Project: Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia
Component 1 – Specific Objective 1.1
Location: Central Asia – Republic of Kazakhstan – Astana
Duration: 24 months (max)
Expected Start Date: Second quarter 2026 (tentative)
Language Requirements: English is required; knowledge of Russian is an advantage.
- Background
The overall objective of the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia is to foster safe and inclusive satellite connectivity access and use across Central Asian countries, in particular for women, youth and further marginalized groups, with the aim to support digitally driven socio-economic inclusion.
The Action has four specific objectives of the TEI project in CA:
(i) To foster the development and use of ICT connectivity through the development of policies and regulations, designed and validated in a multi-stakeholder approach.
(ii) To improve transparent and inclusive access to public and private connectivity services, with a focus on rural areas, gender equality and marginalized right-holders.
(iii) To promote the use of connectivity-based technologies to foster local digital innovation and tackle local challenges.
(iv) To build cybersecurity capacity and awareness among stakeholders and establish comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks.
The TEI Action on Soft Digital Connectivity is built and implemented based on synergies, experience and know-how from EU Member States: France (Expertise France – leading organization of the consortium), Lithuania (CPVA), Finland (HAUS Institute), Latvia (CFLA, Riga Technical University and Latvian IT Cluster) and Estonia (e-Governance Academy).
The current Terms of reference fall under the Specific Objective 1.1 which aims at Foster the development and use of ICT connectivity through the development of policies and regulations (CPVA, LT).
- Objective of the Assignment
The expert will support the design and implementation of a comprehensive national digital policies and regulatory framework in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This includes review and suggestions on digital policy and regulatory framework transformation, elaboration of its action plan, strengthening regulatory and institutional capacities, supporting awareness-raising and training initiatives, and delivering practical tools and support in ensure effective digital policy and regulatory framework implementation.
- Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities
The expert will perform the following key activities:
Digital Strategy and Policy Development
– Review and support implementation of the digital policies that are subject to be implemented in 2026-2028.
– Help to develop Action Plan ensuring effective digital transformation related to legislative and secondary acts related to market regulation, competition, user-centric policy, etc.
– Present best practices and use cases from Lithuania or EU approach, focusing on digital policies, regulatory (were possible on AI or space) framework.
– Propose recommendations that implementing digital policies and reforms with explicit gender equality objectives, inclusive consultations, impact assessments, dedicated resources, and gender-disaggregated monitoring to ensure women’s needs are addressed and progress is measurable.
Sectoral Engagement and Risk Review
– Identify priority digital ecosystem sectors (e.g., AI, space, health, education, finance) most impacted by digital policy.
– Assess sector-specific risks and transformation challenges.
– Draft practical guidance recommendations, including digital policy regulatory principles.
Communication and Awareness
– Get involved in establishing an effective communication system with the market player and NGO, CSO, etc.
– Develop and implement a communication strategy around the national digital policy.
– Support national awareness-raising events, including webinars, roundtables, conferences.
Location of the position of the Long-term-expert:
– If possible, seat of the LTE should be based/seated in the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence of Kazakhstan or related institution.
- Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:
– Postgraduate degree in information systems, digital transformation, public administration or equivalent professional experience;
– Strong proficiency in English (oral and written);
– Knowledge of Russian would be an advantage;
– Demonstrated excellence in:
o Communication;
o Teamwork and interpersonal skills;
o Knowledge transfer and capacity building;
o Analytical and reporting skills;
o Problem solving and decision-making.
General Experience
– At least 10 years of professional experience in digital government, particularly in data governance (data management, data exchange, open data, and data protection);
– Minimum of 8 years working with or within the public sector.
Specific Experience
– In-depth knowledge of digital policy and regulatory frameworks and their implementation practices in the EU.
– Proven experience supporting policy and regulatory reforms.
– Direct involvement in project implementation for digital reforms in collaboration with governments, CSOs, or private sector;
– Experience in training and supporting third parties (e.g., public servants, private companies) on digital policy topics.
Please submit your CV to the contact point ( ) and indicate the title of the applied position “ Long-Term Expert – Digital Policy and Regulatory Framework”.
Be informed that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted to take part at the further procurement stages.
