National Consultant on Business Development

Background:
Please note that the vacancy is open for Kazakhstan nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan only.

The topic of women’s economic empowerment is of key importance for the OSCE as it directly links to the Organization’s comprehensive approach to security.
Advancing women’s equal access to economic opportunities fosters social cohesion, reduces inequalities, and enhances stability and sustainable development across the OSCE area.
In this regard, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (Office) is planning to conduct a series of activities aimed at enhancing handicraft and entrepreneurship skills of a selected 12 socially vulnerable women. The main goal of this initiative is to enhance their employability and promote entrepreneurship by improving their access to economic opportunities. This initiative will take place in Almaty city from October to November (dates might change).

Objective of Assignment:
The Office is planning to hire a national consultant in the field of business development to support with seminars on entrepreneurship

Duration of Assignment:
October to November 2025 (dates might change)

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

• Design and deliver entrepreneurship training sessions

• 
  Conduct market assessment

• Support participant with the development of business plans

• Provide mentorship to all women participants

• Draft final report of completed tasks

Deliverables:

1. Training sessions should include topics on: • Entrepreneurship • Marketing • Financial literacy

2. Market assessment is used by the beneficiaries for the development of business plans

3. 12 business plans are developed by the beneficiaries of the project

4. One-to-one consultations/mentorship is in place during the whole period of the project (also should be mentioned in final report)

5. The report should include outcomes of completed tasks with observations and lessons learned

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, or related field;

• Minimum 7–10 years of international experience in business development, entrepreneurship promotion, or SME growth;

• Expertise in entrepreneurship training, small business planning, marketing, branding, and financial literacy;

• Strong background in market analysis, value chain development, and enterprise sustainability;

• Certification in business development, entrepreneurship training, or SME support is an advantage;

• Proven track record in designing and implementing business development programs in developing/emerging economies;

• Experience of work with international organizations is an advantage;

• Familiarity with microfinance, cooperatives, and women-led enterprises;

• Competence in monitoring and evaluation of business outcomes;

• Strong cross-cultural communication and facilitation skills;

• Ability to adapt global best practices to local contexts;

• High level of strategic thinking and innovation:

• Professional fluency in Russian language with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in Kazakh language would be an asset;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates. It will be discussed during the interview. Payment will be transferred in local currency (tenge) to the bank account of the consultant.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model,

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.