International Consultant on Wetland Ecology and Hydrology (SSA)

The consultant will lead a comprehensive assessment of selected wetland and peatland ecosystems in Kazakhstan, focusing on their natural water retention capacity and ecosystem services. The role involves generating evidence-based recommendations to support policy coordination and investments in nature-based solutions for climate resilience.

Responsibilities

• Support the identification, mapping, prioritization, and selection of wetland and peatland sites for field assessment, based on scientific, ecological, hydrological, and climate-related criteria
• Collaborate with national experts and relevant stakeholders to define assessment priorities and ensure alignment with national environmental objectives
• Conduct field-based hydrological assessments of selected sites, including the evaluation of water balance components, water storage capacity, inflows and outflows, flood attenuation functions, groundwater recharge potential, and seasonal water availability dynamics
• Assess the natural water retention capacity of wetlands and peatlands and evaluate their contribution to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
• Carry out comprehensive ecosystem services assessments for selected sites, including the evaluation of water regulation functions, biodiversity support, climate regulation, carbon storage, water purification, drought mitigation, and other provisioning and regulating services
• Analyse and compare ecosystem service performance across assessed wetland and peatland sites
• Identify, document, and assess anthropogenic pressures affecting wetland and peatland ecosystems, including drainage, water abstraction, land-use change, pollution, infrastructure development, and other factors influencing ecosystem integrity and hydrological functioning
• Review existing management practices and assess their actual and potential impacts on ecosystem services, water retention capacity, and long-term ecological sustainability
• Validate laboratory findings and remote sensing products through field observations and ground-truthing activities
• Assess the accuracy and applicability of satellite-derived information on water extent, inundation dynamics, vegetation cover, and ecosystem condition
• Develop recommendations for improved monitoring methodologies and long-term observation systems for wetlands and peatlands
• Assess the carbon sequestration and carbon storage potential of selected wetland and peatland ecosystems using available data, field observations, and relevant scientific methodologies
• Develop site-specific recovery and restoration recommendations aimed at improving hydrological functioning, ecosystem resilience, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration capacity
• Prepare a comprehensive Wetland and Peatland Recovery Action Plan, including proposed restoration measures, implementation timelines, responsible institutions, indicative costs, monitoring indicators, and expected environmental benefits
• Formulate evidence-based recommendations to support investments in nature-based solutions and integrated ecosystem management approaches
• Contribute to strengthening inter-institutional co-operation and policy dialogue on wetland and peatland conservation, restoration, and climate resilience
• Prepare technical reports, analytical assessments, and other deliverables required under the assignment
• Submit a comprehensive final technical report integrating assessment findings, ecosystem services analysis, carbon sequestration estimates, restoration recommendations, and policy recommendations for the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and other relevant national authorities

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in wetland ecology, hydrology, environmental science, or a closely related field
• Minimum 10 years of international professional experience in wetland and/or peatland assessment, ecosystem services evaluation, or related hydrological research
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting hydrological field surveys, water balance analysis, and quantitative ecosystem services assessments
• Proven experience working in Central Asia or comparable semi-arid and continental climate regions is a strong advantage
• Familiarity with the Ramsar Convention framework, IPCC guidelines on wetlands, and international nature-based solutions policy instruments
• Practical experience in remote sensing and GIS applications for wetland mapping and monitoring
• Track record of producing policy-relevant technical reports and working in inter-ministerial or multi-stakeholder advisory processes
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of Russian is an advantage
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant GIS or analytical software
• 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

Skills

• Wetland Ecology
• Hydrological Field Surveys
• Water Balance Analysis
• Ecosystem Services Assessment
• Peatland Assessment
• Remote Sensing
• GIS Software
• Policy Report Writing
• Inter-ministerial Advisory
• Ramsar Convention Framework
• IPCC Wetlands Guidelines
• Nature-based Solutions Policy
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Quantitative Ecosystem Analysis
• Gender Awareness
• Environmental Sciences
• Hydrology
• International Wetland Research

Languages

English, Russian