Overview
International consultant to lead a comprehensive assessment of wetland and peatland ecosystems in Kazakhstan, focusing on their natural water retention capacity and ecosystem services. The role aims to generate evidence-based recommendations for policy coordination and investments in nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Support identification, mapping, prioritization, and selection of wetland and peatland sites for assessment.
- Conduct field-based hydrological assessments, including water balance, storage capacity, flood attenuation, and groundwater recharge.
- Assess natural water retention capacity and contribution to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
- Carry out comprehensive ecosystem services assessments, including water regulation, biodiversity, climate regulation, and carbon storage.
- Identify, document, and assess anthropogenic pressures affecting wetland and peatland ecosystems.
- Review existing management practices and assess their impacts.
- Validate laboratory findings and remote sensing products through field observations.
- Develop recommendations for improved monitoring methodologies.
- Assess carbon sequestration and storage potential.
- Develop site-specific recovery and restoration recommendations.
- Prepare a comprehensive Wetland and Peatland Recovery Action Plan.
- Formulate recommendations to support investments in nature-based solutions.
- Contribute to strengthening inter-institutional co-operation and policy dialogue.
- Prepare technical reports, analytical assessments, and a comprehensive final technical report.
Required Experience
- 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.
Qualifications
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in wetland ecology, hydrology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
