Location: Bishkek
Type: Service Agreement
Application Deadline: 19 November 2024

About Accelerate Prosperity:

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a new global initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Central and South Asia, which provides a formal structure to catalyze enterprises, where economic opportunities remain insufficient. AP’s mission is to create inclusive economic growth and empowerment, with a focus on youth and women in rural areas, by catalyzing sustainable Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs), and by promoting entrepreneurship.

Objective:

The Economic Advisor will enhance the economic development impact of projects by identifying and implementing strategies to improve value chains, leverage investment, and support sustainable growth. Key responsibilities will include advising on project design, develop concepts and fundraising from external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Development:
   • Develop concepts and proposals for economic development projects, with a focus on competitiveness, investment attraction, and sustainable practices.
   • Design projects to ensure alignment with donor and government priorities, maintaining compliance with relevant policies and standards.
   • Provide advisory on oversight of project budgets, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring effective use of resources to achieve targeted outcomes.
2. Technical and Advisory Services:
   • Offer advisory support on enterprise competitiveness, market-driven growth, and sustainable development across various sectors, including agriculture, finance, and energy.
   • Design and execute strategies that integrate environmental sustainability, gender equality, and resource efficiency within the scope of development projects.
   • Provide technical support to project teams and partners on sustainable financial product development, resource-efficient financing, and cleaner production initiatives.
3. Private Sector Engagement and Investment Facilitation:
   • Foster partnerships with private sector entities, investment funds, and financial institutions to facilitate capital investment in SMEs and green economy initiatives.
   • Develop and promote tailored financial products for SMEs, ensuring alignment with clean technology, renewable energy, and sustainability goals.
   • Build networks with international donors, government authorities, and financial institutions to promote business development and investment opportunities.
4. Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Design and deliver capacity-building programs for local partners and project teams to improve their technical skills in areas such as financial product development, resource management, and impact investing.
   • Engage with stakeholders, including government entities and local organizations, to support the development of policies and regulatory frameworks that foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Key Deliverables:

1. Project concepts and proposals aligned with identified needs and donor priorities.
2. Partnerships and investment agreements with financial institutions and private sector entities.
3. Capacity-building materials and training sessions for partners and stakeholders.
4. Regular updates and reports to supervisor and relevant stakeholders, including progress and financial performance.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 20 years in economic development, program management, and private sector engagement, including work with international organizations such as USAID, UNDP, and EU-funded initiatives.
• Expertise: Proven experience in enterprise development, value chain management, investment facilitation, and sustainability.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills, experience in financial modeling, and ability to design and implement economic development programs.
• Languages: Proficiency in English; knowledge of Russian and Kyrgyz languages is an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in project design, proposal writing, and familiarity with donor regulations and compliance.
• Demonstrated success in building sustainable partnerships and securing private capital for development initiatives.
• Track record of managing multidisciplinary teams across diverse cultural contexts.

Conditions:

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, CV with the subject lines “Economic Advisor” by November 19, 2024 to aliman.kenzhebaeva@akdn.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.