International Expert for SME Development Strategy Implementation in Uzbekistan

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION – OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS) Republic of Uzbekistan Project: Project Preparation for the Financial Inclusion for Growth, Returns, and Opportunities for Work (FINGROW) MPA Phase 1 Project P181972 (P511700) Assignment Title: International Expert on SME Support Programs and SME Development Strategy Implementation Reference No.: IC-03 The World Bank is providing financing through the Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP) to support preparation of the proposed Financial Inclusion for Growth, Returns, and Opportunities for Work (FINGROW) Project. The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan intends to apply part of these funds to recruit an individual consultant for the assignment indicated above. The assignment will support effective implementation of the SME Development Strategy 2025–2030 and strengthen SME support programs, policy effectiveness, and institutional coordination. Scope of Services The consulting services (“the Services”) include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

• Provide high-level technical and strategic advice to support implementation of the SME Development Strategy.
• Conduct analytical assessments of the SME ecosystem and policy performance, including evaluation of Strategy target indicators.
• Organize a Policy Effectiveness Review of SME development programs and support instruments across ministries and agencies.
• Map SME support instruments and administrative processes to identify inefficiencies, overlaps, and bottlenecks.
• Develop evidence-based reform recommendations to improve program effectiveness, streamline service delivery, and enhance user experience for SMEs.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments across the seven priority pillars of the SME Development Strategy and identify institutional, regulatory, and market barriers.
• Develop a package of new SME reform initiatives with implementation roadmaps and impact considerations.
• Prepare reform concepts and draft Government Decisions for the 2026 Annual Open Dialogue with Entrepreneurs.
• Support coordination among government institutions, private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, and development partners.
• Support capacity building and knowledge transfer for Department staff and maintain structured evidence repositories.

Duration and Duty Station

• Duration: 12 months (with possible extension based on performance and project needs).
• Duty station: Tashkent , Uzbekistan.
• The Consultant is expected to maintain approximately 50% physical presence at the Ministry to ensure close coordination and knowledge transfer.
• Regional field missions across Uzbekistan will be required to support data collection, consultations, and monitoring of Strategy implementation.

Eligibility and Qualification Requirements The Consultant should possess:

• Advanced degree in economics, business administration, public policy, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of international experience in SME development, business environment reform, and policy advisory.
• Proven experience in designing and evaluating SME support programs.
• Strong knowledge of digitalization in business and government processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
• Experience in transition economies or developing countries; Central Asia experience is an asset.
• Ability to reside in Tashkent for extended periods.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Russian or Uzbek is an asset.

The detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment can be downloaded from the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T3-Ky80jDz5UDg7T5qxro43Z1dSRQKbo/edit#heading=h.rmcxfy2nsmq0 Submission Requirements The Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Ministry of Economy and Finance invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to express their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should submit: Required documents:

• Letter of Interest;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating compliance with qualification requirements. Please complete the form using the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vYxKlKP5TMzJYxlpTQU1FzdeBojESIyB/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102883265367454794668&rtpof=true&sd=true

Optional supporting materials:

• Copies of relevant reports or publications from similar assignments;
• Brief description of the proposed approach and tools.

Selection Method A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. The attention of interested consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the Procurement Regulations, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Submission Details Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) to the address below by 17:00 (Tashkent time), March 9, 2026. Project Management Unit (PMU) Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan 1 Niyozbek Yuli Street Tashkent, Uzbekistan Attn: Mr. Alibek Narboev, Head of PMU Tel: +998 90 176 8877 / +998 90 047 8227 Email: pmu.fingrow@imv.uz Website: www.imv.uz Agency: Project Management Unit under the Ministry of Economy and Finance Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 100000.0 USD