International expert on managing of uranium tailings

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek
Vacancy number: VNKYRC00969
Vacancy type: Experts/Consultants
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: , Bishkek
Date of issue: 1 July 2019
Deadline for application: 23 July 2019 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		Numerous uranium tailings that contain significant amounts of highly toxic uranium and other hazardous wastes are located on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, and their condition deteriorated significantly after closure of relevant uranium mining and processing industries several decades ago. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, tailings and waste dumps remained abandoned de facto, were not exploited and no radiation monitoring was conducted in the former mines area during many years. Mailuu-Suu district of uranium ore mining and milling, which was active for 22 years (1946-1968) is located at approximately 60 km north-west of Jalal-Abad town and about 25 km from the border with Uzbekistan. The associated deposition of tailings, low-grade ore and waste rocks from mining industry was often in close proximity to Mailuu-Suu, Kara Agash, Kulmensai and Ailampa-Sai rivers. In total, 23 tailings deposits and 13 mine waste dumps were developed. The entire volume of these deposits is approximately 3 million m³ and their total activity was reported with 50,000 Curie. Mailuu-Suu, Kara Agash, Kulmensai and Ailampa-Sai rivers and adjacent areas are subject to floods during spring run-off that lead to instability of slopes and significant landslide activity, damage of river banks. roads, power lines, pipelines and housing. In some cases this damage touches tailings impoundments, which jeopardizes the regional environmental security due to close proximity to regional transboundary rivers. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (MES KR) is a state body that implements a unified state policy in the field of radiation safety, treatment of tailing dumps and mining dumps that stay under its jurisdiction, rehabilitation of uranium legacy sites and ensuring their safe condition. However, due to limited capacities of the MES staff, the training course is needed for the MES specialists aimed at providing a qualified assessment of condition of uranium legacy sites and the degree of hazard exposure. The OSCE POiB will contract an international consultant who will prepare an educational module for 5-days field training course on Mailuu-Suu site and will train at least 5 (five) specialists of the Tailings Management Agency under the MES KR (Agency) and the Institute of Biology of National Academy Science of Kyrgyzstan on methods of sampling, on-site radioecological expertise using specialized equipment, efficient and effective methods of radioecological monitoring. Environmental samples (soil, water, sediments, grass) will be taken for radioecological analysis in the Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. On the result of this assessment the interpretation of data will be provided by the international consultant. Objective The goal of the expert work is to conduct 5-day field training course on on Mailuu-Suu site for at least 5 (five) specialists of the Tailings Management Agency under the MES on methods of sampling, on-site radioecological expertise using specialized equipment, efficient and effective methods of radioecological monitoring.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Preparation of training module for 5-day field training course on Mailuu-Suu site for at least 5 (five) specialists of the Agency, which will contain the basics, methodology, international best practices of radioecological monitoring, remediation and rehabilitation of radioactive tailings and mountain dumps; Conducting of 5-day field training course on Mailuu-Suu site for at least 5 (five) specialists of the Agency will focus on following: theory, methodology and best international practices of radioecological monitoring; taking samples (soil, water, sediments, grass); conducting on-site radioecological expertise using specialized equipment of mobile laboratory; application of radioecological monitoring principles and efficient methods in practice; Provide support to Agency staff in impact assessment of uranium tailings and waste damps to the biota and population of Mailuu-Suu site and interpretation of laboratory measurement results; Provide Monthly Deliverable Status Tracking Sheet not later than 25th of each month, supported by reports and feedback forms on round tables and expert meetings if applicable as well as Deliverable Summary Report by the end of contracting period. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-bishkek.

Necessary Qualifications

		At least 5 years of experience in environmental management, radioecological monitoring; Experience in collaborating with international and national experts and institutions; Exposure to environmental issues or nature resource management is desirable; Sound understanding of key software packages (MS Office); Previous international experience in developing radioecological monitoring programmes of uranium legacy sites; Previous international experience in environmental monitoring; Skills in using radioecological equipment and geological devices; Excellent skills in written and spoken Russian.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualifications and experience and be in accordance with OSCE established rates.

How To Apply

		Please, note that this vacancy is open for competition amongst non-residents of the Kyrgyz Republic only. We strongly encourage applicants to use the online application system at https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies. However, if you have difficulties with the system you may use the OSCE offline application form found under https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/offline-application-form and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail recruitment-kg@osce.org. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates to apply to become a part of the organization. Applications received after the published deadline will not be considered. Please note that in the event of invitation for interview/test, the OSCE is unable to reimburse costs incurred. Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.