Background:
The financial sector in Kyrgyzstan plays a growing role in the country’s transition to sustainable development by integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into strategy, risk management and disclosure. Internationally, ESG frameworks help financial institutions manage environmental and social risks, enhance transparency, and align portfolios with sustainable outcomes. As Kyrgyzstan advances a green economy agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding ESG practices across the financial sector practices is a strategic priority.

The Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan (UBK) is a non-governmental, professional association that serves as a central coordinating body for the banking sector in Kyrgyzstan. Established in 2005 through the restructuring of the former Banking Association, the UBK was formed to consolidate efforts among financial institutions, advocate for sector-wide interests, and enhance the overall stability and functionality of the national banking system. The UBK comprises 24 commercial banks, as well as microfinance institutions, leasing companies, and associate members. Its primary functions include facilitating dialogue between member institutions and the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic , promoting legal and regulatory harmonization, supporting professional development, and encouraging the adoption of international best practices in banking operations.
In 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) in collaboration with the UBK will contract a national expert to conduct a capacity-building training on sustainable finance for the banking sector. The activity will support the uptake of international standards adapted to local needs, particularly the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), and will equip participants with the skills to identify and manage ESG risks, strengthen disclosure in line with recognized standards and apply practical approaches to estimating and managing greenhouse gas emissions (including financed emissions) in relevant portfolios.

To that end, a national consultant will develop tailored training curricula and learning materials and deliver in-person training in Bishkek and Osh cities for ESG specialists and representatives from commercial banks and relevant authorities, complemented with pre-/post-training assessments and feedback collection. A final report with recommendations on strengthening ESG in the banking sector will also be prepared.

Objective of Assignment:
The objective of this assignment is to deliver one-day in-person training sessions for ESG specialists, representatives of commercial banks, and regulatory authorities in Bishkek and Osh city.
The consultancy is in line with the UB project 5300826, Activity 2.11.

Duration of Assignment:
2 months

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the National Environmental Officer and Head of Economic and Environmental Department, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Prepare a work plan;

2. Development of a training programme and module on basics of ESG and Principles for Responsible Banking. The module will include topics such as:
   • Concept of a green finance, its features, key objectives and premises.
   • Climate agenda in the financial sector, including climate-related financial risks and opportunities for sustainable finance.
   • ESG disclosure practices and international reporting standards.
   • Methodologies for assessing the carbon footprint of credit and investment portfolios.
   • Adaptation of ESG tools to local banking practices and measure of greenhouse gas emissions;

3. Prepare presentation materials for training sessions in Osh and Bishkek cities;

4. Develop, pre- and post-tests for training sessions;

5. Elaborate content and learning materials on the topic of basics of ESG and Principles for Responsible Banking;

6. Conduct one-day training session in Osh and two-day training session in Bishkek on basics of ESG and Principles for Responsible Banking. The sessions are expected to equip participants with practical tools and locally adapted knowledge to support the integration of ESG factors into financial decision-making, risk management, and reporting;

7. To ensure:
   • Close interaction with relevant officials of the National Bank to successfully organize and conduct the training sessions.
   • Collaboration with the Sustainable Development Academy of the UBK in development and adaptation of learning materials;

8. Submission of final report with recommendations on strengthening ESG in the banking sector in line with the template;

9. Obtaining formal approval for all reports in writing from the UBK prior to submission to the OSCE POiB.

Deliverables:

1. Work plan;
2. Training programme and module;
3. Presentation materials;
4. Pre- and post-tests assessment forms;
5. Learning materials;
6. Training reports;
7. Interim progress report in line with OSCE POiB template;
8. The final report;
9. Approval of the Association of Legal Entities “Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan”.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in BIshkek, please see: https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-bishkek

Necessary Qualifications:

• Higher education in finance, risk management, management or other related fields;
• Additional education or courses in banking sector, ESG risk/adaptation are an advantage;
• Minimum six years of work experience in the field of finance, management, banking sector,
• Experience in development of strategic documents, learning materials, manuals and guidance, as well as training materials;
• Previous experience of co-operation with international expert, institutions and organizations would be an asset;
• Previous experience in delivering trainings related to finance, environmental education and/or sustainability topics would be an asset;

• Professional fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz, both verbal and written, knowledge of English is desirable;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different genders, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications..

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.