Back National Consultant, Glacier Instructor (SSA)

Background:

The Kara-Batkak glacier is located in the Inner Tian-Shan on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. It is the reference object of glaciological monitoring carried out on the territory of the country. Comprehensive glaciological observations of the Kara-Batkak glacier have been carried out since 1956. Since 2006, observations of this glacier have been carried out by Tian-Shan High Mountain Scientific Centre (TSHMSC) under the Institute of Water Problems and Hydropower of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. These observations are carried out to study the dynamics of changes in glaciation, and ultimately to build forecasts of glacial (and, respectively, climatic) changes on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia as a whole. The monitoring results are published in the annual TSHMSC reports as well as scientific publications and delivered during presentations at scientific conferences. The results of determining the mass balance of the Kara-Batkak glacier are annually sent to the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) in Zurich.

The Kara-Batkak glacier is an average-sized glacier in the Tian-Shan range. It has a length of 4 km and is located at the altitudes from 3,360 meters to 4,800 meters. Glaciological work is conducted on the glacier along almost its entire length, ranging from 3360 m to 4200 m in altitude, and it is carried out regularly throughout the year. These activities involve measuring the thickness and density of the snow cover on the glacier, monitoring the melting intensity of the snow and ice, digging test pits in the snow cover for control purposes, studying the physical and mechanical properties of the snow, snow and ice ablation (melting) as well as collecting meteorological data from automatic weather stations installed on the glacier.

This glacier is considered to be one of the most difficult for glaciological monitoring due to the danger of movement on it. This is due to the presence of icefalls on the glacier, numerous deep and dangerous glacial cracks. Furthermore, researchers face significant danger from snow avalanches and ice collapses that occur from the surrounding slopes of the glacier.

Due to the aforementioned objective natural hazards faced by individuals working on the Kara-Batkak glacier, it is crucial to possess the skills necessary to overcome the technical challenges encountered by glaciologists, mountaineers, and mountain tourists. It is also important to be able to carry out rescue operations independently in the case of a person falling into a crevasse (employing pulley systems with ice screws, mountaineering ropes, and carabiners) or experiencing a fall from a cliff. In order to improve the safety of glaciological work on the Kara-Batkak glacier, it is important to master the basic skills in the technique of mountaineering and mountain tourism as well as the ability to provide first aid.

Considering the importance of the fact that obtaining the above skills will significantly improve the safety of glaciological work on the Kara-Batkak glacier, the OSCE POiB will contract two high mountain instructors on SSA modalities to conduct the training course. There will be 12 participants in total, so each instructor will work with a group of six people. At the end of the training certificates will be issued for participants as a proof of completing the training.

After the completion of the training, the consultants will develop safety guidelines for work on glaciers, which will be submitted to the management of Tian-Shan High Mountain Scientific Centre for further approval by respective government authorities.

Objective of Assignment:

To conduct a training on safety rules for working on glaciers and prepare training participants for independent and safe movement on glaciers.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Head of Economic and Environmental Department, the National Consultant will perform the following tasks:

Deliverables:

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-bishkek.

Necessary Qualifications:

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information