Team Leader / Protected Area Management Planning Specialist – Kyrgyzstan

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Team Leader / Protected Area Management Planning Specialist for a private sector consultancy assignment financed by FAO in Kyrgyzstan.

Aninver Development Partners is preparing a proposal for an upcoming FAO-financed project aimed at improving biodiversity and sustainable forestry in Kyrgyzstan. We are currently seeking an expert Team Leader / Protected Area Management Planning Specialist to spearhead our technical assistance efforts under the FAO-Turkey Forestry Partnership Programme. This pivotal initiative focuses on strengthening protected area management planning and implementation capacity through comprehensive assessments, spatial planning, and the development of updated management plans for designated pilot sites.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team to execute participatory, evidence-based conservation planning, socioeconomic evaluations, and stakeholder engagement. The expert will also contribute to drafting technical guidelines and facilitating capacity development and knowledge transfer for national and local counterparts. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated conservation professional to make a lasting impact on biodiversity preservation and sustainable environmental management in Central Asia.

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

• Strengthen protected area management planning and implementation capacity in Kyrgyzstan.
• Assess, prepare, and update Protected Area Management Plans for designated pilot sites.
• Conduct baseline and management effectiveness assessments, targeted field verification, and biodiversity and socio-economic evaluations.
• Engage stakeholders to develop practical management objectives, zoning, and implementation frameworks.
• Prepare technical guidelines for protected area management planning and execute capacity development and knowledge transfer to national and local counterparts.

Scope of work

• Undertake comprehensive baseline studies and management effectiveness assessments for the pilot protected areas.
• Carry out targeted field verification, biodiversity assessments, and socio-economic evaluations to inform management planning.
• Conduct GIS and spatial analysis to support zoning, mapping, and spatial planning frameworks.
• Execute a participatory and evidence-based planning process involving local stakeholders to establish practical management objectives and implementation frameworks.
• Prepare technical guidelines for protected area management planning and lead capacity development activities for local counterparts.
• Manage relations with the Food and Agriculture Organization and local authorities while coordinating technical inputs.

Your role as Team Leader / Protected Area Management Planning Specialist

• Provide overall technical leadership and strategic direction for the assignment.
• Coordinate project workstreams in Kyrgyzstan and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Manage stakeholder consultations, participatory planning workshops, and relations with institutional partners and FAO representatives.
• Lead the preparation and/or revision of Protected Area Management Plans and ensure alignment with international best practices.
• Oversee baseline assessments, management effectiveness evaluations, and the integration of biodiversity and socio-economic data.
• Guide the development of zoning, spatial planning, and practical management frameworks for the pilot sites.
• Contribute to the drafting of technical guidelines and facilitate capacity building and knowledge transfer for local counterparts.

Requirements

• Education: Relevant advanced university degree
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated preparation and/or revision of protected area management plans or equivalent area-based conservation management plans
• Languages: English

Desirable

• Prior professional experience working in Central Asia or similar transition economies.
• Familiarity with Food and Agriculture Organization project procedures and reporting standards.
• Proficiency in local languages such as Russian or Kyrgyz.

An experienced conservation planner and team leader with a strong background in developing protected area management plans, managing stakeholder engagement, and delivering donor-funded environmental projects in Central Asia.

Assignment details

• Location: Kyrgyzstan
• Financed by: FAO
• Sector: Private sector
• Estimated duration: 12 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 FAO-financed project in Kyrgyzstan.
• 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.