Senior Project Implementation Specialist

Background

The Government of Uzbekistan, with financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is implementing the STEM in Secondary Education Project to enhance the quality and inclusiveness of STEM education. The project supports three key outputs: (i) Quality of STEM education with support of technology improved; (ii) Learning environments improved; and (iii) STEM education network and capacity for inclusive learning strengthened. The Project Office (PO) under MOPSE will oversee implementation with support from national and international specialists.

Objective

The Senior Project Implementation Specialist (national) will provide day-to-day leadership, coordination, and oversight of project activities to ensure efficient delivery of outputs and full compliance with ADB and national procedures. The position will act as the focal point for all technical and operational matters and will serve as Acting Project Director as required. This position will report to the PO Project Manager.

Detailed Tasks

The Senior Project Implementation Specialist will support the PO Project Manager to:

(i) Lead day-to-day project operations to ensure the timely and quality delivery of all outputs in line with the Project Administration Manual (PAM) and approved work plans.

(ii) Prepare annual and quarterly implementation, procurement, and disbursement plans, and ensure consistency with ADB requirements.

(iii) Supervise and coordinate the work of Project Office specialists, consultants, and contractors, ensuring synergies across technical areas.

(iv) Monitor project progress against the design and monitoring framework (DMF) and identify implementation bottlenecks, proposing timely corrective actions.

(v) Coordinate with MOPSE departments, MOEF, Avlony Institute, PIIMA, and regional education authorities for effective interagency collaboration.

(vi) Review and consolidate project reports, withdrawal applications, safeguards and gender monitoring reports, and mission documents for submission to ADB.

(vii) Ensure all project activities comply with ADB’s policies, guidelines, loan covenants, and the Government’s regulations.

(viii) Supervise performance of contractors and suppliers, ensuring contractual compliance and quality control of all deliverables.

(ix) Provide leadership in risk management and ensure proper follow-up on audit and mission recommendations.

(xi) Support MOPSE and PO staff in implementing project-related capacity building activities, including procurement, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation.

(xii) Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of STEM networks and regional training platforms.

(xiii) Lead internal and external communications, ensuring consistent dissemination of project achievements and lessons learned.

(xiv) Promote gender equality, inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability across project activities.

(xv) Prepare decision notes, mission briefs, and progress reports for submission to the Project Steering Committee and ADB.

(xvi) Serve as the focal point for ADB missions and external communications.

Qualifications
- Master’s degree in education, public administration, economics, or related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in managing donor-funded education or infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrated leadership and coordination skills in government or donor contexts.
- Experience with ADB or other IFI procedures and Uzbek government systems are required.
- Advanced PC/IT user (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Fluency in written and spoken English, Uzbek, and Russian.