Call for Interest: Technical Flood Emergency Support in Kazakhstan

Context:

Early April 2024 large floodings have taken place in both Russia and downstream Kazakhstan. More than 110,000 people have been forced to evacuate in Russia and Kazakhstan after fast-melting snow swelled the Ural River, Europe’s third-longest, causing it to burst its banks and flood cities and towns along its path. More than 97,000 people were evacuated in Kazakhstan alone, the emergencies ministry said while at least 12,000 people have been moved to safety in Russia, mainly from the worst-hit Orenburg region. 

The Dutch government has been asked to support the Kazakh government in their response.

Goal of the support:

The proposed DRRS team should provide the Kazakh government with guidance during the immediate emergency phase, make an analysis of how the Dutch government and water sector can assist during this response phase and after this flood disaster and provide that assistance.

After the initial response phase, the DRRS team is expected to evaluate the response and make recommendations on possible follow up activities that can be prioritized by the Kazakh authorities. These follow up activities can be (partially) taken up by DRRS, but may also be taken up by other organization which may be better positioned.

We are looking for the following experts:

Team leader (TL) requirements (preferred candidate identified):
-    Senior expert in water related issues with knowledge of the regional context
-    Long term experience as a project/team-leader;
-    Ability to act as a focal point for the DRRS coordination team;
-    Ability to lead the team, coordinate with the Embassy, facilitate group discussions, present overall conclusions and recommendations, coordinate reporting & responsible for a high quality advice;
-    Ability to formulate a strategy to deal with the various factors in the study area;
-    Possess a strong sense of political-governmental sensitivity.

Strategic advisor flood risks requirements (preferred candidate identified):
-    Senior expert in flood related issues;
-    Strong knowledge on concepts related to Building With Nature, Build Back Better and Climate resilient basin planning;
-    Strategic thinker;
-    Ability to formulate a strategy to deal with the various factors in the study area;
-    Possess a strong sense of political-governmental sensitivity.

Local access specialist (preferred candidate identified):
-    Strong knowledge of the local context;
-    A local network in Kazakhstan to be utilized;
-    Speaking relevant local languages.

Data / flood management specialists (preferred candidate identified):
-    Expertise on hydrological/flood modelling;
-    Expertise on interpolation and extrapolation of hydrological data.

GIS and RS/EO data expert (preferred candidate identified):
-    Senior expert on remote and (open source) data gathering;
-    Experience on dam failures and flood events

Interested?
If you are interested in playing a role in this assignment please do not hesitate to reach out to drrs@rvo.nl.