Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. The IOM has been operational in Kazakhstan since 1997, focusing on promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization collaborates with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to address migration issues and emerging trends in Central Asia, specifically in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. IOM's mission in Kazakhstan includes establishing priorities for project development in alignment with sub-regional strategies and policies, thereby enhancing the migration governance framework in the region.

Job Overview:
The Consultant position is integral to the IOM's regional project aimed at improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia. The role involves identifying local business angel clubs, startup hubs, incubators, accelerators, and private investors, as well as collecting essential information on their requirements and processes. The Consultant will assist beneficiaries in preparing pitch presentations and reviewing their business models to enhance their growth potential. The position requires organizing pitch days and facilitating introductions to investor networks, ensuring that beneficiaries are adequately prepared for meetings and follow-up actions. The Consultant will be responsible for delivering interim and final reports summarizing activities, connections made, and recommendations for future support, thereby contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be tasked with several key deliverables throughout the contract period. The first deliverable, due by mid-April 2026, includes identifying local business angel clubs, startup hubs, incubators, accelerators, and private investors. The Consultant will collect basic information on their requirements, criteria, and processes, assist beneficiaries in preparing individual pitch presentations, review their business models, financials, and growth potential, and guide them in improving their products or services to meet investor expectations. The output will be an interim report detailing these activities. The second deliverable, due by the end of June 2026, involves organizing small pitch days, meet-ups, or closed sessions with business angels, facilitating introductions to angel clubs and investor networks, and guiding beneficiaries during meetings. The output will include an event summary, a list of connections made, an overview of activities organized, beneficiaries' progress, and a final report with recommendations for future support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in economics, social sciences, marketing, business administration, sustainable development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required. The ideal candidate should have experience working with startups, business angels, or investment communities, as well as experience in mentoring or training small businesses. A good understanding of the local investment and startup ecosystem in Kazakhstan is essential, along with strong networking and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, social sciences, marketing, business administration, or sustainable development. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of migration governance and the economic factors influencing it.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally include working with startups, business angels, or investment communities, as well as mentoring or training small businesses. Familiarity with the local investment and startup ecosystem in Kazakhstan is also necessary to effectively support beneficiaries.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of Kazakh and Russian. The IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, but for this position, the specific language requirements will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration and specific terms will be outlined upon selection, and any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. The appointment will require certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan for the duration of the consultancy, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Furthermore, IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.