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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the second president of Kazakhstan since independence, assumed office in 2019. In response to growing economic inequality and worsening socio-economic conditions, the government began moving away from its long-standing “economy first, then politics” approach. This shift included reforms to the electoral system, changes in party formation rules, efforts to strengthen parliament, and the decentralization of power to enhance local governance (Cornell and Barro, 2022).

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Tajikistan has signaled its intention to develop non-hydropower renewable energy. However, the lack of regulatory mechanisms and unmeasurable goals often undermines these efforts, believes Muhayyo Rahimzoda, a PhD Candidate in Development Studies, specializing in multidimensional poverty, education, and social policy in Central Asia.

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The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) Central Asia office is announcing an open call for experts, analysts, and researchers to develop a White Paper as part of the project “Civil Society for Kazakhstan (CS4K),” funded by the European Union.

Topic:

“Land and Justice: Supporting Rural Communities in Pavlodar Region”

We are seeking specialists ready to contribute to solving the region’s social and environmental challenges. The project aims to restore agriculture, improve conditions for livestock and crop production, protect natural resources, and strengthen the rights of rural communities.

Relevance of the Topic:

The Pavlodar region is currently facing significant challenges, including:

• Degradation of pastures

• Limited access to land resources

• Environmental threats

• Social inequality

The project aims to:

• Improve land resource management

• Develop sustainable agriculture

• Restore the region’s ecosystem

Tasks for Experts:

Development of the White Paper:

• Prepare a detailed, data-based document ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 words

• Analyze the problem, identify root causes, and provide actionable recommendations for all stakeholders (government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations)

• The papers will be developed in collaboration with local NGOs, IWPR CABAR editors, and relevant partners

Minimum Requirements:

• Higher education in ecology, social sciences, or related fields

• At least 3 years of experience in policy analysis or human rights work

• Strong research and expert writing skills

• Fluency in Russian (knowledge of Kazakh and English is an advantage)

Working Conditions:

Selected experts will closely collaborate with the “Pavlodar Regional Civil Alliance” (a legal entity association), as well as with editors from IWPR CABAR.asia.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of key land and environmental issues using data collected by civil society organizations (CSOs)

• Prepare a White Paper focused on the development of sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration in the Pavlodar region

• Develop recommendations on organic farming (both livestock and crop production) for rural populations in Pavlodar region who are not registered as legal entities (e.g., smallholders not operating as LLPs, farms, or private entrepreneurs), with an emphasis on the effective use of degraded community pasturelands

• Work with CSOs such as the “Pavlodar Regional Civil Alliance” to gain a deep understanding of the local context and develop a dissemination strategy for the results

• Collaborate with IWPR CABAR.asia editors to produce high-quality documents tailored to the target audience and aimed at informing public policy with practical solutions

Benefits of Participation:

• Opportunity to work on a socially impactful project with both local and international partners

• Publication of the White Papers on CABAR.asia, accessible to a wide audience

• Experts may apply individually or as part of a team; however, the remuneration is fixed per completed paper

Application Deadline:

April 20, 2025, by 11:00 PM (Almaty time)

How to Apply:

Send the following documents to damira@iwpr.net:

1. Resume (CV)

2. Letter of interest

3. Two samples of similar work and/or two letters of recommendation from previous partner organizations

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   This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IWPR and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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