Job title:

Hydromet Instrumentation Expert

Type of contract:

CST

Unit/division:

Kyrgyzstan CO,

Duty station (city, country):

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Duration:

6 months (set number of days)

Background and purpose of the assignment:

WFP is the executing entity of the project SAP002: Climate services and diversification of climate sensitive livelihoods to empower food insecure and vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic. | Green Climate Fund funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which, among other, envisages capacity development support to the Agency On Hydrometeorology Under The Ministry Of Emergency Situation Of The Kyrgyz Republic (KHM) in improving and optimizing the climatic data collection and dissemination amongst the end users. The Component 1 of the GCF project foresees purchasing and installing several Automated Weather Stations (AWS), with corresponding training sessions to be conducted by the selected supplying company.

The purpose of this consultancy is quality assurance and expert support to avoid errors and delays in the sourcing of AWS, incl. related services and equipment, providing KHM and WFP with required technical backstopping and expert advice pertaining to the country-specific needs, compatibility of market offers with existing infrastructure and technical requirements as well as the necessary assessments that ensure this project best meets the objectives of enhancing the capacity of KHM to produce tailored information to end users by strengthening KHM services for data collection and generation of information. It is expected that the consultant will provide support throughout the procurement process, incl. during the acceptance of goods/services by the selected supplier and will elaborate/coordinate a training plan for KHM staff.

Therefore, the consultancy days shall be spread across the contract period of 6 months and project timeline and workload will be closely coordinated with the supervisor in WFP.

Accountabilities / responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the responsible WFP Outcome Manager and in regular consultation with the WFP procurement team as well as a KHM focal point who provides the necessary access to KHM staff and information, the consultant will:

1. Assess the KHM operational context and requirements to provide technical advice on the KHM equipment procurement, installation, and maintenance.
2. Develop an end-to-end plan for KHM on procurement, installation, maintenance and training activities on Hydromet equipment.
3. Provide technical backstopping to WFP and KHM on the procurement process of AWS and Hydromet equipment and accessories.
4. Evaluate the technical specification of the Hydromet equipment and accessories proposed by the suppliers to ensure the proposed equipment and accessories are at-part with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards and meet KHM requirements.
5. Support facilitating discussion with Hydromet equipment and accessories supplier.
6. Provide inputs for project reporting

Deliverables:

• Finalized and approved package for AWS procurement by KHM: technical specifications, decisions, certificates related to land plot allocation – June 2022
• Finalized and approved package for agro-posts by KHM: technical specifications, number and type of equipment – June 2022
• Elaboration and coordination of the training plan for the KHM staff, including the training sessions by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Finalisation of the training schedule, listing participants, thematic areas, and tentative dates within the GCF project
• Coordination of the supply and delivery process, including prior KHM notification, organization of meetings, debriefing sessions, acceptance procedures.
• Report on the launch and operations training for KHM personnel, provided by equipment supplying company.

Qualifications & experience required:

Education:

University degree in Meteorology /instrumentation/ Mechanical/ Electronics and Communication/ Engineering or any related discipline.

Knowledge, experience and skills:

A minimum of five years of professional experience including

1. demonstrated technical experience in procurement, installation, and maintenance of Hydromet instruments/sensors (e.g. Automatic Weather Station/ Automatic Rain Gauges), maintenance and functioning of real time data acquisition system, and data management systems and

2. a track record demonstrating end-user orientation, incl. through sensitization and trainings conducted.

   Proven broad market and product knowledge in the field of AWS;

Experience in equipment calibration, data quality control; data acquisition, transmission, receiving and processing system; and developing field data management plan;

Knowledge of Observational Standards recommended by the WMO;

Client-orientation and end-user training experience required;

Prior involvement in Hydromet equipment procurement, especially for the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other donors, is an asset;

Knowledge of Hydromet observatories in Kyrgyzstan is desirable;

Experience working with Hydromet Services is an advantage

Languages:

Fluency in Kyrgyz, Russian and English are required including strong communication skills in each of the three languages

Timeframe:

The suggested consultancy is therefore required for the overall period of 6 months, starting May 2022 till end November 2022. The overall number of working days shall not exceed 65.

TALENTED WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

We look for applicants with the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian values. We commit to promote diversity, gender parity and equality between men and women.

WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organisation.

WFP strives to build a work environment that is safe and respectful, and free of sexual harassment and abuse of authority. We believe in open communication, and every individual at WFP is treated with respect regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, etc.

Closing date: 17 May 2022

This position is open ONLY to Kyrgyz citizens or those authorized to live and work in the Kyrgyz Republic according to national regulations. Applicants who do not meet this criterion will not be considered for this position.

WFP does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.

Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.