Local Expert for SMEs Strategy Development

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) is an integral part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. The POiB supports various initiatives, including the development of the National Strategy for SMEs Development 2026 – 2030, aimed at enhancing the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kyrgyzstan. The organization collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, international organizations, and local communities, to ensure effective implementation of its programs. The OSCE has a strong commitment to fostering economic development and cooperation across its member states, and the POiB plays a crucial role in this mission by facilitating dialogue and providing expertise in economic and environmental affairs. The office employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to achieving its goals and operates in a collaborative environment that values inclusivity and respect for different perspectives.

Job Overview:
The position of Local Expert for SMEs Strategy Development is focused on facilitating and coordinating the efforts of an expert team tasked with developing a comprehensive National Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kyrgyzstan for the period of 2026 to 203

• The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the strategy reflects best practices while being tailored to the local economic context. This involves engaging with various stakeholders, including government institutions, business associations, and development partners, to gather inputs and foster collaboration. The expert will be responsible for organizing public consultations, promoting awareness of the strategy's objectives, and ensuring effective communication among team members. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex interagency dynamics to achieve coherent collaboration and successful outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Local Expert will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: facilitating coordination within the SMEs Strategy expert team to ensure effective collaboration among team members; ensuring interagency and stakeholder coordination involving the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MoEC), other public bodies, business associations, donors, and development partners; undertaking up to three regional missions to engage with local authorities, business associations, and stakeholders to collect inputs for the SMEs Strategy; organizing public consultations and promoting public awareness on the objectives and results of the SMEs Strategy through various channels; submitting a final deliverable report and a training report detailing the work performed, challenges encountered, and lessons learned; developing a detailed work plan for the expert team, including coordination mechanisms and a list of stakeholders; documenting meetings to ensure effective communication between specialists in finance, public-private partnerships, regulation, digitalization, and institutional development; preparing analytical notes summarizing interagency consultations and facilitated meetings; and creating materials for public consultations, including presentations and visuals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, public policy, business administration, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of four years of professional experience in public administration, coordination of expert and inter-agency working groups, and facilitation of consultations at the national level is required. Strong knowledge of government policy processes, SME development mechanisms, and institutional coordination within Kyrgyzstan is essential. Proven experience in preparing analytical reports and policy documents is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz, both oral and written, with knowledge of English considered an asset. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online research tools is required. Furthermore, candidates should exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. The ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as economics, international law, public policy, or business administration. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of SME development and the policy-making processes involved in creating a national strategy. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in related areas may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires at least four years of professional experience in public administration, specifically in roles that involve coordination of expert and inter-agency working groups, as well as facilitation of consultations at the national level. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of working effectively with government institutions, business associations, and development partners, showcasing their ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive collaborative efforts towards common goals.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders is critical. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate engagement with international partners and enhance the candidate's ability to prepare reports and documents that meet global standards. Candidates should be able to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or as a consultant role, with no specific grade assigned. The job type is classified as a consultant position, and there is one post available. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications, experience, and the tasks and deliverables associated with the position, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The closing date for applications is November 19, 2025, and the target start date is as soon as possible. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.