Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
 | The Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC) Sustainable Transboundary River Enhancement and Adaptation Management (STREAM) project will develop a comprehensive transboundary management framework for the Chu- Talas River basin shared by Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The project will: (i) conduct climate and hydrological assessments; (ii) develop an Integrated River Basin Management Plan (IRBMP); and (iii) prepare bankable investment projects to enhance climate resilience and water security for approximately 3 million people in the basin. The Chu-Talas basin is increasingly affected by rising temperatures and glacier retreat, leading to altered river regimes and shifts in seasonal water availability, with critical implications for regional water security, threatening both urban water supplies and agricultural productivity. The impacts of floods, mudflows, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are also expected to rise due to more extreme precipitation and seasonal peak flows. This calls for increased cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on transboundary disaster risk management and early warning. Riverbank erosion along the shared border presents a collaborative management challenge that requires coordinated approaches from both countries. |
Scope of Work
| The consultant will • provide overall project management and coordination with ADB and executing agencies • lead the development of the Integrated River Basin Management Plan • conceptualize investment projects |
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
| • Prepare a Transnational Integrated River Basin Management Plan (IRBMP) with the following sections: – IRBMP Development Framework – Stakeholder Integration Framework – Transboundary Vision and Strategic Objectives – Climate-Adaptive Management Strategies – Monitoring and Evaluation System – Financing Strategy – Transboundary Governance Framework – Phased Implementation Plan • Conceptualize investment projects, including: – Flood Mitigation Projects – Climate-Adaptive Water Infrastructure Projects – Transboundary Institutional Strengthening Project – Investment Financing Strategy – Financing Options Analysis • Coordinate inputs from technical specialists and local consultants • Facilitate stakeholder consultations and strengthen Chu-Talas Water Commission capacity • ensure quality control of all deliverables and adherence to project timeline • conduct two field missions to Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic for stakeholder engagement and validation workshops • prepare Inception Report, progress reports, and final project documentation Deliverables: Inception Report, Integrated River Basin Management Plan, Investment Prioritization Report, Final Report |
Minimum Qualification Requirements
| • Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Management, or related field • Minimum 10 years of experience in transboundary water management and/or climate adaptation projects • Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in developing countries, preferably in Central Asia • Track record of managing technical assistance projects funded by international development organizations • Strong understanding of river basin planning methodologies and climate resilience frameworks • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills • Fluent in English; knowledge of Russian is an advantage |
