The Republic of Tajikistan has applied for financing from the Islamic Development Bank toward the cost of the Joint IsDB/ISFD-GPE-OFID Project for Support to Implementation of the National Education Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan (Phase-II), and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract of consultant services of an Individual Consultant for which this Expression of Interest is issued. 

The Project objectives is to improve the learning environment and facilitate system strengthening for sustainable implementation of an inclusive, competency-based education system to improve student learning outcomes in Tajikistan. The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan is the Executing Agency of the project. The project implementation period is 5 (five) years. 

The services include coordination of the process of overall planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all project components, establishment of common planning, M&E and reporting mechanisms, development of a M&E system and reporting templates, establishment of regular coordination and reporting mechanisms and actively participate in project coordination and reporting meetings with various stakeholders, including LEG etc. The estimated level of efforts is 60 (sixty) months. The expected start date of assignment is February 2024.

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan now invites eligible consultant (“Individual Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested Consultants must provide specific information which demonstrates that they are fully qualified to perform the services. 

The shortlist will be drawn up following the evaluation of CVs and useful information in response to this notice of expression of interest including references. Potential candidates will be required to provide information on their general qualifications as an individual consultant, their mission-relevant experience, their experience in the sector as well as their language ability.

An employer will be selected in accordance with the Maximum Qualification Requirement.  

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business administration, economics, finance or related fields; 

- At least 3 years of relevant experience in administration or programme support service is required;

- Experience of work with the international organizations and development institutions is an advantage;

- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian and Tajik;

Computer literature: windows XP, Microsoft excel, word, and ability to learn new systems quickly;

Interested Employer may obtain further information at the address below during office hours, i.e. 08:00 to 17:00 (local time).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form accompanied by the CV and any other document (in person or by e-mail) to the address below no later than August 5, 2024.

Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan

Attention: Marketing, Property and Procurement Unit 

13a Nisormuhammad street 

734024, Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan

Tel: + (992 37) 221-43-60, 227-45-02

E-mail: maorif-marketing@mail.ru  with copy to idbroa@isdb.org  

Website: www.maorif.tj  

Terms of Reference and Scope of Services 

Title of position: The Administrator / Office Manager

Project Title: Project for Support to Implementation of the National Education Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan (Phase -2)

Project No: TJK1043

Background: The Ministry of Education and Science, on behalf of the Republic of Tajikistan, received funding from ISDB/ISFD/OPEC/GPE in the amount of US$ 86 million to finance the Project for Support to Implementation of the National Education Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan (Phase -2). The Project will improve the learning environment and facilitate system strengthening for sustainable implementation of an inclusive, competency-based education system to improve student learning outcomes in Tajikistan. 

The Project objectives is: To improve the learning environment and facilitate system strengthening for sustainable implementation of an inclusive, competency-based education system to improve student learning outcomes in Tajikistan. The key results are as follows: impart quality learning to 17,376 students; construction of 53 schools and equipping them with suitable furniture, digital infrastructure, laboratory equipment and teaching and learning materials; development and adoption of Competency Based education; development and adoption of Continuous Professional Learning system; strengthening the curriculum; strengthening the national assessment systems and enhancing MoES decision making processes to promote efficiency and quality of education.

Project Components: The project is composed of following components: i) Learning Environment Upgrading; ii) Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Education Services; iii) Project Management Support; iv) Financial Auditing Services; and v) Zero value emergency response contingency Component. The financing plan is provided below. 

A dedicated full-time Project Implementation Group is established within the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan (hereinafter called “the Ministry”) to ensure efficient management and implementation of the Project within its approved scope/ timeline. The Ministry is recruiting a Administrator / Office Manager, who will function under the supervision of the PIG Manager. The details of the specific assignments/tasks of the Administrator / Office Manager will be as follows: 

The details of specific appointments/tasks of the Administrator / Office Manager will be as follows:

• Provide technical support for effective project implementation;

• Ensure proper record keeping, registration, filing and circulation of Project’s incoming and outgoing correspondence;

• Archiving documents, maintaining the database and other materials under the Project;

• Assist in logistical organization and support for meetings, training, workshops and IsDB missions;

• Assist in procurement and inventory of office equipment, stationary, furniture, and other petty cash items for project activities;

• Prepare necessary documents to support PIG/EA/suppliers/contractors for custom clearance of goods necessary for the Project;

• Support to organization of study-tours and other trips within the Project (booking air tickets, hotel reservations, obtaining visas for project consultants, etc.);

• Assisting in addressing administrative and operational issues required for the smooth operation of the Project;

• Deal with copying of documents, answer phone calls, meeting and seeing off guests;

• Any other assignments by the PIG Director;

Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business administration, economics, finance or related fields; 

- At least 3 years of relevant experience in administration or programme support service is required;

- Experience of work with the international organizations and development institutions is an advantage;

- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian and Tajik;

- Computer literature: windows XP, Microsoft excel, word, and ability to learn new systems quickly;

- Communication skills: the ability to communicate appropriate, concise and accurate information in written and verbal formats;

- Ability to ensure and maintain a high degree of accuracy and quality of work, including work under pressure of multiple tasks;

- Planning and organizing: ability to operate independently with minimum supervision, prioritize and schedule workload and effectively manage multiple tasks; 

- Team work: building effective communication and relationships both within and outside the team. Sharing knowledge, information and best practices with others;

- Results orientated: to ensure the goals and operational targets are achieved.

- Constantly improve quality of work.

- The duration of the contract will be 12 (twelve) months with 3 (three) months’ probation period starting from the contract signing date and renewable annually based on annual performance evaluation and project needs.

- Administrator / Office Manager is expected to work full time (office hours);

- Wages will be paid monthly in accordance with the salary scale agreed between the IsDB, Ministry of Education and Science and Ministry of Finance and according to the Presidential Decree #_-, dated___;

- The position may require travel to project sites within Tajikistan. Travel expenses such as daily allowance, accommodation, etc. will be reimbursed in accordance with the relevant procedures.

- The Administrator / Office Manager will be accountable to PIG Director on day-to-day project activities.

- The place of work - Dushanbe city.

• CV and cover letter in Tajik and English;

• University diplomas along with translation into English;

• Other relevant certifications.