Expertise: Glaciologist/Team Leader
Expertise Group: Organization Management & Strategy Development
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: Glaciology, Glacier, Cryosphere
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
At the request of the Government of Tajikistan the Asian Development bank (ADB) has provided financing
for the Managing Glacier Loss and Water Security (M-GLOW) Project. The goal of the project is to reduce
and prevent the impacts of hazards – aligned with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of the
Republic of Tajikistan for the period 2019–2030.
The project will improve the management and monitoring of disaster risks, and prevent hazard impacts.
Specifically, it will strengthen the technical capacity of the Agency for Hydrometeorology (Hydromet) to
monitor the cryosphere.
Scope of Work
Services of an international Hydrometeorologist/Glaciologist are required to provide assistance to the
executing agency – Hydromet, and PIG on the implementation of project in accordance with relevant ADB
guidelines. The specialist will provide expert support Hydromet in two priority domains: (i) enhancing
Hydromet’s institutional and technical capabilities for systematic cryosphere monitoring; and (ii)
guiding the establishment of a Regional Coordination Centre for Glaciology in Dushanbe under the
framework of the World Meteorological Organization.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
Support to Strengthening Hydromet’s Institutional and Technical Capacity
The overall responsibilities of the Consultant/Team leader for this area will include but are not
limited to the following tasks:
(i) Assess existing field observation and early warning systems, methodologies, and operational
processes currently used by Hydromet.
(ii) Develop detailed technical specifications for the procurement of hardware and software required for
the establishment of an advanced end-to-end field-based observations, data management, and analytical
system for cryosphere monitoring and hazard forecasting leveraging remote sensing and machine learning
to evaluate glacier loss and glacial lake dynamics.
(iii) Support the Project Implementation Group (PIG) in identifying and selecting a qualified service
provider for the end-to-end data and analytical system design and operationalization.
(iv) Formulate standard operational procedures for Hydromet to adopt and mainstream the new advanced
system and technologies.
(v) Analyze Hydromet’s organizational constraints, capacity and knowledge gaps; design a comprehensive
training program to be delivered by a specialized sub-consulting firm and facilitate Hydromet’s
engagement and interaction with regional centers of excellence in Japan and Europe.
(vi) Provide technical input for community-based cryosphere hazard risk assessments and contribute to
the development of a mitigation action plan.
(vii) Assist PIG in conducting annual assessments of staff proficiency in the application of newly
acquired skills.
(viii) Support the Project Director by providing inputs to both periodic and the final project reports.
The following tasks will be undertaken under the second domain of expert support:
Preparation of the concept note, institutional framework, and technical architecture for the
establishment of the Regional Coordination Centre for Glaciology under WMO in Dushanbe.
Assessment of relevant existing national, regional and WMO strategies, legislation and service
requirements:
(i) Analysis of the existing concept, national strategies and relevant documents;
(ii) Map regional stakeholders (Hydromets, universities, research institutes, relevant agencies).
(iii) Assess relevant WMO requirements and programs including criteria for regional centers;
(iv) Prepare a comparative analysis for similar international and regional centers.
Formulation of RCCG purpose, vision, mission, mandate and functional model:
(i) Define strategic purpose (e.g., science, climate adaptation, regional cooperation);
(ii) List core functions (research, monitoring, data services, etc.), and formulate mandate, management
and accountability system, legal status and service portfolio;
(iii) Assess required institutional arrangements (governance, partnerships, legal status);
(iv) Analyze regional impact and alignment with global frameworks – interaction with the WMO Regional
Association, and with national hydrometeorological services and partners.
Institutional Setup:
(i) Propose organizational structure, staffing profiles, and governance arrangements;
(ii) Draft the Centre’s operational model (core functions, partnerships, service delivery).
Technical architecture and data systems requirements:
(i) Formulate the RCCG technical architecture, infrastructure and requirements;
(ii) Define standards for data exchange, metadata, quality control and interoperability.
Roadmap and Implementation Plan:
(i) Develop a step-by-step plan for establishment and operationalization of RCCG with a schedule,
milestones, risk assessment and mitigation measures;
(ii) Prepare documentation required for WMO review and endorsement;
(iii) Draft a regional cooperation framework, including data sharing protocols and joint activities;
(iv) Formulate a system of performance evaluation indicators and monitoring.
Sustainability and Capacity Development:
(i) Prepare a phased implementation and investment plans with cost estimates;
(ii) Formulate a sustainable financing model including national/ donor sources, co-financing mechanisms,
and long-term financial stability scenarios;
(iii) Develop a capacity building program tailored to each stage of RCCG establishment and
operationalization.
Promotion, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:
(i) Formulate communication and partnership strategy;
(ii) Support Hydromet in consultations with WMO and regional bodies.
(iii) Prepare presentations, project proposals, analytical notes, etc. for representation to WMO and
donors;
(iv) Facilitate consultations with WMO, regional partners and donors.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The international Hydrometeorological Specialist must have at least a Master’s degree, or an advanced
degree in climate/natural sciences, physical geography, water resources management, engineering, or a
closely related field, and possess a minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in: (i)
designing, implementing, and managing hydrometeorological systems and operational processes; (ii)
hydrometeorological field observation approaches with near real time telemetry and data management
systems supporting the monitoring of the cryosphere and early warning systems; (iii) establishment of
end-to-end hydrometeorological data management systems; (iv) and development of community responsive
early warning systems and practices.
In-depth knowledge of national meteorological and hydrological services, familiarity with the standards
and procedures of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and excellent written and oral
communication skills in English are essential. Experience working in Tajikistan and/or the broader
Central Asian region is considered an asset.
Minimum General Experience: 16 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
