Environmental Specialist – Kazakhstan

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

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

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all project components meet stringent international environmental standards and national regulatory requirements. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Environmental Specialist will support the delivery of a comprehensive and bankable feasibility assessment, aligning all engineering and institutional interventions with best practices in environmental management and sustainability.

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

• Conduct rigorous environmental scoping and due diligence for various project components.
• Ensure full compliance with EBRD Environmental and Social Performance Requirements.
• Evaluate potential impacts related to major water reservoirs, dams, and irrigation networks.
• Integrate pollution control, dam safety, and biodiversity safeguards into project planning.
• Collaborate with local state entities, regional stakeholders, and technical workstreams.

Scope of work

• Execute Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) for Category B project components.
• Prepare comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for Category A components, including new water reservoirs.
• Assess baseline environmental conditions, pollution control measures, and natural resource management issues.
• Evaluate dam safety risks, operational hazards, and environmental mitigation protocols.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement activities, public consultations, and disclosure processes.
• Coordinate with engineering and economic teams to ensure environmentally sound infrastructure designs.

Your role as Environmental Specialist

• Lead environmental assessment field investigations and data collection across target regions.
• Draft ESIA reports, management plans, and environmental due diligence documentation complying with IFI standards.
• Analyze impacts on local ecosystems, water quality, and natural habitats.
• Provide technical expertise on pollution control, waste management, and environmental monitoring frameworks.
• Review technical designs and feasibility outputs from an environmental risk perspective.
• Participate in stakeholder workshops and facilitate transparent communication with regional communities and institutional partners.

Requirements

• Education: Academic degree relevant to IFI environmental standards (environmental engineer, biologist, hydrogeologist, etc.)
• Languages: Fluent business English and Russian/Kazakh

Desirable

• Preferably at least 10 years in-depth experience in ESIAs and E&S due diligence for comparable major water reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure projects funded by IFIs, with expertise in dam safety, biodiversity, pollution control, and Central Asia region experience
• Prior working experience with state water management agencies in Kazakhstan.
• Familiarity with green economy transition assessments and climate resilience frameworks in the agricultural sector.

An internationally experienced Environmental Specialist with a strong background in IFI-funded water infrastructure projects, deep knowledge of Central Asia, and fluency in English and Russian or Kazakh.

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.