Policy & External Partnerships Manager (PEPM), Kyrgyzstan

The position

Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The Policy & External Partnerships Manager (PEPM) will ensure effective management of the Office’s operations, policy priorities, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement including key donor and government meetings. The role will aim to advance the office’s agenda and overall mission performance and help to identify and realize potential synergies among the AKDN agencies. The PEPM will also provide strategic input and support in implementation of major AKDN initiatives by strengthening the collaboration and inter-agency coordination mechanism.

The PEPM will closely monitor notable social, economic, and political developments and trends in Kyrgyzstan, wider Central Asia, and other critical geographies, as well as Kyrgyzstan’s own evolving national priorities. The role will improve internal efficiency, manage clear plannings, assist the decision-making, and help to ensure that diplomatic and strategic objectives are met. The PEPM will ensure alignment of all initiatives with the Office’s strategic goals, and track progress, impact, and reporting requirements for various initiatives. The PEPM will provide operational and advisory support on staffing matters and support the management of office’s budget.

This role will support communication with different levels of government and the diplomatic community and provide strategic support to the communications team in identifying priorities for public outreach, social media activities and major public events. The PEPM will review, synthesize, and keep the office and the AKDN agencies updated on Government policies, key political, diplomatic, and operational issues, and facilitate their input into policy dialogue.

The requirements

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree preferably in the areas of diplomacy, public policy, management, law, international relations, political science or social sciences. 
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, with strong presentation skills and the ability to prepare clear recommendations and briefings.
• Candidates with knowledge of Central Asia, including Russian or Kyrgyz languages (written and oral), and prior experience working in the region are a distinct advantage.
• Minimum seven years of experience in public relations, diplomacy, journalism or a senior communications position. 
• Strong writing, oral communication, and networking skills, with attention to detail and ability to interact effectively at senior levels.
• Proven track record providing high-level administrative, including budget oversight and financial management, operational, and representational support to senior executives.
• Proven experience of interaction with government officials and ministerial or diplomatic stakeholders is an added advantage.
• Prior experience to work effectively in a supervisory capacity and collaboratively with teams, government counterparts, and other stakeholders is preferred.
• A keen appreciation of the objectives and ethical underpinnings of the institution and the AKDN agencies.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work under sustained pressure. Demonstrated flexibility and problem-solving ability in dynamic contexts.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated sound judgement, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with integrity.

Application Process
The last date to submit applications is 29 March 2026.