Head of Project Management Unit (PMU) for Joint IsDB/ ISFD/ GPE Smart-ED Project

Terms of Reference for Head of Project Management Unit (PMU)

1. Background

The Republic of Uzbekistan has secured financing from the GPE-ACG SmartEd Initiative of the Islamic Development Bank and Global Partnership for Education for the Joint IsDB/ISFD/GPE Smart-ED Project. The project aims to improve the quality and efficiency of education services in Uzbekistan over a 60-month duration. It focuses on enhancing the learning environment, strengthening the education system, and implementing an inclusive competency-based education system to improve student outcomes. The project includes components on access to inclusive education, quality improvement in general and preschool education, project management, financial auditing, and emergency response.

A dedicated full-time Project Implementation Group (PMU) will be established within the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan (hereinafter called “Executing Agency”) to ensure efficient management and implementation of the Project within its approved scope/ timeline. The Executing Agency is recruiting Head of PMU who will function under overall supervision of the Executing Agency.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

To provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the project, ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant implementation of all components and sustainable institutional learning. The Head of PMU will serve as the principal coordinator among stakeholders and will anchor systems for evidence-based planning, knowledge exchange, and continuous improvement

3. Specific Responsibilities

The details of the specific assignments/tasks of the Head of PMU will be as follows:

Strategic Leadership and Project Oversight

Human Resources and Capacity Building

Financial and Procurement Oversight

Procurement

Legal obligation

Environmental and social aspects

Monitoring and evaluation

Coordination and Institutional Interface

Knowledge Management and Institutional Learning

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Communication and Visibility

4. Deliverables

• Annual and quarterly work plans and budgets
• Consolidated quarterly and annual project progress reports
• Knowledge products (case studies, toolkits, KM strategy, lessons-learned reports)
• Risk register and updated mitigation measures
• Updated procurement and financial implementation reports
• Performance review reports of PMU staff
• Stakeholder engagement records and meeting minutes

5. Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Education, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in managing development projects, with at least 5 years in leadership roles in IFI-funded projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of IsDB’s operational policies and procedures, including procurement, financial management, and safeguards.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills in Uzbek and English. Proficiency in Russian is an advantage.