Objective and Purpose:

The GAT has a strategic partnership with the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, and supporting the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of civil servants and improving lawmaking processes. To support these objectives, GAT is organizing a one-day Round Table (RT) led by an international expert, bringing together representatives from the Mejlis, local self-governance (LSG) bodies, and key ministries. The RT will introduce participants to global best practices in LSG, fostering an exchange of ideas aimed at improving the performance of LSG bodies, implementation of laws and policies within Turkmenistan’s governance structures.

This one-day Round Table (RT) will serve as a crucial platform for fostering a participatory approach to governance development in Turkmenistan. This format encourages open and constructive dialogue, providing a space for stakeholders to explore complex local governance challenges and collaboratively plan LSG initiatives. The RT aims to establish a robust and functional LSG mechanism in Turkmenistan by helping participants gain a comprehensive understanding of global LSG standards and recognize opportunities for improvement within the local context. This RT will be the first step to engaging and relationship-building with decision-makers and key stakeholders and promoting participatory government. This initiative aims to establish a more efficient and participatory governance framework, strengthening the foundation for ongoing collaboration and relationship-building with decision-makers in Turkmenistan.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Round Table Preparation:

• Review the existing LSG structure in Turkmenistan and relevant legislation.
• Conduct an analysis of recent findings from gap analyses on LSG in Turkmenistan, provided by the GAT team.
• Prepare materials and presentations on international LSG standards, with a focus on Central Asian regional practices.
• Adapt global LSG best practices to the Turkmenistan context, ensuring they are relevant and feasible for local implementation.

Round Table Facilitation:

• Lead the discussions with government stakeholders.
• Foster a collaborative dialogue on LSG opportunities, reforms, and international best practices.
• Present and explain international legal standards in LSG and how they can be adapted to Turkmenistan’s specific governance framework.

Post-Round Table Reporting:

• Prepare a comprehensive RT summary report capturing the key insights, discussions, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with GAT to draft a Joint Action Plan (JAP) outlining capacity-building activities, legislative updates, pilot programs for amended legislation, and budgetary recommendations.
• Provide structured feedback on stakeholders’ receptiveness to proposed reforms and highlight areas of potential positive change.
• Identify the next steps for legislative and administrative reforms, and the necessary budget allocations for effective LSG implementation.

Expert Qualifications:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 (ten) years of professional experience in local self-governance and public administration reforms, with a specific focus on Central Asia.
• Proven experience in developing legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience in facilitating high-level government dialogues on governance reforms, particularly LSG initiatives.

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of LSG frameworks, both in theory and practical application, with a focus on regional practices in Central Asia.
• Familiarity with the governance structures in Turkmenistan or similar post-Soviet countries.
• Strong understanding of international legal standards in LSG and how they can be adapted to different national contexts.

Skills:

• Excellent facilitation and communication skills, particularly in high-stakes government and stakeholder environments.
• Ability to present complex governance concepts in an accessible manner.
• Strong analytical skills, especially in synthesizing discussions into actionable plans.
• Fluency in Russian is required; knowledge of English is an asset.

Education:

• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or a related field.

Period of Performance: November - March 2024 (25 working days)

Place of implementation: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Last date to submit application: October 20, 2024

To get additional information and apply for the position, please follow the link.