Position: Lead Grants Administration Consultant Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Duration of consultancy: October 1, 2025 – December 30, 2025
Nature of the consultancy:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing a pilot of the 1+1 Matching Grants Programme in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the “Safe Migration for Seasonal Workers from Central Asia to the UK” project funded by the UK Government. This pilot aims to support entrepreneurship and local economic development by awarding grants to 10–15 selected finalists for business development.
To ensure effective administration of the programme, IOM is seeking a Lead Grants Administration Consultant to coordinate and supervise a team of Local Grants Administration Consultants in Batken oblast. The team will assist prospective grantees throughout the oblast in identifying potential vendors, preparing necessary documentation, collecting vendor information, and submitting all required documents in full compliance with IOM’s procurement and financial procedures. Payments for equipment and goods specified in each grantee’s business plan will be made directly by IOM to the vendors.
The Lead Grants Administration Consultant will be based in Bishkek, with regular travel to Osh as needed, and will work closely with IOM’s National Project Team and Resource Management Unit. This role will operate under the overall supervision of the IOM Head of Office.
Project Context and Scope The proposed project aims to support the safe participation of Central Asian migrants in the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS), promoting a positive migration experience within the United Kingdom (UK) and helping to participate Central Asian countries to maximize its benefits to economic development. It aims to reduce the risks that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan nationals face in the migration process under SWS. Project activities include support to (a) prospective migrants before their departure to the UK through Pre-Departure Orientation (online and/or offline depending on country), awareness raising campaigns (online and/or offline depending on country), Safe Migration hotline consultations, and English language courses; and (b) to selected migrants after their return to home countries through financial and business literacy trainings, consultations and seed grants. These efforts aim to ensure that migrants covered by the project are aware of their rights and responsibilities in the UK, as well as risks of misinformation, fraud, and exploitation, and thus they are better protected throughout their migration process.
In the long term, the project aims to promote sustainable community development by empowering returnees and their families. Stakeholders engaged in the UK SWS, including farmers and growers, will gain a deeper understanding of Central Asian migrants' needs and vulnerabilities, enable proactive risk mitigation and providing improved workplace support. By promoting informed migration and fostering a supportive environment, the project seeks to enhance migrants' safety and well-being while contributing to broader socio-economic development within impacted communities.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Protection and Climate Mobility Unit, “Safe migration for seasonal workers from Central Asia to the UK” project, LM0612.
Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
The Lead Grants Administration Consultant, supported by two Local Grants Administration Consultants, will ensure full compliance with IOM procurement and financial requirements for the Matching Grants Programme. Tasks include:
1. Vendor Documentation Collection and Review
The Lead Consultant will oversee the Local Grants Administration Consultants in collecting and verifying the following mandatory documents for each vendor/grantee:
a. Signed Vendor Information Sheet (VIS)
b. Certificate of Registration / Private Entrepreneur (PE) Certificate
c. Copy of ID (for Private Entrepreneurs only)
d. Signed UN Code of Conduct (CoC)
e. Bank account details with official bank stamp
f. Signed Declaration of Conformity
2. Grant Documentation for Programme Reporting
a. Grant agreement between implementing partner and the grantee (or other applicable form as required).
b. Ensure documents are properly archived and ready for submission to IOM for programme monitoring and reporting.
3. Procurement and Payment Documentation
a. Electronic Invoice (ЭСФ) for all goods and services.
b. E-waybill (ЭТТН) for goods, and Act of Acceptance for services between IOM and vendors..
c. Ensure that no advance payments are requested or processed. Payments will only be made after delivery of all goods and/or completion of services, in line with IOM’s policies.
4. Compliance Control and Oversight
a. Review all documentation collected by Local Grants Administration Consultants prior to submission to IOM. completeness, accuracy, and compliance with IOM procurement procedures.
b. Submit verified payment packages to the IOM Project Assistant for processing.
5. Verification of 50% Personal Contribution by Grantees
a. Review, verify, and certify that documentation meets IOM and donor (FCDO) requirements before submission.
b. Review and verify Asset Inventory Forms, using templates provided by IOM’s Resource Management Unit (RMU).
c. Certify completeness of Asset Inventory Forms and photo documentation in compliance with IOM and FCDO standards.
Deliverables
a. Provide bi-weekly updates to IOM on the status of documentation collection and verification.
b. Submit a final consultancy report summarizing the number of grants administered, goods/services delivered, challenges faced, and recommendations.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Timely submission of complete and accurate documentation. Compliance with IOM procurement and financial policies. Feedback from Local Grants Administration Consultants and IOM staff. On-time completion of all tasks and delivery of final report.Education, Experience and/or skills required
University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Development Studies, or a related field. Minimum of 3 years’ experience in project/grant administration, finance, and/or procurement. Experience with the IOM procurement policies and processes is highly desirable and considered a strong asset. Experience working with international organizations or donor-funded projects is an advantage. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Fluency in Russian (spoken and written); knowledge of English is an advantage; basic understanding of Kyrgyz (oral). IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Travel required Travel to Osh might be required. All related travel costs will be covered by IOM. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Notes Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies