National Consultant – Assessment of Ecological Priorities in Kazakhstan

Result of Service1. An annotated outline of the report, accompanied by a preliminary compilation of relevant sources 2. Draft Report on “Assessment of Ecological Priorities in Kazakhstan” 3. Final Report on “Assessment of Ecological Priorities in Kazakhstan” Work LocationAstana, Kazakhstan Expected duration2 month (November-December, 30 working days) Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region are experiencing significant environmental pressures that jeopardize ecological sustainability and socio-economic development. Climate change, land degradation, shrinking glaciers, declining water resources, biodiversity loss and worsening air pollution are compounding existing vulnerabilities and generating new risks, including climate-induced migration, food insecurity and increased exposure to natural disasters. Against this backdrop, at the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, proposed convening a Regional Ecological Summit in 2026, in cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations. The Summit will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 22 to 24 April 2026. The aim of the Summit is to develop agreed workable solutions and mechanisms that reflect a regional approach to addressing climate and environmental challenges, preventing risks and strengthening resilience. The report on the ‘Assessment of Ecological Priorities in Kazakhstan’ will provide input to the wider regional ‘Assessment of Ecological Priorities in Central Asia,’ which will be considered by Ministers responsible for the environment of the five Central Asian countries. The themes identified for the Summit should therefore be taken into account in the current assessment: (i) Support for the climate transition; (ii) Adaptation and economic resilience to environmental and natural risks; (iii) Food security and the region’s ecosystem; (iv) Sustainable management of natural resources; (v) Combating air pollution and waste management; (vi) Mechanisms for achieving environmental ambitions; (vii) A just and inclusive regional transition; and (viii) Environmental and digital skills for a sustainable future. PURPOSE Conduct a comprehensive evidence-based national assessment of ecological priorities in Kazakhstan, that highlights the country’s key environmental trends, risks and opportunities. OBJECTIVES • Produce an evidence-based national assessment of Kazakhstan’s ecological priorities, highlighting key environmental trends, risks, and opportunities from 2015 to the present, and including, where possible, scenarios and projections through 2060. • Ensure that the national assessment reflects the themes of the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. • Collect and analyze existing research and data from national and international sources to ensure accuracy and relevance. • Prepare a concise executive summary that presents key findings, recommendations, and actionable policy messages for decision makers. SCOPE OF WORK The National Consultant will carry out their obligations under the direct supervision and guidance of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan. The Consultant will identify key environmental challenges in Kazakhstan and prepare the assessment as a desk-based exercise, drawing on existing research and reports on environmental and climate issues in Kazakhstan. The assessment period will cover 2015 to the present, and, where possible, include scenarios and projections through 2060. The report must be written in English. The “Assessment of Ecological Priorities in Kazakhstan” (approximately 50 pages) will: • Present key findings from existing sources, including status, trends, and, where possible, scenarios and projections. Sources will include national and regional studies by national and international organizations (e.g., UNEP, UNECE, UNDP, FAO, UNDRR, OECD, World Bank and others). as well as additional relevant reports identified independently by the consultant. • Be complemented by graphs of key environmental and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. • Include a synthesis of suggested next steps and recommendations from existing sources. • Provide a broad, comprehensive assessment with sufficient details allowing for identifying key issues, trends, recommendations etc. • Include a short executive summary highlighting key findings and policy messages. • Include a detailed list of sources and references used in preparing the assessment. The topics to be covered should include but are not limited to climate change and environmental risks; water resources and glacier melt; air pollution; waste management; land degradation and desertification; sand and dust storms; biodiversity; nature-based solutions and sustainable infrastructure; green development; environment and energy (including energy transition); and environment and health. The assessment should also address cross-cutting environmental issues such as monitoring, access to information, and environmental impact assessment. The assessment will meet the standards of an analytical/scientific paper, and the text and results should be well structured, clearly articulated, logical and accurate, as well as well-formatted. Qualifications/special skillsEducation - An advanced university degree in environmental protection or a related field is required Experience - At least five years of professional experience in environmental matters is required - Extensive knowledge and expertise in environmental assessments, policy analysis and reporting, and the analysis of environmental trends, as well as the green economy and sustainable development is required - Strong knowledge of international environmental frameworks and commitments is essential. - Proven ability to synthesize complex information and present clear, policy-relevant findings. - Familiarity with environmental issues and institutional contexts in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, as well as experience working with SDG indicators, are highly desirable. Languages- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Kazakh and Russian is desirable. - Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to write reports, conduct studies, and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style, in English. Other attributes • Understanding of, and commitment to, the values of the United Nations. • Ability to meet deadlines and work independently. Additional InformationThe evaluation of the consultant will be conducted using a cumulative analysis or combined evaluation method, which considers both technical and financial aspects. A contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer: 1. Meets all minimum technical requirements, and 2. Receives the highest combined score based on the following weighted criteria: • Technical Evaluation: 70%, • Financial Evaluation: 30%. Payments will be linked to the deliverables and made upon the consultant’s satisfactory completion and approval of each output. ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES The National Consultant will be responsible for arranging their own domestic travel within Kazakhstan, if required. No additional expenses beyond the scope of this TOR will be reimbursed. The consultant must have their own laptop and other necessary technical equipment to complete the assignment. All documents produced during the consultancy period will be treated as confidential, and the rights to distribute and/or publish them shall reside solely with the United Nations. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.