Project description
Central Asia’s water sector is entering a new phase with significant infrastructure investments planned across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, shifting focus from expansion alone to long-term performance, financial viability and institutional resilience. As part of this strategic transition, GFA’s Water, Sanitation and Waste Management (WSWM) department is preparing for a new generation of donor-funded water sector programmes that combine capital investment with systemic reform in partnership with institutions such as ADB, EBRD, KfW and the European Union. Our projects go beyond construction. We design projects that work in real institutional environments, not only on paper. In practice, this means we:
- Integrate lifecycle costing, financial sustainability and climate resilience from the outset
- Link tariff and revenue dialogue to operational performance realities
- Embed advisory support within utilities rather than relying on stand-alone workshops
- Strengthen governance, accountability and management structures
- Sequence reforms in line with institutional dynamics and political timelines
- Introduce modern management systems, digital performance tools and AI-driven analytics for data-informed decision-making and asset management
Job description
We are looking for reform-driven professionals who can meaningfully contribute to future water sector projects across Central Asia. Beyond project mobilisation, we are establishing a regional water reform platform, a space for thought leadership that brings together national and international experts committed to advancing systemic reform and shaping the future architecture of water sector governance, financing, and service delivery in the region. We seek professionals who combine strong technical expertise with institutional insight and a genuine motivation to drive sustainable sector transformation.
Qualifications
- Education: Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
- General Experience: At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in water & sanitation sector.
- Languages: Strong working proficiency in Russian preferred; English at least B2 level.
- Specific professional experience:
- Proven expertise in environmental safeguards in infrastructure projects.
- Practical experience in preparation and implementation of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP).
- Experience in preparation and/or implementation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), as applicable.
- Donor experience: Proven experience in donor-funded projects (e.g. ADB, EBRD, KfW, EU or similar); familiarity with IFI procedures required
- Regional experience: Central Asia experience required (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan or Turkmenistan); prior work experience outside the home country preferred.
Not a 100% match? We still encourage you to apply. GFA considers a wide range of profiles depending on project-specific requirements.
Your Application
Interested candidates are invited to submit a tailored CV and their fee expectations via the "APPLY FOR JOB" button.
Only suitable candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.
At GFA GROUP, we embrace the strength that comes from diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where your unique skills and perspectives are celebrated. We look forward to hiring new colleagues who identify with this appreciation of diversity. We welcome applicants irrespective of their gender, nationality, ethnicity, social origin, religion and beliefs, disability and chronic disease, age and sexual identity. Your skills and motivation are our only decision factor! We would like to encourage you to apply and bring your talents, skills and personal life experiences to enrich and advance our joint endeavours.
Contact person
Chaou Youness
Apply now
info@gfagroup.org
+ 49 40 603 061 00