Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

  • Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
  • Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
  • Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

UNDP helps Kazakhstan honor its Paris Agreement commitments by supporting the expansion of the "green economy" to tap into new opportunities for jobs and businesses. It partners with other United Nations agencies to provide technical expertise to translate strategies into action, establish a monitoring framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and develop plans for transition to green energy, land management, climate- proof agriculture, biodiversity, reforestation, disaster risk reduction, and waste management. By catalyzing SDG and Paris-aligned investments (public and private), UNDP delivers client-focused solutions that respond to immediate, mid and long-term recovery and socio-economic development priorities, and; by leveraging on-the- ground presence and networks, we unlock bottom-up solutions towards lasting impacts at the country level, benefitting most disadvantaged and leaving no one behind.

Climate change is intensifying water scarcity, increasing floods, droughts, and other water‑related disasters, with renewable water resources projected to decline by 20% for every 1°C rise in global temperature. Central Asia, already vulnerable due to its arid climate and heavy reliance on agriculture with inefficient irrigation, faces growing water risks. Kazakhstan in particular is experiencing severe flooding and rising water scarcity, compounded by upstream infrastructure development, highlighting the urgent need for improved irrigation and water management.

In response, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and UNDP are supporting the Government of Kazakhstan through the project “Business Ecosystem Development for Sustainable Irrigation in Kazakhstan”. The project aims to improve water use efficiency and prevent shortages by transitioning to modern irrigation practices. It integrates regulatory, institutional, and infrastructure measures, capacity building, and digital technologies, and has strong replication potential across Central Asia, while supporting agricultural productivity and economic growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Advice and Technical Support:

  • Provide specialized knowledge and expertise in water resources management and climate‑resilient water use, ensuring their integration into national development plans and activities supported by the Project;
  • Review and analyze existing national and sub‑national activities, policies, strategies, legal frameworks, and regulations related to water management, hydraulic structure construction, irrigation, agriculture, and climate adaptation, identifying gaps, barriers, and opportunities for improvement;
  • Assess the institutional and regulatory framework governing water allocation, water use,  irrigation water supply services, and water efficiency, ensuring coherence with national priorities, regional cooperation objectives, and relevant international commitments;
  • Support the development, revision, and implementation of water management and sustainable irrigation policies, strategies, guidelines, and action plans, drawing on international best practices and stakeholder consultations;
  • Contribute to the design of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks for project-supported interventions in water sector, including indicators related to water use efficiency, and climate resilience, etc.;
  • Analyze and advise on financial mechanisms, and funding opportunities (public, private, and donor) relevant to sustainable water management, irrigation modernization, and digital solutions in water sector;
  • Promote the mainstreaming of sustainable water management principles—including Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), NEXUS and efficient irrigation—into agriculture, rural development, and water‑related policies, programmes, and plans;
  • Support the establishment and/or strengthening of institutional coordination mechanisms and  operational procedures for improved governance of water resources and irrigation development in Kazakhstan.

Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Support effective collaboration with relevant government agencies, partners, and stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of project activities related to water management, hydraulic structures and irrigation;
  • Engage with policymakers, government officials, NGOs, and community leaders to build consensus and support for inclusive and participatory approaches to water management and governance;
  • Coordinate among various stakeholders involved in water management, irrigation modernization, and climate resilience to ensure coherence and efficiency; 
  • Assist in translating technical and policy‑related content into clear, accessible messages tailored to different audiences, including decision‑makers, practitioners, and end users;
  • Design and conduct capacity-building activities related to water management, irrigation efficiency, digital and smart irrigation technologies, and climate‑resilient practices enabling stakeholders to understand and contribute to effective water management; 
  • Prepare and contribute to technical reports, policy briefs, analytical papers, presentations, and communication materials documenting project progress, lessons learned, and policy recommendations in line with UNDP reporting standards.
  • Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the project.

Perform any other duties within the scope of this assignment, as required to ensure the effective implementation of project activities related to sustainable water management and irrigation development.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Analyst on water resources management will work under direct supervision of the Project manager and overall guidance of the Programme Specialist/ Head of Energy and Environment. S/he will ensure quality advice to the Project manager and work in close collaboration with the programme and operations teams, project partners and other stakeholders including international development institutions, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multilateral and bilateral donors ensuring successful implementation of the projects. S/he will comply with relevant UNDP rules and regulations. 

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy           

  • Business Acumen:
    • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome 
    • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frame 
    • Works in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks 
    • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization
  • Negotiation and Influence:
    • Reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations 

Business Development          

  • Human- centered Design:     
    • Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process. Knowledge and understanding of human centred design principles and practices. 
  • Knowledge Generation:
    • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. 
    • Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. 
    • Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
  • Knowledge Facilitation:
    • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. 
    • Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
  • Risk Management:
    • Identify and organize action around mitiating and proactively managing risks

People 2030 Agenda: Planet

  • Nature:             
    • Water Governance: Water governance for sustainable solutions

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Water Management, Water Engineering, Engineering, Climate Studies, or a related field is required, or 
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

  • Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 
  • Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in water management, water engineering, or related projects. 

Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Kazakh and/or Russian.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience in preparation of technical documentation on water infrastructure construction projects. 
  • Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). 
  • Experience in preparation of analytical reports and presentations for management and institutional stakeholders.
  • Experience in coordination with public authorities, stakeholders and governmental experts in the water and infrastructure sectors.
  • Experience in monitoring and reporting on implementation of national policy priorities, strategic directives.
  • Knowledge of water infrastructure construction rules and regulations. 
  • Experience with hydraulic/hydrologic modeling instruments. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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