Lead Grants Administration Consultant

Note: This is a local consultancy opportunity; therefore, only nationals of the Kyrgyz Republic or individuals with legal residency in Kyrgyzstan are eligible to apply.

Position Title: Lead Grants Administration Consultant
Duty Station: Bishkek, with regular coordination with field-based consultants in Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken oblasts; travel to project locations as required.
Type of Appointment: Consultancy, Category B, deliverables based
Duration of Consultancy: 1 November 2026 – 28 February 2027 (four months)
Closing Date: 05 October 2026, 11:59 PM Bishkek time

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration .

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in cooperation with relevant government counterparts in Kyrgyzstan, is implementing the Central Asia Safe Migration project, funded by the UK Government. The project supports safe migration to the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme and the sustainable reintegration of returning migrants.
Under the reintegration component, IOM implements the 1+1 Matching Grants Programme , which supports returning migrants and their families in investing their savings and remittances in sustainable livelihood opportunities. Under the mechanism, IOM co-finances eligible business investments of selected beneficiaries. Previous rounds supported businesses in agriculture, food production, manufacturing, and services.
In the current phase, up to 23 grant recipients will be supported across the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken oblasts. Following the selection of beneficiaries and the approval of their business plans, IOM will procure approved goods and services directly from vendors in accordance with IOM procedures.
The Consultant will support assigned beneficiaries throughout this process, from v endor identification and documentation collection to procurement, delivery and verification. The Consultant will work under the coordination of the Lead Grants Administration Consultant and in close cooperation with the IOM Project Team and RMU.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Mobility Pathways Unit, “Safe Migration Central Asia” project, LM0667.
Nature of the consultancy: Category B / delivery-based consultancy
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a Lead Grants Administration Consultant to coordinate and supervise a team of Local Grant Administration Consultants supporting the implementation of the 1+1 Matching Grants Programme in Kyrgyzstan under the Safe Migration Central Asia project. The team will support selected grantees in the administration of their approved grants, including the 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 Consultant will ensure timely coordination, review, and consolidation of procurement and grant administration documentation, and support compliance with IOM procurement and financial procedures as well as collection of all necessary reporting documents.
The Lead Grants Administration Consultant will be based in Bishkek and will work closely with the three Local Grants Administration Consultants assigned to Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken oblasts, as well as with IOM’s National Project Team and Resource Management Unit (RMU). The Consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the IOM Head of Office.
The Consultant will not be involved in the selection of grant recipients or in the assessment of their business ideas or business plans.

Education, Experience and/or Skills Required

- University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Development Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project/grant administration, finance, and/or procurement, vendor management, or related functions.
- Experience coordinating or supervising field-based staff or consultants.
- 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.
- Experience working directly with small businesses, enterpreneurs, grantees or local suppliers is an advantage.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Fluency in Kyrgyz and Russian; knowledge of English is an advantage. 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, Jalal-Abad and Batken oblasts and relevant districts may be required for coordination, monitoring and delivery verification.

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 five 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

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.

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here ). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies