1. Background

The Government of Uzbekistan is preparing a comprehensive reform to improve equitable access, sustainability, and relevance of the national student financing system. To support this effort, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has received a Preparation Grant (GFPP Grant No. TF0C8875) in the amount of USD 2,000,000 from the Bank, acting as trustee of the Grant Facility for Project Preparation.

The Grant finances preparation of the follow-on Program for Results with the potential Investment Project Financing Component Operation that will also require preparation of the feasibility studies, financial simulations, ESF assessments, due diligence of financial intermediaries, capacity-building, consultations, and technical design work. The findings and deliverables produced under the Grant will guide the development of the full project, including results areas, Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), implementation arrangements, and monitoring systems.

 

The Grant will be implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) through an existing Project Implementation Unit (PIU), with the MEF serving as the primary implementing entity responsible for fiduciary management, procurement, reporting, monitoring, and coordination with the Bank.

​2. Description of GFPP Grant Activities

The Grant finances three major areas of analytical and preparatory work as outlined in the Grant Agreement:

Part 1: Research and Feasibility Studies

• Feasibility study on the student financing system
• Environmental and social assessments
• Evaluation of current student loan policies and access barriers
• Survey work to assess impacts of student loan repayment strategies
• Financial simulations for sustainability and risk analysis
• Stakeholder workshops and consultations

 

Part 2: Project Readiness and Institutional Strengthening

• Establishment and support to the MEF’s expert group
• Strengthening administrative, technical, and analytical capacity
• Due-diligence assessment of potential financial intermediaries (banks)
• Procurement assessments
• M&E, legal, fiduciary, and ESF readiness for the future project

 

Part 3: Policymaker Capacity Development

• Training on international best practices in student financing
• Capacity development workshops for MEF, MHESI, and financial intermediaries
• Learning events with national and international experts
• Technical preparation for taxation, digital infrastructure, and financing mechanisms

 

3. Implementation Arrangements

 

The Grant is implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) through a designated Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

 

The PIU will be responsible for:

• Comprehensive project management ensuring the fulfillment of all key performance indicators.
• Fiduciary functions (FM, disbursement, procurement)
• Environmental Social Commitment Plan implementation and reporting
• Coordination with MEF departments, Ministry of Higher Education Science and Innovation, commercial banks, technical ministries, and stakeholders
• Communication with the Bank
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Preparation of financial reports, interim unaudited financial reports (IFRs), and audit arrangements in line with the DFIL.

 

Given the complexity and multi-stakeholder nature of the preparation activities, the PIU requires a qualified Project Manager.

 

4. Objective of the Assignment

 

The objective of this assignment is to provide overall strategic, managerial, and operational coordination for the implementation of the GFPP Preparation Grant TF0C8875 to ensure timely, efficient, and compliant execution of all Activities financed under the Grant.

 

The Project Manager will serve as the primary link between the PIU, the MEF leadership, and the Bank team.

 

5. Scope of Services

 

The Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination, management, supervision, and reporting of all activities financed under the GFPP Grant. Key tasks include:

 

A. General Project Management

• Become fully familiar with:
  • Grant Letter Agreement
  • Disbursement & Financial Information Letter (DFIL)
  • Project Operations Manual (POM)
  • Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP)
  • Standard Conditions for Grant Financing
• Manage and oversee overall implementation of all Grant Activities.
• Coordinate the work of all consultants, firms, and institutions engaged under the Grant.
• Ensure timely implementation of the Work Plan and Procurement Plan.
• Prepare the Project Operations Manual (POM) for the follow-on Program.

 

 

B. Coordination with MEF, Stakeholders, and World Bank

• Serve as the main focal point for all communication with the Bank.
• Coordinate internally with MEF departments involved in student financing, budgeting, digital systems, analytics, Environmental and Social Framework compliance, and legal departments.
• Coordinate with Ministry of Higher Education Science and Innovation, Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, Universities, commercial banks, and other stakeholders relevant to student financing support system.
• Ensure effective stakeholder engagement and support preparations for consultations (as required under the ESCP).

 

C. Technical Oversight of Grant Activities

• Supervise analytical work under Part 1 and Part 2 (feasibility studies, surveys, financial simulations).
• Oversee due diligence of financial intermediaries (banks).
• Coordinate upstream design work for financial, governance, and digital architecture of the student financing system.
• Support development of Project readiness elements including procurement assessments, M&E design, fiduciary arrangements, legal inputs, and ESF instruments.

 

D. Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) Compliance

• Ensure that all Activities comply with Environmental & Social Standards.
• Support preparation and implementation of ESCP actions.
• Ensure timely preparation and reporting of ESF-related documentation.

 

E. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Ensure timely preparation of all required progress reports.
• Monitor delivery of all agreed outputs and deliverables.
• Support design and timely reporting of indicators relevant for the preparation phase.
• Ensure timely submission of IFRs (every 6 months).
• Ensure timely audit arrangements, including support to auditors and submission of final audit report (within 6 months after closing).

 

F. Procurement and Financial Management Coordination

• Ensure that the Procurement Plan is implemented and updated as required.
• Coordinate with procurement specialists to ensure compliance with Bank Procurement Regulations (Feb 2025).
• Ensure internal controls, compliance with DFIL requirements, accuracy of Statements of Expenditures (SOEs), Designated Account Reconciliation Statements (DARS), and Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs), and adherence to disbursement methods.

 

G. Knowledge and Capacity Building

• Support organization of workshops, training sessions, and capacity development activities under Part 2 and 3 of the Grant.
• Facilitate peer learning, consultation events, and inter-agency coordination meetings.

 

6. Deliverables

 

The Project Manager shall ensure the delivery of the following:

1. Semi-annual project progress reports, including updates on:
   • Implementation status
   • Activities progress
   • Procurement
   • Financial management
   • ESCP implementation
   • Monitoring indicators
2. Updated Procurement Plans (as required)
3. Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) submitted every 6 months, in accordance with DFIL.
4. Inputs for Annual and Mid-Term Reviews as required by the World Bank.
5. Final Recipient’s Implementation Completion Report (ICR) at project closing.
6. Support to audit preparation and submission within required timelines.
7. Final draft of the POM for the follow-on project.

 

7. Qualifications

 

Education

• Higher education degree in economics, finance, public administration, development studies, education policy, or related fields.
• Master’s degree is an advantage.

 

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in project coordination/management roles.
• Experience in government institutions, especially in MEF, MHESI, or related agencies, is an advantage.
• Experience with the Bank funded or other donor-funded projects preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with government agencies.
• Experience in policy analysis, financial systems, education sector, or social programs is desirable.

 

Skills

• Strong leadership and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and writing skills (Uzbek, Russian; English required).
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and deliver results.
• Knowledge of the Bank operational procedures is an advantage.

 

8. Duration of Assignment

 

The assignment covers the full duration of the GFPP Preparation Grant around June 2026, with the possibility of extension based on project needs, performance, and availability of financing.

 

9. Reporting and Supervision

 

The Project Manager will report directly to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and work in close coordination with the PIU team and MEF departments. The Bank may also provide technical guidance as needed.

 

Uzbekistan, 100017, Tashkent, Istiklol street, 29

Tel:(+99871) 203-50-50 (01540), +998 90 632 88 06

E-mail: Dilmurod.Sultonov@imv.uz

Web site: https://www.imv.uz/