Coordinator, Government Relations (Temporary, until September 2027), Grade 15

Company Description

Nazarbayev University (NU) is a leading research-intensive university in Kazakhstan committed to academic excellence, research and innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable development.

Located in Astana, NU brings together an international community of faculty, researchers, students, and professional staff and provides a dynamic, collaborative, and multicultural working environment.

The University works closely with government bodies, academic institutions, industry, and other national and international partners to advance higher education, science, innovation, and institutional development in Kazakhstan.

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Coordinator for Government Relations to join our team in Astana, Kazakhstan. This is a temporary position covering academic leave, with employment expected to continue until September 2027. In this role, you will serve as a key liaison between our organization and government bodies, managing official communications, coordinating high-level meetings, and providing analytical support to senior leadership. You will play an essential part in ensuring our organization's effective engagement with government stakeholders while maintaining transparency and consistency in all interactions.

• Coordinate the organization's day-to-day interaction and official communications with government bodies, ensuring professionalism and clarity in all exchanges
• Prepare and coordinate official letters, responses, briefing notes, background information, and other materials for communication with government stakeholders
• Organize and support working meetings, consultations, and official visits involving representatives of government bodies
• Maintain consistency of the organization's position across all official correspondence and dialogue with government stakeholders
• Monitor and analyze developments in legislation, government programs, and public policy that may impact the organization's activities and strategic objectives
• Prepare analytical briefs, reviews, reports, and other materials for the organization's management, demonstrating strong research and synthesis capabilities
• Track key appointments and developments within government bodies relevant to higher education and science, providing timely updates to leadership
• Contribute to the preparation of the organization's proposals and comments on draft regulatory legal acts and government programs
• Represent the organization at meetings and working-level engagements with government bodies as assigned by management
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with key government representatives and develop an up-to-date database of contacts
• Contribute to the development of internal documents and procedures within the department's area of responsibility
• Ensure appropriate handling of official documentation and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Execute additional assignments from department and organizational leadership as needed

Qualifications

**Education**

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Law, International Relations, Economics, or a related field
• Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred

**Professional Experience**

• Minimum 3+ years of relevant professional experience in government service, universities, or organizations that interact with government bodies
• Demonstrated experience in preparing analytical materials, reports, and policy briefs
• Experience participating in negotiations or diplomatic engagements is an advantage
• Project coordination and stakeholder management experience

**Required Skills and Competencies**

• Strong knowledge of public administration fundamentals and regulatory frameworks in education, science, and innovation
• Comprehensive understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law on the Status of Nazarbayev University, and relevant legislative and regulatory acts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to conduct professional business correspondence
• Strong analytical and research capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex information
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to work effectively in a multitasking environment while maintaining accuracy and quality
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to interact professionally with senior and mid-level government officials
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government representatives and key stakeholders
• Systems thinking and strategic mindset
• Proficiency in documentation management and database maintenance
• Time management and project coordination abilities
• Awareness of diplomatic protocol and professional etiquette

**Preferred Skills**

• Proficiency in using AI-powered tools to support research, analysis, drafting, and day-to-day work

**Language Requirements**

• Fluent written and spoken Kazakh
• Fluent written and spoken Russian
• Fluent written and spoken English

Additional Information

At Nazarbayev University, you will join a diverse and international community committed to excellence, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of higher education, science, public policy, and government relations, contributing to the University’s engagement with government stakeholders and the advancement of its institutional priorities.

The role involves regular interaction with representatives of government bodies and requires a high level of professionalism, organization, discretion, and the ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.

Employees have opportunities for professional development and cross-functional collaboration with academic and administrative units across the University.

Please note that this is a temporary position to cover the academic leave of the current employee, with the employment period expected to continue until September 2027.