1. Background

As part of these activities, MEF will engage an International Senior Economist to provide high-level advisory support for the reform of the student financing support system. This includes piloting an income-contingent student loan system, developing fiscal models and institutional frameworks, and formulating recommendations to enhance the financing systems for technical and vocational education (TVET) as well as higher education.  

To ensure effective coordination, contextualization of international expertise, and engagement with national institutions, MEF seeks to recruit a Local Economist to work closely with the International Senior Economist and support implementation of analytical and advisory activities.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to:

• Prepare Terms of Reference for engaging a research institution to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the existing student loan and financial support system, including grants, scholarships, and private loans. The assessment should address the efficiency of financing TVET, as well as higher education systems, and examine graduate quality and employability outcomes.
• Provide analytical, technical, and coordination support to the International Senior Economist;
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between the International Expert and national stakeholders;
• Support data collection, analysis, and policy adaptation to the Uzbekistan context;
• Contribute to preparation of technical outputs under the GFPP Grant.

3. Scope of Work

The Local Economist shall work under the technical guidance of the International Senior Economist and under the overall supervision of the Project Manager (PIU), MEF.

A. Support Background Research

• Conducting desk research on available data sources regarding the financing mechanisms of technical and vocational institutions, as well as higher education institutions, in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
• Develop the Terms of Reference (ToR) in consultation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) for hiring research institution(s) to conduct the research to inform the government decision making.
• Assist MEF with desk research on student loans, technical and vocational education, and higher education financing; share relevant information with the research institutions and ensure the company completes the tasks on time.

• Compile comparative tables, summaries, and background notes.

B. Support Data Collection and Management

• Collect and harmonize administrative and survey data related to the student loan program from the government entities and technical and vocational institutions (TVET) and higher education institutions.
• Support data requests, data collection, and coordination with national institutions.
• Develop and maintain structured datasets suitable for descriptive and econometric analysis.

C. Support Quantitative and Policy Analysis

• Conduct analysis of student loan beneficiaries, with attention to equity and labor market relevance dimensions (socioeconomic background, gender, region, field of study).
• Support analysis of loan allocation criteria, repayment performance, and fiscal implications.
• Assist with labor market and employment outcome analysis for student loan recipients, where data is available.

• Contribute to the analysis of policy reform options.

D. Support Reporting and Knowledge Products

• Draft technical annexes, tables, figures, and background notes for the main analytical report(s).
• Support preparation of policy briefs, presentation materials, and inputs for stakeholder consultations and workshops.

E. Support Coordination and Administration

• Assist the communication and coordination across MEF, International Consultant, the World Bank team, TVET and higher education stakeholders, and international partners.

4. Deliverables

The Local Economist shall contribute to the following outputs:

• Prepare Terms of Reference for engaging a research institution.
• Background analytical notes (as requested);
• Structured datasets and data summaries;
• Technical annexes and supporting materials;
• Inputs into fiscal modeling and reform framework documents;
• Meeting summaries and coordination notes;
• Contributions to draft and final reform documents prepared under the Grant.

Deliverables shall be submitted in English unless otherwise agreed.

5. Duration and Level of Effort

Duration: aligned with the International Senior Economist’s assignment (approximately 5–6 months, subject to final contract terms).

Level of Effort: Part-time.

The assignment may be extended subject to satisfactory performance and project needs.

6. Reporting and Supervision

The Local Economist shall:

• Work under the technical guidance of the International Senior Economist;
• Report administratively to the Project Manager (PIU), MEF;
• Coordinate closely with MEF departments, International Senior Economist, research institution and the World Bank Task Team as required.

7. Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant shall have:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy, or related field;
• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in economic analysis, public policy, or education financing;
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills;
• Proficiency in Excel (required); knowledge of Stata, SPSS, R, or similar tools is an advantage;
• Experience working with government institutions is desirable;
• Familiarity with higher education financing or public sector reforms is an advantage;
• Fluency in English, Uzbek and Russian (required);
• Strong communication and coordination skills.

8. Location

The Consultant shall be based in Uzbekistan and available for in-person meetings with MEF and other stakeholders as required.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form in English or Russian languages to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by March 30, 2026.

Uzbekistan, 100017, Tashkent, Niyozbek yo'li , 1

Tel:(+99897) 447-86-11

E-mail: gfppp181956@gmail.com

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

Abdurashid Abdurakhmanov