Biodiversity Specialist – Kazakhstan

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Biodiversity Specialist for a agriculture, engineering, media consultancy assignment financed by EBRD in Kazakhstan.

Aninver Development Partners is seeking an expert Biodiversity Specialist for a prospective consulting assignment funded by the EBRD in Kazakhstan. The overarching project focuses on modernizing, rehabilitating, and expanding irrigation and water management infrastructure across several regional districts to enhance agricultural productivity, water security, and climate resilience.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role within the environmental and social assessment workstream, ensuring that all proposed infrastructure investments, including complex Category A components such as new water reservoirs and dams, strictly adhere to international environmental standards and EBRD Performance Requirements regarding ecological protection and natural resource management.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Ensure all project activities comply with EBRD Performance Requirements and international best practices concerning biodiversity conservation.
• Conduct comprehensive ecological and habitat evaluations for planned irrigation and water infrastructure upgrades.
• Design practical mitigation and management frameworks to safeguard local ecosystems and vulnerable species.
• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and environmental teams across the country.

Scope of work

• Executing comprehensive Biodiversity Impact Assessments for major infrastructure components.
• Conducting Critical Habitat assessments in alignment with international financial institution standards.
• Developing robust Biodiversity Management Plans to mitigate potential operational and construction impacts.
• Collaborating with environmental and social due diligence teams to integrate ecological safeguards into project designs.
• Participating in field investigations and engaging with local stakeholders, environmental authorities, and regional experts.

Your role as Biodiversity Specialist

• Lead the preparation of specialized biodiversity studies, impact assessments, and management plans meeting EBRD standards.
• Evaluate baseline ecological conditions and identify sensitive habitats, flora, and fauna within the project areas.
• Formulate targeted mitigation hierarchies (avoidance, minimization, restoration, and offsetting) for infrastructure developments.
• Contribute ecological inputs to comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for Category A project components.
• Review technical documentation and ensure alignment with both national regulations and international lender requirements.
• Participate in stakeholder consultations to present ecological findings and address biodiversity-related concerns.

Requirements

• Education: Relevant academic background
• Experience preparing Biodiversity Impact Assessments, Critical Habitat assessments, and Biodiversity Management Plans to EBRD/IFI standards

Desirable

• Previous professional experience in Kazakhstan or the broader Central Asian region.
• Working knowledge of Russian or Kazakh languages.

An experienced Biodiversity Specialist with a strong track record of preparing Critical Habitat assessments and Biodiversity Management Plans to EBRD or IFI standards for major infrastructure projects in Central Asia.

Assignment details

• Location: Kazakhstan
• Financed by: EBRD
• Sector: Agriculture, engineering, media
• Estimated duration: 5 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a EBRD-financed project in Kazakhstan.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.