Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The UNDP-implemented regional project Wider Europe: was designed in line with Finland’s Development Policy programme and UNDP’s development vision. It promotes inclusive, green economic growth through promoting trade and enhancing national competitiveness and sustainable development, by helping poor and vulnerable communities to gain from trade.
Aid for Trade (AfT) is a global initiative that strengthens developing countries’ abilities to capture gains from international trade. Much of this agenda is focused on strengthening domestic production and competitiveness, via the creation of enabling business environments and building economic infrastructure. Activities coming under AfT fall into five categories: (1) trade policy and regulation; (2) trade development; (3) economic infrastructure; (4) productive capacity; and (5) adjustment costs.
UNDP’s approach uses a human centric approach to trade. By helping poor and vulnerable households and communities start, expand, and formalize small and medium-sized companies that can participate in cross-border and regional trade and global value chains, this project expands people’s capacities, as well as promoting trade and reducing poverty. By helping trade policy makers to take advantage of the development opportunities presented by preferential trading arrangements and to better understand the socio-economic and environmental consequences of trade policies, this project strengthens the institutional capacities needed for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Trade and human development can therefore be mutually beneficial.
Phase V of the regional AfT project (2022-2025) in Kyrgyzstan focuses in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth through promoting green value chains and increasing the competitiveness of economies. The Project promotes more resilient, secure and gender-responsive economic structures through economic diversification and adaptation to new market and consumer trends.
The project works at the macro (policy), meso (institutions) and micro (MSMEs) levels which ensures comprehensive approach and increases the development impact. Two main components of the project include the following:
- Supporting enabling environment for building economic resilience and inclusive and sustainable growth (macro- and meso-levels);
- Supporting job creation and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of value chains in green sectors (micro-level).
The two cross-cutting themes of the project are gender equality and environmental sustainability.
Duties and Responsibilities
Project Planning and Implementation
- Implement project activities effectively and efficiently in alignment with the annual work plan (AWP) to achieve expected results.
- Develop detailed action plans for implementation based on the AWP.
- Assist the project team in developing and implementing the monitoring plan in close collaboration with the monitoring specialist.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor the implementation and progress of the project.
- Observe, measure, and evaluate results against target indicators; design and implement solutions for deviations.
Reporting and Documentation
- Provide narrative contributions to quarterly, semi-annual, and annual project reports.
- Maintain and regularly update the project database, including statistical data, results, achievements, and success stories.
- Prepare annual reviews capturing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories in economic development.
- Ensure timely preparation of reports and maintain documentation for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) purposes.
Research and Analysis
- Prepare and update statistical data on regional and national economic indicators, government strategies, and reforms related to economic development.
- Provide analysis of project impact, including data collection and integration into the project database.
- Contribute to research for developing concept notes, proposals, and strategies on economic development.
Technical Expertise and Advisory
- Develop concepts and Terms of Reference (ToRs) related to economic development interventions, such as strengthening business associations, trade support institutions, value chain development, SME support, and microfinance.
- Provide expertise in creating analytical and program-related documents, including ToRs, technical specifications, and reports on trade development/facilitation, value-added chains and sustainable trade/product development.
- Offer consultation and expert advice to UNDP partners as needed.
Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
- Liaise with local and national government bodies, civil society, academia, and target populations to ensure efficient project implementation and stakeholder alignment.
- Identify and support the establishment of strategic partnerships between private sector actors and trade support institutions.
- Organize and lead thematic training sessions, capacity-building activities, round tables, and meetings with project beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the UNDP Country Office and Area Offices for socio-economic activities.
Communication and Visibility
- Work closely with the media to promote project activities and achievements.
- Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project successes, aligning with UNDP strategic communication guidelines.
Strategic Alignment and Integration
- Ensure cross-fertilization between different project components and alignment with other initiatives (e.g., Component I linkages).
- Work towards achieving UNDP’s strategic goals as outlined in corporate strategies, UNDAF, CPAP, and relevant national legislation.
Other Duties
- Provide inputs for regional activities through participation in meetings and information exchange.
- Perform additional duties related to economic development and other activities as requested by the supervisor.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement: Will work under direct supervision of Project Coordinator.
Competencies
Core competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross Functional and Technical competencies:
- Business Development- Strategic Thinking
- Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities, and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
- Business Development- Knowledge Generation
- Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
- Business Management- Operations Management
- Ability to effectively plan, organize and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an integrated way, to convert the organization’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.
- Business Management- Results-based Management
- Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programs, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
- Business Management- Communication
- Communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.
- Business Management- Project Management
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
- Partnership management- multi-stakeholder engagement and funding
- Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Sciences, Economy, Agriculture, Business Administration or Social Sciences or other related field is required. OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
- Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in private sector development, including SME / trade and/or agricultural sector development and / or business environment enabling issues is required.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and Russian is required.
- Knowledge of Kyrgyz language is a strong asset.
Required skills:
- Previous work experience in implementation of economic development projects or projects related to development of the private sector/trade/export promotion in the international organizations or NGOs;
- Experience with and/or advanced research skills on trade and/or local economic development;
- Experience and/or knowledge of project/programme monitoring and reporting.
Desired skills:
- Experience in supporting sustainable export-oriented products is an asset;
- Working experience in an international organization and/or their projects, along with knowledge of policies, procedures and practices of UN-system organisations, are advantageous;
- Proven experience and good understanding of private sector/agricultural development/ technical cooperation at the local level is an asset;
- Experience with the trade initiatives is an asset.
- Prior experience and good knowledge about Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia and the development context is desired.
- Certificate(s) on economic/trade policy will be an advantage.
Travel: The agreement/assignment includes a requirement to travel within provinces/cities of Kyrgyzstan on a regular base
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements