Country: KazakhstanDescription of the Assignment: International Consultant on Regional Capacity Development Period of assignment: 90 working days (tentatively June 2025 – December 2026)Place of Work: Home-based, with 3 business trips to Astana and the North Kazakhstan regionContract type: Individual Contract PROJECT DESCRIPTIONThe North Kazakhstan region is one of the key agricultural territories of the country, characterized by vast steppe landscapes, fertile soils, and significant biodiversity. However, the region is increasingly facing complex environmental, economic, and social challenges, including land degradation, climate-induced risks such as droughts and floods, low resilience of rural infrastructure, and limited institutional mechanisms for sustainable territorial planning. These factors threaten the long-term viability of local livelihoods and the natural resource base upon which the region depends.Against this backdrop, there is a growing need for an integrated and science-based approach to territorial development that enhances climate resilience, ensures sustainable land management, and preserves ecosystem services. One of the key tools to address these challenges is the development of a Regional Sustainable Development Concept, supported by climate vulnerability and risk assessments, ecosystem-based planning, and inclusive governance mechanisms.In partnership with local authorities, academic institutions, and other development stakeholders, UNDP is implementing a comprehensive package of initiatives aimed at transforming the region’s development model. These initiatives are based on a portfolio approach that ensures synergies between different projects and focuses on achieving long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits. Priority areas include the development of early warning systems for climate risks, the integration of green infrastructure into regional planning, the promotion of sustainable land use practices, and the mobilization of community-based adaptation solutions.As part of this work, a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services and land degradation trends will be conducted, alongside the mapping of climate risks and vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, water resources, forestry, and disaster risk management. A special focus will be placed on strengthening institutional capacities of the regional akimat and local stakeholders to apply climate risk-informed planning tools and develop evidence-based policy documents.The final outcome of this initiative will be the development of a Regional Sustainable Development Program and an accompanying Action Plan that reflect tested practices, promote green value chains, and foster inclusive and climate-resilient growth. Furthermore, capacity-building programs and policy dialogues will be organized to ensure the institutional uptake and long-term sustainability of the proposed measures. It is expected that the North Kazakhstan region will serve as a model for climate-resilient territorial planning, with scalable practices for other regions of Kazakhstan.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline.Any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry.Please indicate whether you intend to submit a bid by creating a draft response without submitting directly in the system. This will enable the system to send notifications in case of amendments of the tender requirements. Should you require further clarifications, kindly communicate using the messaging functionality in the system. Offers must be submitted directly in the system following this link: http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org  using the profile you may have in the portal. In case you have never registered before, you can register a profile using the registration link shared via the procurement notice and following the instructions in guides available in UNDP website: https://www.undp.org/procurement/business/resources-for-bidders.  Do not create a new profile if you already have one. Use the forgotten password feature in case you do not remember the password or the username from previous registration.