Irrigation Engineer – Kazakhstan

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

Aninver Development Partners is currently preparing a competitive proposal for an upcoming consultancy assignment funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Kazakhstan. The project focuses on modernizing, rehabilitating, and expanding critical irrigation and water management infrastructure across several regional districts to enhance agricultural productivity, secure water resources, and drive climate resilience.

We are seeking an expert Irrigation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of consultants. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering technical and economic due diligence, evaluating large-scale irrigation assets, and ensuring that all engineering designs and rehabilitation plans comply with international best practices and local regulatory standards.

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

• Deliver comprehensive technical due diligence for irrigation and water management infrastructure.
• Assess the physical condition of existing large-scale expansive irrigation systems and propose modernization measures.
• Ensure compliance with local design, construction, and permitting laws in Kazakhstan.
• Contribute to the broader feasibility assessment supporting EBRD financing readiness.
• Collaborate closely with regional state entities and multidisciplinary team members.

Scope of work

• Assess current irrigation infrastructure, large-scale water management assets, and proposed rehabilitation or expansion works across target regions.
• Perform field investigations and technical evaluations of water distribution networks and pumping stations.
• Evaluate technical viability and support the establishment of water-accounting and data performance indicators.
• Contribute to technical reporting, translating engineering findings into bankable project documents.
• Coordinate with environmental, social, and economic specialists to ensure integrated project planning.

Your role as Irrigation Engineer

• Lead technical assessments of large-scale expansive irrigation systems and related hydraulic infrastructure.
• Evaluate the design, construction, and rehabilitation requirements for water management assets.
• Review local permitting, design, and construction regulations to ensure full legal compliance.
• Provide expert engineering inputs for technical and economic due diligence workstreams.
• Collaborate with local state authorities and stakeholders during field investigations and data collection.
• Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive feasibility reports, cost estimates, and technical annexes.

Requirements

• Education: At least B.Sc. degree in civil engineering or similar
• Minimum 10 years' experience in water management, including large-scale expansive irrigation systems
• Knowledge of design, construction, and permitting under local laws

Desirable

• Previous professional experience in Kazakhstan or the broader Central Asia region.
• Familiarity with International Financial Institution (IFI) standards, specifically EBRD policies.
• Proficiency in Russian and/or Kazakh in addition to English.

An experienced Irrigation Engineer with a strong background in large-scale water management systems, local permitting laws, and infrastructure rehabilitation 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.