Notification of EBRD Consultancy Assignment

Economic and Financial Expert to the Secretariat to the Business Development and Investment Council under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("EBRD", or the "Bank") is seeking to select and engage an "Economic and Financial Expert" (the "Consultant") to support the Secretariat to the Business Development and Investment Council under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.

A sound business environment is vital for private sector development, and supporting policy reform dialogue on the investment climate plays a central role in the EBRD’s engagement in its countries of operation. The EBRD’s Investment Climate and Governance Initiative (“ICGI”) was launched in 2014 to enhance the Bank’s support for improvements to the investment climate and governance in its countries of operations. To date, the EBRD has mobilized donor funds to support Secretariats of Investment Councils (“ICs”), independent professional secretariats that identify constraints and help to broker solutions, in Armenia, Moldova, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Albania, and Georgia. Evidence provided by their annual reports suggests that the ICs can play an important role in providing a platform that brings government policymakers and business representatives together to address obstacles in the business environment.

Currently the Secretariat comprises 5 consultants: the Head of Secretariat, a secretary, one economic/financial experts, a legal expert, and executive assistant to the Head. The Economic and Financial Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Secretariat. The tasks of the Expert will include, inter alia, the following:

- Review economic and business implications of the current legislation in the area of private sector development and make practical recommendations (based on private sector concerns) in terms of regulations, institutional improvements, and/or structures to be created and/or reinforced which are aimed to improve the business climate in general and foster investment (foreign and domestic);
- Identify key impediments to investment by local and foreign enterprises, and the main drivers and agents of change, for consideration by the Investment Council;
- Maintain consultations with the Bank and seek the feedback of relevant authorities/bodies, the private sector, as well as international financial institutions and other donor organisations;
- Review claims presented by the private sector and provide analysis and recommendations to the Investment Council members for further action;
- In collaboration with Investment Council members, suggest and assist in preparing the agenda, including ensuring that appropriate topics are included and documentation is provided, to be discussed at Investment Council meetings and its working groups;
- Following instructions from the Investment Council, make sure that reports and analysis are prepared in time, including recommendations to be submitted to the Council;
- Assist in preparing minutes of Investment Council meetings and, based on the recommendation of the Investment Council, identify areas to be addressed and create working groups for these areas;
- Make a presentation of conclusions and recommendations of the Investment Council and/or its working groups to relevant government bodies, private sector representatives and the Bank;
- Assist in steering the process and managing the day-to-day operations of Investment Council starting from inception to the end of the assignment period; and
- Help in summarising the achievements of the Secretariat in annual reports to the Bank copied to the relevant government bodies and private sector involved in the process.

Candidates should have the following qualifications and expertise:

• Background in business, economics, or related field, with preferably at least one postgraduate degree in one of these subjects;
• Ideally at least 3 years of relevant work experience at senior level, preferably both in the public and private sectors;
• Fluency in written and spoken Kyrgyz, Russian and English

In addition, the successful candidate should have the following personal characteristics:

• Good understanding of the process of economic reform in the Kyrgyz Republic;
• Analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and report on complex issues;
• Ability to interact effectively with senior officials in government and the business community;
• Ability to work effectively in a team;
• Ability to prioritise and work under the pressure of deadlines.

Submission Requirements: In order to determine the capability and experience of candidates seeking to be selected for this assignment, the information submitted should include the following:

1. Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) summarising how he/she satisfies the requirements as defined above under the Consultant Profile;

2. CV which should be detailed and include full descriptions of roles responsibilities carried out;

Responses to the notification are to be submitted in English by email to Ms. Nazira Aliyeva of the EBRD Resident Office in Bishkek ( Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра. ). The deadline is 28/03/2016.