National Consultant on Wetland Carbon Assessment (SSA)

The consultant will conduct field sampling, laboratory analysis, and assessment of carbon sequestration capacity and ecological condition of wetlands and peatlands in Kazakhstan. The role includes developing a recovery action plan and contributing technical findings to a joint assessment on wetland carbon stocks.

Responsibilities

• Support the identification and selection of wetland and peatland sites for field assessment in co-ordination with the international expert and relevant stakeholders
• Develop and implement a field sampling strategy, including the identification of representative sampling locations for soil, peat core, and water collection
• Establish and verify geographic coordinates and GIS-based mapping of selected sampling sites
• Prepare fieldwork methodologies, sampling protocols, and safety procedures for field assessments
• Conduct field missions and collect soil, peat, and water samples from selected wetland and peatland ecosystems
• Document field activities, including sample collection records, GPS coordinates, photographic documentation, and site descriptions
• Support the processing, organization, and management of field and laboratory data related to wetland and peatland assessments
• Assess and quantify soil organic carbon stocks and carbon storage capacity in selected ecosystems using internationally recognized methodologies, including relevant IPCC and Ramsar guidance
• Analyse and classify assessed sites according to carbon stock levels and associated uncertainty estimates
• Develop maps, datasets, and analytical products illustrating carbon storage distribution across assessed sites
• Apply statistical and geospatial methods to extrapolate site-level carbon stock estimates to the national scale, taking into account ecosystem types, land-cover data, and available inventory information
• Conduct uncertainty and sensitivity analyses related to carbon stock estimates and extrapolation methodologies
• Develop and apply carbon accounting approaches to estimate carbon stocks, sequestration potential, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with wetland and peatland ecosystems
• Contribute to modelling future carbon dynamics under different ecosystem management scenarios, including continued degradation and ecosystem restoration
• Assess the potential contribution of wetland and peatland restoration to climate change mitigation and national greenhouse gas reduction efforts
• Support the development of nature-based solutions and investment recommendations aimed at enhancing ecosystem resilience, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation
• Contribute to the preparation of a wetland and peatland recovery action plan, including restoration priorities, implementation measures, monitoring indicators, and expected environmental benefits
• Develop evidence-based recommendations to support policy development, inter-institutional co-ordination, and sustainable management of wetland and peatland ecosystems
• Collaborate closely with the international expert in the preparation of technical assessments, analytical outputs, and final project deliverables
• Prepare technical reports, maps, datasets, and other documentation required under the assignment
• Contribute to the preparation of a comprehensive final technical report integrating field assessment results, carbon stock estimates, carbon accounting analyses, and policy recommendations

Requirements

• Higher education (Bachelor's degree minimum; Master's or PhD preferred) in ecology, soil science, environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, or a closely related field
• At least 5 years of professional experience in wetland ecology, peatland science, soil carbon analysis, or environmental assessment in Kazakhstan
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with field soil sampling, peat coring, and laboratory analysis of organic carbon content and carbon stock calculations
• Knowledge of IPCC 2013 Wetlands Supplement methodology for greenhouse gas accounting in wetlands and peatlands
• Familiarity with Kazakhstan's wetland and peatland ecosystems, including the regulatory framework, Ramsar Convention obligations, and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) relevant to land use and wetlands
• Experience in water quality analysis (sampling, laboratory protocols, and interpretation of results) is an advantage
• Ability to conduct and oversee fieldwork under varying environmental conditions and to manage coordination with accredited laboratory partners
• Proficiency in data management and analytical tools (Excel, statistical software); GIS experience is desirable
• Strong written and oral communication skills; fluency in Kazakh and/or Russian is required; knowledge of English is an advantage
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Zoom, and the Internet
• 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

Skills

• Wetland Ecology
• Peatland Science
• Soil Carbon Analysis
• Environmental Assessment
• Field Soil Sampling
• Peat Coring
• Laboratory Analysis
• Organic Carbon Content Analysis
• Carbon Stock Calculations
• IPCC 2013 Wetlands Methodology
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting
• Wetland Ecosystem Knowledge
• Ramsar Convention Compliance
• NDCs Land Use
• Water Quality Analysis
• Field Work Coordination
• Data Management
• Excel
• Statistical Software Stata
• GIS
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Zoom
• Gender Sensitivity

Languages

Kazakh, Russian, English