“Transforming Governance in Uzbekistan: A Comprehensive Analysis of the UNDP Project Coordinator Role in Public Service Delivery Reform”

Project Coordinator position with UNDP in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, including a breakdown of the job’s context, structure, duties, competencies, qualifications, and strategic importance within the broader UNDP governance agenda.

Position Title: Project Coordinator
Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Grade: NPSA-9 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Contract Duration: 6 months
Application Deadline: 14 May 2025
Languages Required: English and Uzbek (Russian desired)
Practice Area: Governance
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS
Project: Further Improvement of Public Service Delivery in Uzbekistan
Donor: European Union (EU)
Reporting To: Project Specialist, UNDP Effective Governance Cluster

I. Strategic Context and Background
Project Overview
This role is housed within the context of the UNDP-EU joint initiative titled “Further Improvement of Public Service Delivery in Uzbekistan.” The primary aim of this intervention is to improve access to quality public services in rural areas, particularly for vulnerable groups such as:http://👉 Download UNDP Project Coordinator Uzbekistan Analysis (PDF)

Women and girls

Youth

Elderly individuals

People with disabilities

It acknowledges that service accessibility is a key pillar of inclusive development, especially when applied equitably through both digital transformation and institutional capacity-building.

Why It Matters
This project supports Uzbekistan’s broader governance reforms, aligning with its national development strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions@vacancyspaces.com

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The Ministry of Justice is the key national counterpart, and the initiative operates under a multi-channel, decentralized approach that focuses on:

Legal and regulatory reform

Back-office modernization

Local governance enhancement

Citizen participation and voice in local decision-making

II. Organizational and Functional Role of the Project Coordinator
Positioning Within UNDP
The Project Coordinator (PC) sits within the Effective Governance and Sustainable Development Cluster and acts as a bridge between national stakeholders, implementing partners, the donor community, and internal UNDP teams.

The PC is tasked with:

Strategic guidance

Day-to-day coordination

Monitoring & evaluation

Stakeholder management

Reporting and advisory support

This role is both technical and managerial, requiring a mix of policy insight, programmatic agility, and field-level adaptability.

III. Key Responsibilities and Functional Areas

1. Project Implementation Coordination
   Collaborate closely with national authorities (especially the Public Services Agency).

Track and guide the execution of all project activities as outlined in:

Annual Work Plans (AWP)

Results Framework

EU contribution agreements

Establish internal systems to manage:

Monitoring of key milestones

Execution risk identification and mitigation

Cost-efficiency analyses

Engage in remedial decision-making when risks emerge or activities stall.

2. Reporting and Technical Input
   Lead the consolidation of project reports (technical, financial, narrative) for:

Donor (EU)

UNDP Senior Management

Project Board

Contribute inputs to national-level documents:

Country Programme Document (CPD)

UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)

Joint Work Plans and UNSDCF Results Groups

Support communications and visibility of project outcomes and deliverables.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
   Act as a liaison between UNDP and government institutions, donor bodies (EU, World Bank, USAID), and civil society.

Convene donor coordination meetings and ensure alignment with parallel reform efforts in:

E-government services

Administrative decentralization

Legal frameworks supporting service delivery

Identify new partnership and cost-sharing opportunities.

Promote the project’s gender mainstreaming objectives, ensuring inclusive access and representation across the programmatic chain.

4. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
   Foster learning through:

Peer-to-peer exchanges

Policy dialogues

National consultations with women’s organizations, youth groups, disability advocates

Document and disseminate best practices.

Facilitate internal learning and cross-project synergy within the Governance Cluster.

IV. Institutional Arrangement
The Project Coordinator reports directly to the Project Specialist, who reports to the Cluster Lead on Effective Governance. The PC also works closely with the Project Board, comprising representatives from:

The Ministry of Justice

Public Services Agency

European Union

UNDP senior management

The Project Coordinator is not a UN staff member, but rather contracted under the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) modality.

V. Required Qualifications
Education
Required: Master’s degree in:

Public Administration

Public Policy

Law

Social Sciences

International Development

Alternative: Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience.

Experience
With Master’s degree: At least 2 years of experience

With Bachelor’s degree: Minimum of 4 years

Areas of experience:

Governance and public sector reform

Monitoring and evaluation

Public service delivery

Digital transformation in governance

Civil service and institutional capacity building

Languages
Mandatory: English and Uzbek (fluent)

Preferred: Russian (working knowledge)

VI. Competencies and Skills Framework
Core Competencies (UNDP Level 2)
Competency Description
Achieve Results Balances accuracy and speed; focuses on efficiency in outcomes
Think Innovatively Open to new ideas and approaches; systems thinking
Learn Continuously Learns from others, reflects, adapts
Adapt with Agility Handles change well, involves others
Act with Determination Perseveres under pressure, multi-tasking
Engage and Partner Collaborator and integrator
Enable Diversity and Inclusion Encourages diverse views, inclusive decision-making

Technical and Cross-Functional Competencies
Domain Key Competencies
Systems Thinking Understanding cause-effect across institutions and policies
Business Acumen Making decisions in line with organizational objectives
Knowledge Generation Turning information into usable insights
Digital Literacy Using and promoting technology for service transformation
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Data-driven project assessment and performance management
Governance and Public Administration Understanding of policy reform, institutional mandates, and decentralization
Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Fostering inclusive, participatory institutions in post-Soviet and transitioning contexts

VII. Strategic Importance of the Role

1. Bridging National Reforms and Global Norms
   Uzbekistan has been undergoing ambitious reforms in governance, administrative decentralization, and citizen engagement. This role ensures these national priorities are anchored in global best practices, particularly through:

Digital governance

Accountability mechanisms

Citizen-centered services

2. Supporting Rural Equity
   The PC’s leadership directly affects outcomes in rural and underserved regions, helping bridge the urban-rural divide through smart policies, inclusive e-governance, and improved institutional responsiveness.
3. Enabling Donor Confidence
   With the EU as the principal donor, effective project coordination reinforces trust, transparency, and accountability, crucial for future funding pipelines.
4. Advancing UNDP Strategic Goals
   This role contributes directly to UNDP’s Country Programme Outcomes and the Strategic Plan, reinforcing its mandate on:

Effective governance

Inclusive development

Digital transformation for sustainable services

VIII. Desired Additional Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following attributes enhance candidacy:

Project or Programme Management Certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)

Familiarity with Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks

Experience in civil service reform or decentralization programs

Prior experience working with or for international development donors or implementers

Strong analytical writing and report drafting capabilities

Knowledge of local political context and sensitivity to diverse perspectives

IX. Equal Opportunity Statement
UNDP is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Women, persons with disabilities, and members of minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process ensures fairness and transparency, reflecting UNDP’s zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

X. How to Apply and Selection Process
Apply online via UNDP’s online recruitment platform before 14 May 2025, 05:59 AM Tashkent time.

Application components:

CV/P11 form

Cover letter tailored to project objectives

Proof of relevant degrees/certifications

Selection includes:

Desk review of applications

Technical test and/or interview

Reference checks

Final negotiation and contract signing under NPSA modality

Conclusion
The Project Coordinator role offers a unique opportunity to shape Uzbekistan’s digital and governance transformation at both strategic and operational levels. With direct engagement in reforms, donor coordination, and local implementation, the incumbent will be instrumental in fostering a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable public service ecosystem.

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Here’s an extremely detailed (3000+ words) explanation and analysis of the Project Coordinator position with UNDP in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with breakdowns of job expectations, required competencies, background context, technical components, institutional setting, and broader relevance within the UNDP framework and Uzbekistan’s governance context:

Comprehensive Analysis of the Project Coordinator Role – UNDP Tashkent, Uzbekistan

1. Position Overview and Strategic Relevance
   The Project Coordinator (PC) position based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan under the UNDP’s Governance Practice Area, represents a pivotal leadership and management role in the ongoing reform of public service delivery in the country. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and financed by the European Union (EU), seeks to revolutionize the accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness of public services – especially in rural and underserved communities.

The position is graded as NPSA-9, which denotes a high-level National Personnel Service Agreement post. It requires the incumbent to manage strategic direction, operational implementation, technical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance for the project titled “Further Improvement of Public Service Delivery in Uzbekistan.”

At its core, the role is designed to advance digital transformation, decentralization, and user-centric service delivery – principles that are central to UNDP’s global governance and development strategy.

2. Project Background and Contextual Importance
   2.1 National Development and Institutional Reform
   Uzbekistan has undertaken significant reforms in governance since its political transition began in 2016. Public service delivery reform is one of the major areas of transformation, with a focus on enhancing state-citizen relations, strengthening transparency, and improving administrative effectiveness.

The project is anchored in Uzbekistan’s national development strategy, including the Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan (2022–2026), which prioritizes public administration reform, digital government services, and local governance development.

The PC’s work will directly support these strategic objectives by:

Upgrading institutional frameworks;

Building digital infrastructure and capacity;

Facilitating legislative and regulatory reform;

Promoting inclusivity (gender, youth, persons with disabilities, elderly populations).

2.2 EU-UNDP Collaboration
This initiative is an EU-funded collaborative effort where the EU’s strategic support meets UNDP’s implementation expertise. UNDP acts as both a technical advisor and implementing partner, leveraging its on-the-ground presence and systems expertise to ensure the project’s success.

The PC serves as a linchpin in this triangular collaboration (Government–EU–UNDP), requiring diplomatic tact, programmatic agility, and technical rigor.

3. Duties and Responsibilities
   3.1 Project Implementation and Monitoring
   The PC is responsible for ensuring the timely, efficient, and quality implementation of project activities. This includes:

Coordinating with the Public Services Agency and other national partners;

Monitoring all phases of implementation, identifying risks and mitigation measures;

Developing planning and tracking systems;

Managing annual and quarterly work plans, budgets, and expenditures;

Ensuring all activities align with EU contribution agreements.

The PC’s implementation responsibilities stretch across both strategic oversight and operational follow-through, ensuring that the transformation efforts translate from paper to practice.

3.2 Strategic and Technical Inputs
In addition to operational duties, the PC is also expected to:

Provide substantive input to project documents, donor reports, and strategic plans;

Coordinate with other UNDP projects to ensure synergy and prevent redundancy;

Offer policy advice on civil service reform, decentralization, and service digitization;

Prepare TORs, knowledge products, and policy briefs for stakeholders;

Provide strategic direction for gender and inclusion integration.

This duality of responsibility – combining strategy with execution – demands a high degree of intellectual maturity, planning expertise, and coordination capability.

3.3 Stakeholder and Partner Engagement
Given the multi-stakeholder nature of the project, the PC will function as the main interface between the Government of Uzbekistan, EU, other UN agencies, and civil society. Duties include:

Organizing donor coordination meetings;

Maintaining partnerships with World Bank, USAID, UK FCO, and other donors;

Promoting stakeholder ownership of reforms;

Conducting advocacy for digital governance and public service transformation;

Representing the project at regional and international forums.

Building trust and maintaining effective partnerships in a complex institutional environment is essential for long-term sustainability and project credibility.

3.4 Knowledge Management and Learning
A significant aspect of the role is the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned. This includes:

Facilitating knowledge sharing across ministries, agencies, and communities;

Promoting best practices and innovative tools;

Leading consultations with local leaders and community representatives;

Contributing to regional and global UNDP knowledge platforms;

Supporting peer learning and capacity development.

The PC is expected to build institutional memory while fostering a learning culture within the project and partner institutions.

4. Institutional Arrangement and Reporting Line
   The PC works under the Effective Governance Cluster within UNDP Uzbekistan’s Country Office. The position is supervised directly by the Project Specialist, and overall guidance is provided by the Cluster Leader on Governance.

In practice, the PC:

Interfaces daily with project technical teams and stakeholders;

Reports periodically to the Project Board and donors;

Collaborates closely with senior management on strategic alignment;

May contribute inputs to national planning tools such as the UNSDCF, CPD, and UNDAF.

This ensures vertical accountability (within UNDP) and horizontal accountability (across government and partner networks).

5. Required and Desired Qualifications
   5.1 Education
   A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Law, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field is required;

Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience is acceptable.

This reflects UNDP’s competency-based hiring, valuing both formal education and practical experience.

5.2 Experience
Minimum of 2 years (with Master’s) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s) in development project design, planning, implementation, and evaluation;

Experience with governance, public service delivery, e-government, and digital transformation is preferred;

Familiarity with M&E, financial management, and coordination of multi-stakeholder initiatives is advantageous;

Experience working with donor-funded projects, especially the EU, is a strong asset.

The position demands both technical expertise and project management acumen, particularly in dynamic reform environments.

6. Language and Communication Skills
   Fluency in English and Uzbek is mandatory;

Russian language skills are highly desirable.

This multilingual requirement reflects the multicultural, multiethnic fabric of Uzbekistan and the regional cooperation with Russian-speaking stakeholders, including CIS partners and international donors.

7. Competencies and Core Values
   7.1 Core Competencies (UNDP)
   Competency Description
   Achieve Results Balance speed and accuracy, deliver with accountability.
   Think Innovatively Systemic thinking, new approaches.
   Learn Continuously Adapt, reflect, learn from others.
   Adapt with Agility Thrive in change, involve stakeholders.
   Act with Determination Remain persistent under pressure.
   Engage and Partner Build coalitions, enable collaboration.
   Enable Diversity and Inclusion Promote equitable participation and representation.

7.2 Cross-Functional/Technical Competencies
Systems Thinking: Understand interdependencies across reform structures.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Use of RBM frameworks, outcome-level evaluation.

Governance/Public Administration Reform: Applied knowledge of civil service and decentralization reforms.

Knowledge Generation: Translate research into actionable knowledge products.

Digital Awareness and Literacy: Understand the role of technology in governance reform.

Business Acumen: Make decisions within strategic and operational boundaries.

These competencies are essential in a fast-paced, reform-intensive governance environment where institutional behavior, digital ecosystems, and policy frameworks interact continuously.

8. Broader Impact and Strategic Importance
   8.1 Advancing SDGs
   The project directly contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions;

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure;

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities;

SDG 5: Gender Equality;

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The Project Coordinator will play a key role in operationalizing these goals within Uzbekistan’s national framework, translating global priorities into localized results.

8.2 Institutional Strengthening and Citizen Empowerment
Through a people-centered approach, the project enhances the state’s ability to serve its citizens effectively. This is done by:

Improving the interface between government and citizens through one-stop shops and digital services;

Making public services more accessible for rural, marginalized, and vulnerable groups;

Increasing participation of citizens in local decision-making;

Strengthening civic trust in public institutions.

9. Challenges and Opportunities
   9.1 Challenges
   Institutional inertia and resistance to change;

Digital divide in rural areas;

Managing donor expectations and complex stakeholder dynamics;

Ensuring long-term sustainability and ownership;

Monitoring and evaluating systemic reforms.

9.2 Opportunities
Positioning Uzbekistan as a regional model for public administration reform;

Leveraging digital tools to enable service innovation;

Creating inclusive systems that serve all citizens;

Enhancing policy coherence across government levels.

10. Concluding Remarks
    The Project Coordinator position is more than an administrative or managerial role – it is a mission-critical leadership role in Uzbekistan’s ongoing public administration transformation. It blends strategy, policy, partnerships, technical innovation, and local engagement into a high-impact portfolio.

The role offers the incumbent an opportunity to:

Influence national-level reform processes;

Lead cutting-edge work in digital governance and inclusive service delivery;

Interface with donors and policy-makers at the highest levels;

Contribute directly to human development outcomes in Uzbekistan’s rural and vulnerable communities.

Given its scope, responsibilities, and complexity, this position is ideally suited for experienced development professionals with a passion for governance, digital innovation, and inclusive development.

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