WIS Programme Specialist

TERMS OF REFERENCE 

Programme Specialist  

Background Information

The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) was established in 2001 by the Governments of the five Central Asian countries - the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan - as well as by the European Union and UNDP, in accordance with the decision of the Fourth Ministerial Conference “Environment for Europe”, held in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1998.

CAREC is an independent, non-political, non-profit international organization whose mission is to assist the governments of Central Asian countries, as well as regional and international partners, in addressing environmental protection and sustainable development challenges in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

By promoting dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in environmental protection, CAREC has become a leading regional knowledge hub on environmental and sustainable development issues, recognized by national, regional, and international partners.

Water Initiatives Support Programme (WISP)

The Water Initiatives Support Programme (WISP) aims to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of water resources management in Central Asia by promoting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), strengthening transboundary and cross-sectoral cooperation, engaging relevant stakeholders, building the capacity of water professionals, and developing professional networks and platforms for the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Objective

The Programme Specialist will provide active support to the WIS Programme Manager in the implementation of the Programme’s ongoing projects, applying a constructive and results-oriented approach to the delivery of knowledge products, methodologies, and activities within water dialogue platforms, while ensuring the quality of project implementation.

The Programme Specialist will also be responsible for supporting the preparation and submission of regular progress reports on the implementation of the Programme’s projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager, support the implementation of programme projects:

·       Participate in the overall implementation of projects, working and coordination meetings with donors and partners, preparation of relevant materials, and follow-up on the implementation of project activities.

·       Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans, monitoring of implementation progress, collection of relevant information, and preparation of project and donor reports.

• Support the organization and delivery of events at various levels, including logistical and organizational support for programme activities, interpretation, moderation where required, and other related tasks.
• Identify and promptly inform management of risks, delays, and challenges affecting the implementation of project activities, and contribute to their timely resolution.
• Translate and edit programme documents, including invitation letters, annotated agendas, background documents, news materials, visibility products, and other relevant materials.
• Take minutes of meetings and consultations and prepare related reporting documentation.
• Ensure systematic filing and proper storage of project documentation, event materials, correspondence, meeting minutes, participant lists, and other supporting documents, including original contracts, certificates/acts of completed works, and other relevant documentation.
• Support the preparation of information and documentation required for financial monitoring, audits, and oversight of activity implementation within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Perform other technical and coordination tasks within the framework of approved programme project work plans.
• Contribute to the development of thematic, analytical, and conceptual project products, taking into account country-specific contexts and project objectives.
• Participate in the organization, including logistical arrangements, of cross-programme events such as the Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC), the Central Asian Leadership Programme (CALP), and other relevant activities.
• Support resource mobilization and the preparation of project proposals on water-related topics to attract new projects and funding.

Coordination of Component 3 “Capacity Development” of the Swiss Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) Initiative

• Plan, coordinate, and implement activities under Component 3 “Capacity Development” aimed at increasing the participation of women and youth in water resources management and promoting gender equality, in accordance with the approved Project Document, annual work plans, and project implementation schedules.
• Contribute to the development of event concepts, programmes, Terms of Reference, training and information materials, presentations, methodological documents, and other project materials under Component 3.
• Organize the identification and selection of national and international experts, contribute to the preparation of Terms of Reference, coordination of cooperation arrangements, and conclusion of relevant agreements/contracts.
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of Component 3 activities, including compliance with established timelines, achievement of planned results and indicators, and participation of target groups and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with project partners, experts, relevant government authorities, organizations, and other stakeholders, and coordinate relevant activities and approaches with the donor and project partners.
• Conduct regular assessments of the capacity-development needs of target groups and beneficiaries and, based on the findings, prepare plans and recommendations for training and other capacity-building activities.
• Contribute to the development and preparation of strategic and analytical materials, including strategy papers, analytical notes, and policy briefs on the thematic areas covered by Component 3.
• Collect, systematize, and analyse quantitative and qualitative information on the progress and results of Component 3 activities for monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, and project reporting purposes.
• Prepare regular reports on the implementation progress of Component 3 for periodic, annual, and other project reports, and provide relevant data and materials upon request from project management, partners, and the donor.
• Identify risks and emerging issues that may affect the implementation of Component 3 activities and prepare proposals for their timely mitigation or resolution.

Coordination of the Transdisciplinary Research Project “Exploring the Adaptive Resilience of Rural Communities in Central Asia” (CARe), in partnership with the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO, Germany)

• Coordinate annually with IAMO the project’s annual work plan and budget, including allocation of budget funds across activities, preparation and facilitation of the annual contract, and development and coordination of the respective Terms of Reference in close cooperation with the Programme Manager.
• Coordinate the implementation of project activities in accordance with the approved Project Document, annual work plans, budget, and implementation schedule.
• Coordinate the work of country and local project coordinators, engaged experts, and researchers from partner organizations involved in research activities, fieldwork, and other project activities.
• Organize and, where necessary, accompany field research, research visits, and other activities involving the IAMO team and local coordinators.
• Coordinate engagement with local and national government authorities, rural communities, experts, country and local coordinators, and other stakeholders in the project countries.
• Ensure local logistical and organizational support for fieldwork, meetings, consultations, workshops, and other project activities involving relevant stakeholders.
• Collect, systematize, process, and document materials and information obtained through field research and other project activities.
• Prepare and submit project-related reporting, informational, and analytical materials, including the collection, review, and analysis of thematic publications, studies, and reports relevant to the project.
• Prepare and systematize information and supporting documentation required for financial monitoring, reporting, audits, and project implementation oversight, and ensure proper storage of original and copied project documentation.
• Monitor the implementation of project activities, achievement of planned results, and compliance with agreed implementation timelines.
• Participate in working meetings and consultations with IAMO and other project partners on project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

Duration and Type of Employment Contract

The initial duration of the project-based employment contract is 12 months, with a three-month probationary period.

The position is fully office-based.

Remuneration

The salary level will be determined based on the results of the interview. The final offer will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and relevant professional experience.

The salary will be paid in Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) in accordance with CAREC’s internal policies and regulations.

Reporting

The Programme Specialist will report directly to the WISP Programme Manager.

Duty Station

The Programme Specialist will be based at CAREC Headquarters in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with possible business travel within the countries of Central Asia.

Requirements

Professional Experience

• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the implementation of development projects related to water resources management within international or regional organizations.
• Good knowledge of the Central Asian region, including political and institutional processes related to water and climate issues in the countries of Central Asia.
• Extensive experience working with relevant ministries, government authorities, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners in the fields of natural resources management and sustainable development.

Education

• University degree in water resources management or another relevant field. A Master’s degree will be considered an advantage.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Fluency in Russian and English is required. Knowledge of the national languages of Central Asian countries will be considered an asset.

Personal Competencies

• Diplomacy, tolerance, and tact in interactions with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment, with due consideration of gender aspects.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills.

Application Process

Applicants should: Send an application by email to i.yugay@carececo.org, with a copy to hrmanager@carececo.org, no later than 25 August 2026. Use the following email subject line:
WIS Programme Specialist – Full Name

Required Attachments

• CV in Russian or English, including a list of references and publications, if available;
• A brief motivation letter of no more than 300 words, in Russian or English;
• Other documents confirming relevant knowledge, qualifications, and skills (optional).

Notice to Applicants

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.