Kyrgyzstan: Technical Advisor

Background

Begun in September 2016, S2JK has a duration of four years. Implemented by Palladium and funded by DFID, it is using politically smart and adaptive programming to promote inclusive economic growth in Kyrgyzstan. Palladium will work with the Kyrgyz Parliament, non-state actors, and Government to address the collective action problems that constrain inclusive economic growth.

The main expected results of the programme are strengthened parliamentary systems and capacity, and constructive engagement between business associations, parliament and government to reduce barriers to growth that benefits all Kyrgyz citizens. While the programme is titled a governance project, it is focused on economic growth and therefore draws heavily on research into economic sectors and relevant value chains.

Scope of work The Technical Advisor will support the technical/programmatic work of the Palladium office in Bishkek to meet deliverables of the project according to the mandates of DFID, requirements of Palladium and programme objectives. The TA will provide support to the Team Leader (TL), and advise on specific programme work streams. The TA will report to the TL on programme strategy, adaptive management practices, communications and research to support programme goals.

Primary responsibilities Specifically, the Technical Advisor:

Strategic and Operational Planning:

• Supports the development overall programme strategy that builds capacity of partners, identifies and researches causal pathways related to inclusive growth, and follows implementation closely.
• Ensures the programme is at the cutting edge of exciting and innovative programming, including theory of change, political economy analysis, adaptive management and actor-based behavioural change.
• Provides to project team members operational guidance, oversight and quality assurance for all project activities, outputs and deliverables
• Working closely with Knowledge Manager, coordinates adaptive management sessions with program staff on weekly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Conducts/commissions research and analytical work; works closely with Technical Manager (TM) in London to ensure analytical products and project thinking are in line with DFID expectations and Palladium requirements.
• Supports drafting of TORs for local and international experts for research and analytical products.
• Ensures project communications are aligned with project strategy.
• Responsible for development of annual strategic plans; operational work plans and budgets; staffing plans; including appropriate consultation with the Project Director, Project Operations Manager, the Client and other project stakeholders.

Programme Management:

• Supports the effective implementation of work plans on time, within budget, meeting client and stakeholder expectations and being contractually compliant;
• Supports Knowledge Manager in implementation of communications strategy. Develops/reviews content development in the form of press releases, web updates, success stories and video clips.
• Is responsible for report writing and editing of internal and external deliverables, including working closely with Knowledge Manager and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer in reporting to indicators, writing reports and answering queries. Supports Knowledge Manaqer to ensure program is learning, sharing, applying and communicating programme lessons. Supervises M&E manager to make sure correct data is being collected and reported on.

Client Relationship and Stakeholder Management:

• Maintains excellent working relationship with the client and supports the Team Leader in Client communications and in agreement of the programme's strategy, plans, resource requirements and any other contract amendments required, including taking responsibility in Team Leader's absence.
• Maintains regular communication with relevant stakeholders and ensures that reporting and critical programme issues are resolved in a timely manner;

Key Experience

Essential At least 3 years' experience working in a position on governance issues covering a range of sub-areas, which should include at least one or more of the following:

• citizen mobilisation and accountability,
• strengthening parliaments and other democratic institutions,
• Promoting inclusive economic growth
• Experience working with/for large donor programmes in foreign country.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Preferable

• Previous experience working in Central Asia or the former Soviet Union.
• Experience working on programmes that have used flexible and adaptive approaches, political economy analysis and familiarity with latest thinking on "thinking and working politically".
• Familiarity with DFID programme management, reporting, and systems.
• Familiarity with Prince 2 process-based method for effective project management.
• Understanding of contractor programme management systems, including SOPs and guidelines.
• Conversational Russian and/or Kyrgyz.

Please send cover letter and resume to Nazgul Sharshenova at nazgul.sharshenova@thepalladiumgroup.com by May 20, 2017. Include contacts for at least two references and a writing sample in English no more than 3 pages.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=ay5rYXVmbWFuLjk5ODE1LjM4MzBAcGFsbGFkaXVtLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ