Overview
To operationalize community-level early warning mechanisms for glacial lake outburst floods, build national capacity, and ensure sustainable handover of the early warning system to relevant authorities and communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Inception with POiB and HMFD MoES Civil Protection Department, mapping existing civil-protection mechanisms, preparing a stakeholder engagement plan, and participating in pilot community selection.
- Coordination of participatory validation of draft hazard maps, collection of local historical knowledge, integration of community feedback, and participation in field verification missions.
- Development and delivery of training modules on "Geomorphological Risk Assessment and Aerial Survey Methods" and "Integrated System Operation and Early Warning SOPs", coordination of Training-of-Trainers, and convening of the Technical Working Group meeting.
- Establishment of pilot early warning mechanisms in two selected communities, including consultations, derivation of trigger thresholds, drafting and adoption of SOPs, awareness campaigns, and practical early warning drills.
- Joint planning with the Hydrological Modelling Expert and HMFD MoES of field studies at 10 pilot lakes, preparation of technical specifications for monitoring equipment.
- Technical oversight of field campaigns, participation in selected campaigns, technical supervision of equipment installation, and integration of revised trigger thresholds into SOPs.
- Operationalization of the early warning system, integration of real-time sensor data, expansion of community early warning, community drills, awareness campaigns, and alert configuration.
- Sustainability handover, including final training on equipment maintenance, transfer of project documentation, and participation in the formal project closure meeting.
Required Experience
Minimum 7 years of professional experience in disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems, preferably with a focus on hydrometeorological or mountain hazards in Central Asia; Proven experience working with national emergency management agencies; familiarity with the structure and procedures of MoES of the Kyrgyz Republic and HMFD is a strong asset; Demonstrated experience designing and operationalizing community-based early warning systems and developing SOPs; Experience leading community consultations, awareness campaigns and emergency drills; Working knowledge of technical specifications for hydrometeorological monitoring equipment (water-level sensors, dataloggers, telemetry); Proven training and capacity-building experience with national authorities.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in disaster risk management, civil protection, geography, environmental science, civil engineering or a closely related discipline.
