International Consultant (Marine Monitoring Systems for Strategic Development Plan) (SSA)

The consultant will develop the architecture of the Comprehensive Continuous Marine Monitoring System (CCMMS) for the Kazakhstani sector of the Caspian Sea, ensuring technical feasibility, adaptation to local conditions, and integration with national data platforms. The role involves assessment, design, and coordination to support KSRICS's strategic development plan for 2028–2038.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing environmental monitoring infrastructure and monitoring systems operating in the Kazakhstani sector of the Caspian Sea
• Review the technical condition, coverage, operational capabilities, and limitations of existing monitoring stations and related infrastructure
• Analyse available environmental and hydrological datasets and assess their suitability for integration into a real-time monitoring and management system
• Identify monitoring gaps, including geographic coverage deficiencies, seasonal limitations, insufficient measurement frequency, and gaps in pollution and biodiversity monitoring
• Develop recommendations for the optimal architecture of a monitoring network, including the number, type, and placement of monitoring stations
• Determine and justify the geographic locations and coordinates of monitoring stations based on hydrodynamic conditions, ecological sensitivity, biodiversity considerations, pollution sources, river inflows, shipping routes, and operational constraints
• Design a comprehensive monitoring system incorporating offshore monitoring buoys, coastal automated stations, estuarine and delta monitoring stations, mobile measurement systems, and laboratory infrastructure
• Develop technical specifications for monitoring equipment and sensors required for the measurement of physical, chemical, biological, and meteorological parameters
• Recommend monitoring technologies and instrumentation suitable for long-term operation under Caspian Sea environmental conditions, including ice exposure, corrosion risks, and remote operation requirements
• Propose cost-effective and sustainable technical solutions aimed at minimizing maintenance requirements, ensuring operational resilience, and facilitating equipment servicing and sensor replacement
• Design a real-time data transmission and communication architecture utilizing terrestrial and satellite communication technologies where appropriate
• Develop specifications for a centralized data management and processing platform, including data acquisition, storage, visualization, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and reporting functions
• Develop an early warning and notification framework for environmental anomalies, pollution incidents, and other monitoring-related events
• Ensure that the proposed monitoring system enables interoperability and potential integration with relevant international observation and monitoring networks
• Define maintenance, calibration, inspection, and equipment replacement procedures, including schedules and operational protocols adapted to seasonal and ice-period conditions
• Develop recommendations for maintenance logistics, equipment servicing arrangements, and metrological calibration requirements
• Ensure that proposed equipment and technical solutions are supported by available supply chains, maintenance services, and authorized service providers within Kazakhstan and the region
• Participate in technical consultations, working meetings, and coordination activities with KSRICS experts, government institutions, and other relevant stakeholders
• Undertake at least one field mission to Aktau to support technical assessment and system design activities
• Contribute to the joint development and validation of the CCMMS system concept and technical design
• Present preliminary findings, recommendations, and technical solutions to project stakeholders and, if requested, at regional events and expert meetings
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, recommendations, and other deliverables required for the successful completion of the assignment

Requirements

• Advanced degree in oceanography, marine science, environmental remote sensing, or ocean engineering (Master's minimum; PhD preferred)
• At least 8 years working on ocean or environmental observing systems; track record in system design or institutional management, not only research
• Experience across at least three observing platform types: buoys, vessel-based sensors, coastal monitoring stations, or satellite remote sensing
• Knowledge of operational data management, including real-time alert systems and OCC-type environments; experience in spill trajectory modelling is an advantage
• Experience in ice or cold marine environments
• Proven ability to lead strategic planning processes for scientific or environmental institutions, including M&E frameworks and resource mobilisation
• High proficiency in technical writing in English; knowledge of Russian is an advantage
• No conflicts of interest with oil and gas companies operating in the Caspian; Intellectual Property to be assigned to the Government of Kazakhstan
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications

Skills

• Oceanography
• Marine Sciences
• Environmental Remote Sensing
• Ocean Engineering
• Ocean Observing Systems
• Environmental Observing Systems
• Observing Platform Operations
• Buoy Systems
• Vessel-based Sensors
• Coastal Monitoring Stations
• Satellite Remote Sensing
• Operational Data Management
• Real-time Alert Systems
• Oil Spill Trajectory Modelling
• Ice Marine Environment Experience
• Strategic Planning
• Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks
• Resource Mobilization
• Technical Writing
• Microsoft Office Suite

Languages

English, Russian