is not feasible); preparation of a technical user manual in Russian. 3. Construction of HEC-RAS 2D (or equivalent) hydrodynamic models for 5–10 priority moraine-dammed lakes; simulation of multiple breach scenarios varying breach size, formation time and outburst volume; generation of flood extent, depth, velocity and arrival-time rasters; joint work with the GIS Specialist on map production. 4. Refinement of inundation scenarios with aerial-survey-derived inputs (Activity 1.4) and geomorphological indicators (Activity 1.2); preparation of the inundation hazard mapping technical report; delivery of Module 3 “Hydrodynamic Modelling and Hazard Map Interpretation” to up to 20 HMFD MoES staff (Activity 2.1). 5. Survey-planning support to Activity 2.3 (definition of bathymetric profiling requirements per lake); preparation of model update protocol for incorporation of bathymetric and dam-stability data. 6. Update of hydrodynamic models with bathymetric measurements and field observations collected under Activity 2.3; revalidation of inundation maps; integration of revised trigger thresholds into early-warning SOPs (jointly with DRR Expert); preparation of final modelling technical report and handover of all model files (HEC-RAS projects, scripts) to MoES.

Deliverables:

1. Modelling inception note (EN/RU); DEM and data inventory. 2. Scenario simulation tool (code + documentation); technical manual (RU). 3. Calibrated hydrodynamic models (5–10 lakes); scenario raster outputs. 4. Final inundation modelling report (EN/RU); Module 3 training package; training delivery report. 5. Bathymetric data collection protocol; model update plan. 6. Updated hydrodynamic model archive; final modelling report (EN/RU); handover package.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

Necessary 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 demonstrated proficiency in HEC-RAS 2D and/or FLO-2D, RAMMS, r.avaflow or equivalent tools; - Proven experience modelling debris flows, dam-break or GLOF events in mountain catchments (Central Asia or comparable mountain regions); - 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; - 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; - Ability and willingness to work as a member of 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.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found underhttps://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 seehttps://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.

- Issued by: OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek - Requisition ID: KYR000359 - Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant - Grade: No grade - Job Type: Consultant - Number of posts: roster - Location: KYR - OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Bishkek - Issue Date: Jul 9, 2026 - Closing Date: Aug 12, 2026 - Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) - Job Field: Economic & Environmental Affairs

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 August 2026, today.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 7 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at OSCE see the OSCE institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Bishkek see our Bishkek location page.

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