International Consultant - Expert on Mining Waters (SSA)

Background:

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the OSCE decision-making bodies in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) works to strengthen security and stability in the OSCE region by promoting international co-operation on economic and environmental issues. In the field of Environmental Co-operation, the participating States have identified a number of threats that have significant security implications. These include, among others: Disaster Risk Reduction, Water Management, Hazardous Waste Management, and Critical Energy Infrastructure. The OCEEA has been working on assessing potential environmental risks based on these factors, including in crisis situations.

The ongoing war against Ukraine which started on 24 February 2022 has caused significant damage to the environment. The military actions and forced relocation of millions of people within the country has led to growing and disproportionate pressure on the water sector infrastructure, deteriorating water access and quality, chemical leaks, direct destruction and deterioration of natural habitats and ecosystems, damage to critical infrastructure and growing risks of flooding in various parts of the country. These impacts pose risks to the environment, human health, and security not just in the military theatre, but particularly in transboundary areas and the neighboring states.

Given this, OCEEA has developed a project with the aim to contribute to the remediation of the damages to and the degradation of the environment of Ukraine following the war and reduce future safety and security risks.

Following the Preliminary 1-year assessment report of the environmental impacts of the war (developed through the project) and the sub-thematic assessments, OCEEA is hiring environmental experts to develop a study to identify a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the management of mine water in the Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin, at the request of and in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The international consultant will work with national experts in the development of the joint report. 

Objective of Assignment: 

The OCEEA is searching for an international external consultant to work with national experts in the analysis and development of the joint report to identify a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the management of mine water in the Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin.

Duration of Assignment:
 

Two months (until 31 December 2026)

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Preparation of the Analytical Report, the Final Report shall include: 

1. Identification and provision of a detailed review of advanced international analogues regarding successful solutions (elimination) of the problem of discharging highly mineralized effluents into natural water bodies;

2. Conducting chemical analysis of samples of the specified highly mineralized effluents to identify macro and micro components contained in the water samples (sampling to be done by national experts; samples could include macro-components, Heavy Metals & Aluminum; Nitrogen Compounds; Phosphorus Compounds; Organic Matter Content;

3. Proposal of scientifically substantiated options for solving the problem of discharge of highly mineralized effluents from MPPs into the Inhulets River and their analysis (including cost benefit analysis of options and assessment of their expected environmental effect compared to the “do nothing” option), based on the information on the chemical composition of highly mineralized provided till the end of October 2026 and submitted for review by the national experts. Options may include both technological and engineering solutions as well as proposals for amendments to legal and regulatory acts to prevent such discharges;

4. Identification and detailed analysis of advanced international analogues regarding assessment of content and extraction of valuable components from highly mineralized waters;

5. Preparation of proposals for identifying and suggesting technological solutions for possible extraction of useful components for their further use, including conducting a comparative cost benefit analysis of extraction technologies;

6. Determination of possible solutions for the use of extracted valuable or useful chemical components.
    

Necessary Qualifications:

• P4 expertise level;
  •    Second-level university degree in Environmental Law/Ecology/Environmental Sciences/Chemistry/Biochemistry or equivalent (PhD, Sc.D., etc.);

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in the sphere of environmental issues, chemical industry, or related field;

• Professional experience in international activities in regard to environmental issues;

• Deep understanding of international standardization processes. Familiarity with work of technical committees would be an asset;

• Good analytical, interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team;

• Experience working on Ukraine an asset;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Excellent knowledge of English, including excellent communication and drafting skills, professional fluency in Russian and Ukrainian would be an asset;

• Excellent writing/drafting skills;

• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office;

• Computer literate;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.