Hydrologist Position at UNDP – Climate Resilience and Water Resource Management in Tajikistan

March 21, 2025

11 minutes read

Hydrologist with UNDP in Dushanbe, Tajikistan is a technical role focused on water resource management, climate resilience, and hydrological assessments in the Kofirnighan River Basin (KRB). The job is part of a broader project aimed at improving climate adaptation strategies for small-scale farmers and pastoralists affected by climate change-related challenges such as droughts, floods, and soil erosion.

Key Responsibilities:http://UNDP Hydrologist Job in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Hydrological Assessments & Technical Support:
- Study water flow patterns, availability, and recharge trends.
- Design sustainable water extraction and monitoring systems.
- Provide guidance on hydrological interventions to support agriculture.
Capacity Building & Training:
- Conduct training sessions and workshops for farmers and local communities on advanced water management techniques.
- Develop educational materials to support training programs.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E):
- Track the impact of water management interventions.
- Analyze hydrological data to assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies.
- Prepare progress reports and recommendations for improvements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination:
- Work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to promote sustainable water use.
- Participate in meetings, workshops, and field visits.
Knowledge Management & Reporting:
- Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
- Contribute to research publications and reports.

Who Should Apply?

This job is ideal for hydrologists, environmental scientists, or water resource management experts with experience in climate adaptation, river basin management, and hydrological research.

Minimum Requirements:@vacancyspaces.com

Education:
- Either a Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, or Environmental Science (with at least 4 years of experience).
- Or a High School diploma (with 7 years of experience in hydrology or related fields).
Languages Required:
- Tajik and Russian (mandatory)
- English (preferred but not required)
Technical Skills:
- Experience in hydrological analysis, water management, and climate resilience projects.
- Proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and fieldwork.
- Familiarity with environmental regulations and water safety standards.

Contract Details & Work Setup

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7)
Duration: 6 months (with a possibility of extension)
Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Work Schedule: Full-time
Agency: UNDP – Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS

This is a national position, meaning only Tajikistan nationals or those legally authorized to work in Tajikistan are eligible to apply.

Why is This Job Important?

Addresses Climate Change Challenges:
The project aims to protect small-scale farmers from the increasing risks of floods, droughts, and glacial melt.
Promotes Sustainable Water Use:
Your work will contribute to long-term water security in the Kofirnighan River Basin.
Enhances Community Resilience:
By training farmers and communities, you will help them adopt sustainable water management practices.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in applying:

Prepare Your Resume (CV): Emphasize hydrology experience, climate resilience projects, and stakeholder coordination.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Highlight your technical expertise, past projects, and motivation for applying.
Apply Before: April 1, 2025, at 05:59 AM (Tajikistan Time)

Sure! Below is a detailed explanation of the Hydrologist position with UNDP in Tajikistan, covering all aspects of the job, including the project background, responsibilities, required qualifications, skills, and impact of the role.

Hydrologist Position – UNDP, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Hydrologist to support a climate resilience project aimed at improving water resource management in Tajikistan. This role is part of a broader initiative to help small-scale farmers and pastoralists adapt to climate change by promoting sustainable water use and integrated catchment management strategies in the Kofirnighan River Basin (KRB).

Tajikistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is highly dependent on water resources for agriculture, hydropower, and daily life. However, climate change has intensified the frequency of droughts, floods, and glacial melting, leading to significant environmental and economic challenges. This project, funded by the Adaptation Fund, aims to **enhance

Hydrologist Position – UNDP, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Introduction

The Hydrologist will play a key role in assessing water resources, implementing hydrological solutions, and providing technical guidance to local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Background of the Project

Tajikistan’s Climate and Water Challenges

Tajikistan is one of the most water-rich countries in Central Asia, with approximately 60% of the region’s water resources originating in the country. The Kofirnighan River Basin (KRB) is an important water source for local communities, farmers, and hydroelectric power stations. However, due to climate change and unsustainable water use, the basin faces several challenges, including:

More frequent and intense droughts, reducing water availability for irrigation.
Flooding and mudflows, which destroy farmland and infrastructure.
Accelerated glacial melting, affecting long-term water security.
Soil erosion, leading to land degradation and lower agricultural productivity.

The UNDP-led project aims to introduce sustainable water resource management practices, focusing on climate-resilient farming, efficient irrigation, and flood prevention strategies.

Role of the Hydrologist in This Project

The Hydrologist will work as part of the UNDP Nature, Climate, and Energy team, collaborating with the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan. This position involves:

Conducting hydrological assessments to understand water flow patterns in the KRB.
Designing and implementing climate-adaptive water management strategies.
Providing technical training to farmers and local authorities.
Supporting the development of sustainable policies for water use and flood mitigation.
Monitoring project effectiveness and suggesting improvements.

This role will ensure that small-scale farmers and pastoralists have access to reliable, climate-resilient water resources, ultimately improving agricultural productivity, food security, and disaster resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Hydrologist will be responsible for a variety of technical, analytical, and training-related activities.

1. Conducting Hydrological Assessments

Analyze water availability, flow patterns, and recharge rates in the Kofirnighan River Basin.
Study glacial melt rates and their impact on water supply.
Assess groundwater levels and identify sustainable extraction rates.
Evaluate the impact of climate change on Tajikistan’s water resources.

2. Designing and Implementing Water Management Strategies

Develop sustainable irrigation plans to help farmers cope with droughts.
Identify flood-prone areas and propose disaster prevention solutions.
Implement ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) techniques, such as:
- Reforestation to reduce soil erosion.
- Terracing to manage water runoff.
- Constructing small reservoirs to store excess rainwater.

3. Providing Training and Capacity Building

Organize workshops and hands-on training for local farmers on climate-smart water use.
Teach government officials and NGOs how to monitor and manage water resources effectively.
Develop educational materials on hydrology, irrigation, and climate adaptation.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

Track project progress by collecting and analyzing water-related data.
Assess whether implemented solutions are effective in improving water availability.
Write progress reports and policy recommendations for UNDP and the government.

5. Engaging with Stakeholders and the Community

Work closely with local farmers, water management agencies, and policymakers.
Promote community participation in water conservation efforts.
Ensure that women and marginalized groups are included in decision-making.

Contribute to scientific publications on hydrology and climate adaptation.
Document success stories and lessons learned from the project.
Help develop national policies for climate-resilient water management.

Required Qualifications

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Science, or a related field (required).
A high school diploma with 7+ years of experience in hydrology can be considered in place of a degree.

Work Experience

At least 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) or 7 years (with a high school diploma) of professional experience in:
- Hydrology and water resource management.
- Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
- Integrated catchment and watershed management.
Experience working with government agencies, UN organizations, or NGOs is an advantage.

Technical Skills

Expertise in hydrological modeling and water quality analysis.
Experience with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for mapping water resources.
Knowledge of climate-resilient irrigation techniques and flood management.
Strong data analysis and report-writing skills.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Tajik and Russian (mandatory).
Knowledge of English is an asset.

Employment Terms and Benefits

Job Type: Full-time, National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7)
Contract Duration: 6 months, with a possibility of extension
Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025, 05:59 AM (Tajikistan Time)

Why This Job Matters

This role is critical in addressing climate change challenges in Tajikistan. By working as a Hydrologist with UNDP, you will:

✅ Help small-scale farmers and pastoralists adapt to climate change.
✅ Contribute to sustainable water management and disaster risk reduction.
✅ Work with international experts, government agencies, and local communities.
✅ Shape national policies on water conservation and climate adaptation.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your hydrology expertise to create real impact in a country that depends heavily on water resources for its economic and social stability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

Prepare a Resume (CV) highlighting relevant experience in hydrology, water resource management, and climate adaptation.
Write a Cover Letter explaining why they are interested in the position and how their skills align with UNDP’s goals.
Submit their application online through UNDP’s official job portal before April 1, 2025.

Would you like assistance with writing your cover letter or improving your CV

Hydrologist Position at UNDP – Climate Resilience and Water Resource Management in Tajikistan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering an exciting opportunity for a Hydrologist to join their team in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This role is integral to the implementation of the project “An Integrated Landscape Approach to Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Small-Scale Farmers and Pastoralists in Tajikistan”, which is funded by the Adaptation Fund. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and pastoralists in the Kofirnighan River Basin (KRB) by employing integrated catchment management approaches and addressing climate risks that affect water availability and agricultural sustainability.

This full-time position is offered under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7) contract and has an initial duration of six months, with the possibility of extension. The selected candidate will work under the overall guidance of the Project Manager, closely coordinating with local farmers, project staff, and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of hydrological interventions in the region.

Background and Context

UNDP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UNDP strongly upholds the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring fair representation and opportunities for all candidates, particularly those from marginalized or underserved communities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, sexual harassment, and any form of abuse.

Project Overview

Tajikistan, with its mountainous terrain and glacier-fed river systems, is highly vulnerable to climate change. The Kofirnighan River Basin (KRB) is a key region where small-scale farmers and pastoralists rely on water resources for their livelihoods. Climate change is causing increasingly extreme weather patterns, such as:

Intense rainfall events, leading to floods and landslides
Rising air temperatures, accelerating glacial melt
Increased soil erosion
Frequent droughts, affecting water availability and agricultural productivity

The UNDP project is designed to address these challenges through integrated catchment management strategies and climate-resilient interventions. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan and aligns with the country’s climate adaptation policies and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2026.

The project focuses on:

Developing a climate-resilient catchment management strategy to guide national and local rural development efforts.
Implementing climate adaptation measures at the village level, integrating sustainable farming and hydrological practices.
Enhancing knowledge-sharing platforms for improved water resource management and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.

Key Responsibilities of the Hydrologist

The Hydrologist will play a crucial role in conducting hydrological assessments, implementing water management strategies, and supporting climate adaptation initiatives. The key responsibilities include:

1. Conducting Hydrological Assessments

Analyzing water availability, flow patterns, and recharge trends in the Kofirnighan River Basin (KRB).
Assessing the impact of climate change on hydrology, including glacial melt, rainfall variability, and drought risks.
Developing strategies to improve water storage, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable water extraction.
Recommending water conservation techniques and designing sustainable water management plans.

2. Providing Technical Expertise in Water Resource Management

Designing integrated water resource management (IWRM) plans for sustainable water use.
Supporting ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches that enhance climate resilience in agricultural landscapes.
Advising on water-related infrastructure improvements such as dams, irrigation channels, and flood control measures.

3. Supporting Climate Adaptation Measures

Identifying hydrological risks, including flooding, soil erosion, and drought.
Developing early warning systems for water-related emergencies.
Monitoring the implementation of climate adaptation strategies, such as:
- Soil conservation techniques
- Water harvesting systems
- Reforestation and agroforestry practices

4. Capacity Building and Training

Conducting training sessions for farmers and local communities on:
- Sustainable irrigation practices
- Efficient water usage
- Drought preparedness
Developing educational materials to enhance community awareness of climate risks.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Establishing monitoring frameworks to track hydrological changes.
Collecting data on water usage, river flows, and groundwater levels.
Providing recommendations for improving hydrological interventions.
Documenting best practices and lessons learned for future scaling-up.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

Collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and community groups.
Participating in project meetings, field visits, and policy discussions.
Supporting the development of policies and action plans for sustainable water management in Tajikistan.

7. Knowledge Management and Dissemination

Developing reports, case studies, and success stories on hydrology and climate resilience.
Contributing to national and regional discussions on climate adaptation and water security.
Sharing knowledge through conferences, publications, and online platforms.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education Requirements

Secondary Education is required.
A Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Science, or a related field is preferred.

Experience Requirements

Minimum 7 years of professional experience in hydrology, water resource management, or climate adaptation (for candidates with a Secondary Education).
Minimum 4 years of experience (for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree).

Required Skills

Proficiency in hydrological modeling and data analysis.
Strong computer skills, including expertise in spreadsheets and databases.

Desired Skills

Experience working with government agencies, UN organizations, or NGOs.
Knowledge of integrated water resource management (IWRM).
Expertise in flood control, drought management, and soil conservation.
Experience in engaging local communities and marginalized groups.
Familiarity with climate-resilient water infrastructure planning.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Tajik and Russian is required.
English proficiency is considered an asset.

Additional Information

Employment Terms

Job Schedule: Full-time
Contract Duration: 6 months (with the possibility of extension)
Duty Station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

UNDP Policies on Non-Discrimination and Ethics

UNDP enforces strict policies on workplace ethics, diversity, and inclusion. Selected candidates will undergo background checks to ensure compliance with UNDP’s zero-tolerance policies on discrimination and misconduct.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply via the official UNDP job portal:
🔗 Apply Here

Important Notes:

UNDP does not charge any application or recruitment fees.
Beware of fraudulent job offers impersonating UN agencies.

Conclusion

This Hydrologist position at UNDP Tajikistan presents a unique opportunity to contribute to climate resilience, water management, and sustainable agriculture in the Kofirnighan River Basin. By integrating hydrology with climate adaptation strategies, the selected candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing water security, reducing disaster risks, and supporting rural livelihoods.

If you have expertise in hydrology, climate adaptation, and water resource management, this is an excellent chance to make a meaningful impact in Tajikistan’s environmental and agricultural sector. 🚰🌱🌍