Project Coordinator – Cross-border Stabilization and Resilience Program

Information

Common information

The Public Foundation Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP KG) is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, established in 2006. MSDSP aspires to improve the quality of life and self-reliance of people in the Kyrgyz Republic through inclusive and innovative community-driven solutions, constant learning, and integrity. It implements a range of integrated interventions in agriculture and food security, climate resilience, work and enterprise, education and early childhood development, health and nutrition, as well as civil society development and promotion of gender equality in collaboration with community-based groups and local government authorities. MSDSP is active in many of the most remote and vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly in the rural and peri-urban areas, covering a total population of more than 520,000 people. For more information, please refer to www.akdn.org.

Location: Osh or Bishkek

Reports to: Executive Director

Job purpose: The Project Coordinator will lead the implementation of the cross-border stabilization and resilience project funded by the European Union and implemented by AKF Kyrgyzstan. This project aims to strengthen emergency response capacity and improve access to shared community assets to foster resilience, reduce instability, and promote social cohesion in the border areas of Batken and Osh in Kyrgyzstan.

Project duration: 18 months

Qualification requirements

Education:

Master’s degree in development studies, International Relations, Disaster Management, or related fields.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in project coordination, preferably in humanitarian or development programs.

Skills/Competencies:

·       Strong knowledge of disaster risk management and community-based development approaches.

·       Experience working with government authorities and multilateral institutions, particularly in Central Asia.

·       Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

·       Ability to travel frequently to Batken and Osh regions.

·       Strong understanding of cross-border dynamics and conflict sensitivity principles.

Languages:

Fluency in English, Russian, and Kyrgyz  

Duties

Project Management and Coordination:

1. Lead the implementation of project activities in Kyrgyzstan in line with the project work plan.
2. Coordinate closely with AKF Tajikistan, MSDSP, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) of Kyrgyzstan.
3. Serve as the main point of contact with relevant government entities, including MoES, local government authorities (LGAs), and community leaders.
4. Liaise with EU partners and donor representatives, ensuring compliance with reporting and visibility guidelines.
5. Develop detailed activity plans and track progress against project timelines.
6. Ensure project activities are aligned with national development strategies, the Sendai Framework, and other relevant frameworks.
7. Monitor expenditures against project budgets, ensuring spending aligns with donor requirements.
8. Support procurement processes and manage contracts with local service providers and vendors.

Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response:

1. Oversee disaster risk management (DRM) training sessions for Civil Protection Committees (CPCs).
2. Collaborate with MoES to facilitate DRM simulation exercises and awareness-raising activities.
3. Coordinate stockpiling activities and delivery of equipment to multi-purpose facilities.
4. Ensure emergency shelters are functional and meet project standards during emergencies.

Infrastructure Development:

1. Work with technical teams to ensure timely construction of three multi-purpose recreational facilities in Batken and Osh.
2. Monitor construction quality and resolve any issues with contractors or local authorities.
3. Lead consultations with local communities to ensure infrastructure meets their needs and fosters social cohesion.
4. Coordinate with the Mahalla committees for input on facility usage and sustainability.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

1. Ensure data is collected regularly and entered into the project’s Management Information System (MIS).
2. Prepare and submit progress reports to AKF Kyrgyzstan, AKF (UK), and donors on time.
3. Conduct regular site visits and work with the Site Engineer to ensure project milestones are achieved.
4. Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team with mid-term and final evaluations.

Visibility and Communication:

1. Ensure all communication materials and project infrastructure adhere to EU visibility guidelines.
2. Develop content for leaflets, brochures, and social media updates to showcase project achievements.
3. Organize and lead annual Project Steering Committee meetings with stakeholders and donors.

Other duties:

Any other duties that may be assigned by the Executive Director to fulfil the objectives of the project.

Conditions

Interested and qualified candidates should express their interest in writing by submitting their applications by November 11, 2024, 18:00 (Bishkek time) to the following email address msdspkg.hr@akdn.org: , indicating the job title and their name in the subject line.

For example: "Project Coordinator_Your Name," and attach the following documents:

1. Cover letter, no more than 200 words;
2. CV;
3. Contact information for two referees;
4. Copies of educational documents verifying qualifications.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.

“The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations.

AKF also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check.

All employees of AKF are required to adhere to the organizational safeguarding standards and principles and at all times to act with dignity, respect and to contribute to a safe environment free from any type of harassment, abuse or discrimination.”