SO3 Coordinator - Innovation - TEI Digital Connectivity in Central Asia (H/F)
Company: Expertise France
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Employment type: FULL_TIME
Based in Astana, Kazakhstan, at Expertise France Office, under the supervision of the Team Leader, you will be responsible for coordinating the third component - Specific Objective 3 (SO3) - of the C4CA action. As SO3 Coordinator, you will oversee implementation of the Specific Objective 3 activities and ensure systematic coordination among implementing partners, in liaison with operational teams in Astana, Expertise France HQ staff in Paris and with the three other SO coordinators of the project. The position implies a high degree of autonomy and interpersonal skills appropriate to working in an international and multicultural environment, as well as strong project management skills.
Presentation of SO3
The satellite and space sectors in Central Asia are primarily developed in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, yet there is a pressing need to foster more integrated national space innovation ecosystems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been identified as a strong regional priority, with a focus on leveraging its potential to drive technological advancement. To further strengthen this ecosystem, support is required to promote the adoption of Earth-observation data among startups and businesses, enabling them to harness satellite-based technologies for innovation. Key actions under the C4CA priority include building a robust regional innovation network, supporting Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in designing educational programs tailored for innovators, and increasing the tools and capacities available to users. Additionally, exchange programs and study trips to Europe will facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of technological progress.
Foresen possible activities under SO3:
- Identify and support business creation/incubation with focus on space technologies
- Organising hackathons;
- Building-up partnerships with local ecosystems;
- Participating in events to boost the development of tech solutions;
- Promote the earth observation technology to support business innovation, etc.
Key Responsibilities (non-exhaustive list, subject to changes):
- Lead the overall planning, implementation, and monitoring of Specific Objective 3 across the Central Asia region;
- Develop, coordinate and monitor the execution of SO3 annual work-plan, budgets, timelines, and human resources, to ensure efficient and effective project implementation;
- Consolidate and coordinate the work with the Latvian agency LITC involved in the component. This includes aligning activities and strategies, as well as ensuring cohesion and complementarity between Expertise France and LITC activities.
- Coordinate with Expertise France headquarters, other Member State agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational strategies and policies;
- Coordinate with Expertise France headquarters to align the overall approach of SO3 with the global Expertise France approach to innovations; in coordination with the focal points at headquarters in Paris
- Coordinate SO3 evaluation and closure activities after the end of the implementation period;
- In coordination with the Team Leader and/or Deputy Team Leader, represent SO3 vis-à-vis the EU Delegation, the project beneficiaries, and the partners;
- In coordination with the Team Leader and/or Deputy Team Leader Represent the project in steering committees and events, workshops and conferences;
- In coordination with the Team Leader and/or Deputy Team Leader Represent Expertise France and the SO3 partners in meetings, conferences, and other events, showcasing project achievements and fostering collaboration with external partners.
SO3 implementation and coordination:
- Implement activities in close collaboration with Country Advisors : as the project is regional, country advisors assist in implementing activities in 5 Central Asian countries
- Drafts terms of reference, concept notes and technical reports ;
- Select and pilot providers, technical experts and validate deliverables
- Design and pilot technical assistance missions on the topic of digital innovation, entrepreneurship, IoT and similar topics;
- Participates in consultations and working groups with beneficiary and partner organizations;
- Coordinate the drafting of SO3 inputs in project narrative and financial reports;
- Provide technical content for procurements in coordination with the procurement team for Expertise France SO3 activities;
- Contribute to internal project review exercises (annual planning, budget forecast/reporting, etc.).
Internal and external coordination
- Ensure engagement with national stakeholders and beneficiaries of each countries involved in SO3 activities in coordination with country advisors
- Ensure information flows between the SO3 team (staff and technical experts from Expertise France and other implementing agencies) and the Project Management Unit;
- Liaise and coordinate regularly with the country advisors to ensure relevance of national activities and cross-SO coherency;
- Ensure regular alignment and information sharing with the other SO Coordinators, to identify synergies and avoid overlaps.
Cross-cutting missions
- Supports project communication and visibility by providing regular updates on activities related to SO3;
- Supports the MEAL coordinator in pursuing data collection, monitoring and evaluation efforts related to SO3;
- Supports implementation of the cross-cutting activities on Gender Equity and Human Rights in the SO3 workstreams;
- Supports visibility of Expertise France and Team Europe activities in the region;
- Contributes to contractual, administrative and financial management of SO3.
