Senior Manager, Government Relations Department (Temporary, until June 2027), Grade 13

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

(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 June 2027).

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager of the Government Relations Department to lead our government affairs initiatives in Astana, Kazakhstan. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the primary liaison between our organization and government entities at all levels, developing and executing comprehensive government relations strategies that advance our organizational objectives. You will lead a dedicated team, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and navigate the regulatory landscape with professionalism and diplomatic acumen.

• Develop and implement strategic government relations initiatives aligned with organizational goals and priorities
• Serve as the primary representative and liaison with government officials, regulatory agencies, and political stakeholders at federal, regional, and local levels
• Lead, mentor, and manage the government relations team, fostering a culture of excellence and professional development
• Analyze legislative and regulatory developments to identify opportunities and threats, providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership
• Coordinate advocacy efforts and policy positions on key issues affecting the organization's operations and industry
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government decision-makers, elected officials, and regulatory bodies
• Manage government relations budgets and allocate resources effectively to maximize impact and return on investment
• Prepare and deliver presentations, briefings, and testimony to government bodies and internal stakeholders
• Monitor political and regulatory trends in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region to inform strategic planning
• Oversee compliance with government regulations and ensure organizational adherence to all applicable laws and policies
• Represent the organization at industry associations, government forums, and public policy events
• Develop crisis communication strategies and manage government relations during challenging situations

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Administration, Law, Economics, Political Science, Education, International Relations, or another relevant field.
• Additional professional qualifications or professional development in government relations, public policy, higher education, or related areas will be considered an advantage.

Professional Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in government relations, public policy, higher education, science, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with government bodies, public-sector organizations, universities, or other external stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Experience in an international or higher education environment will be considered an advantage.

​​​​​​Knowledge and Skills

• Good understanding of Kazakhstan’s public administration system, public policy processes, and regulatory environment, particularly in the areas of higher education, science, innovation, and related fields.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to monitor and analyze legislation, regulatory developments, government initiatives, and public policy issues.
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality analytical briefs, briefing notes, position papers, reports, official correspondence, and other materials for senior management.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to support high-level meetings, negotiations, official visits, and events involving government and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to engage professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Strong judgment, responsibility, attention to detail, and a results-oriented approach.

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.

We offer a professional environment where employees have the opportunity to:

• Work in a dynamic, international and multicultural environment;
• Contribute to initiatives at the intersection of higher education, science, public policy, and government relations;
• Engage with a broad network of government, academic, and institutional stakeholders;
• Work on high-impact projects that contribute to the development of the University and Kazakhstan’s higher education and research ecosystem;
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across the University’s academic and administrative units;
• Develop professionally through challenging assignments, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities for continuous learning.

The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of one of Kazakhstan’s leading research universities while building professional expertise in government relations, public policy, and higher education.

(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 June 2027).