INTRODUCTION:
In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, building practical skills in their use is becoming increasingly important for water-sector professionals, including engineers, analysts, researchers, and decision-makers. AI offers new opportunities for processing information and data, analysing materials, automating routine processes, and producing professional outputs.
For water-sector professionals, the application of AI is of particular interest due to the large volume and diversity of information used in their professional activities and the wide range of tasks they are required to address. These include the processing, analysis, and visualisation of data from desk-based and field studies; analysis of technical and regulatory documentation; information search and structuring; programming and automation of routine operations; development and interpretation of predictive models; and other related tasks.
At the same time, the effective and responsible use of AI requires an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of modern tools, the ability to formulate high-quality prompts, critically assess and verify generated outputs, and take into account issues related to confidentiality, data protection, and the reliability of information used.
These Terms of Reference (ToR) have been prepared to engage a consultant or team of consultants to design and deliver an in-person training workshop for members of the Women in Water Management Network in Central Asia and Afghanistan (hereinafter referred to as the Network), which brings together women professionals from governmental and non-governmental sectors working in water resources management and related fields. The training is aimed at developing practical skills in the application of AI tools in the water sector.
The event will be implemented within the framework of the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented by an international consortium comprising the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The training workshop will help professionals work more effectively with large volumes of data and information and apply modern approaches to addressing professional tasks. Mastering these tools will also contribute to strengthening digital and analytical competencies that are increasingly relevant and in demand in the professional field.
| Contract Type and Duration | Consultancy contract with an individual consultant or an organisation, with a total level of effort of up to 30 working days. |
| Duration of the Event | Two full working days |
| Indicative Dates | Mid- to late November 2026 |
| Indicative Location | Republic of Uzbekistan |
| Delivery Format | In-person |
| Target Group | Members of the Regional Network “Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan” |
| Reporting to | Project Manager (PM) |
SCOPE OF WORK:
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (PM), the consultant(s) shall design, agree upon, and deliver a two-day training workshop entitled “Practical Application of AI Tools in Water Resources Management.”
The workshop should combine theoretical input (approximately 30%) with a strong practical component (approximately 70%), including demonstrations and hands-on exercises on the application of AI tools in professional activities, followed by discussion of the results and feedback from participants.
The programme should take into account the diverse professional backgrounds of the participants, who represent governmental and non-governmental sectors, research and educational institutions, as well as different areas related to water resources management, including hydrology and hydrometeorology, water supply and sanitation, environmental management, climate change, and transboundary water resources management.
At the same time, the programme should ensure the practical relevance and applicability of the tools presented to participants with different professional profiles, without limiting the training exclusively to programming or highly specialised engineering tasks.
The final programme of the two-day workshop shall be agreed by the consultant(s) with the Project Manager (PM).
The following indicative thematic areas are proposed as a basis for developing the training programme:
· Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence — an overview of modern AI tools, their capabilities and limitations, as well as the key principles of ethical and responsible AI use.
· AI for Data Analysis — the use of AI for processing, analysing, visualising, and interpreting quantitative and other professional data.
· AI for Analytical Work — effective use of AI for searching, organising, analysing, and synthesising information, as well as for working with documents and other professional materials.
· Application of AI in Water Resources Management — practical use cases of AI for addressing tasks related to water resources management, hydrology, environmental management, climate research, water supply, and related fields.
· Automation and Digital Workflows — the use of AI to automate routine operations, prepare materials, process information, and improve the efficiency of professional workflows.
· Practical Application and Development of Tailored Use Cases — approaches to formulating tasks and prompts for AI, selecting appropriate tools, and developing tailored scenarios for the practical application of AI in participants’ professional activities.
The consultant(s) may propose additional thematic areas based on their professional expertise and the needs of the target audience.
CAREC shall be fully responsible for the logistical organisation of the training, including inviting participants and covering all costs associated with their participation.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
· Lecture Materials — a concise summary of the content delivered during the lectures and the key issues and topics covered.
· Presentation Materials with Practical Exercises (Task and Solution) — materials containing hands-on assignments that enable participants to apply the AI tools introduced during the training to professional tasks and identify opportunities for their further use in their work.
· Final Report — upon completion of the workshop, the consultant/organisation shall prepare a concise final report summarising the sessions and practical exercises delivered, the main learning outcomes, key issues and topics raised during the discussions, and recommendations for the further application of the knowledge and skills acquired by participants in their professional activities.
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS:
The expected deliverables are as follows:
a) Agreed training materials prepared and submitted to the Project Manager (PM), including presentations, supporting methodological materials, and practical exercises for participants.
b) A two-day in-person practical training workshop delivered within the timeframe agreed with the Project Manager (PM).
c) A concise final report submitted upon completion of the workshop, covering the training content and delivery process, practical exercises, key results, and feedback received from participants.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION INDICATORS:
The quality of the services delivered in accordance with the scope and deliverables specified above, as well as compliance with the agreed implementation deadlines.
PAYMENT TERMS:
The consultant’s remuneration will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate and agreed during the interview process.
All costs related to travel to and from the training venue, accommodation, and meals during the training shall be included in the consultant’s financial proposal/consultancy fee. If necessary, the CAREC team may provide assistance with hotel reservations and ticket arrangements..
CAREC shall not be responsible for any taxes levied on the amount specified in the consultancy contract.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- An academic degree in IT, automation, engineering, water resources management, hydrology, or a related field.
- At least 3–5 years of demonstrated professional experience in artificial intelligence, generative AI, data analysis, and their practical application to professional tasks, preferably in the fields of water resources, engineering, environmental management, climate research, or related areas.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering training events, workshops, or professional development courses on AI, data analysis, digital tools, or related topics.
- Experience working with technical, quantitative, or scientific information and data.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, as well as demonstrated ability to deliver interactive and practice-oriented training.
- Professional proficiency in English would be an advantage.
- International professional experience would be an advantage.
- Availability to deliver a two-day in-person workshop in one of the Central Asian countries within the timeframe agreed with the Project Manager (PM).
For consultants representing an organisation, university, or other institution, the qualification and professional experience requirements shall apply directly to the proposed trainer(s). The ability of the organisation or trainer(s) to issue certificates to participants upon successful completion of the training will be considered an additional advantage.
The proposal shall include information on the qualifications and professional experience of each proposed trainer.
Applications should be submitted by email to i.yugay@carececo.org, with a copy to f.dussekenov@carececo.org, indicating “Proposal_workshop AI in water management” in the subject line.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5 November 2026, inclusive.
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
