Specialist (operations, grade 12) of the Center for Preparatory Studies (temporary position)

Company Description

Nazarbayev University Profile

Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, is an English-language research university.  It was established in 2010 as a flagship academic institution with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university in Kazakhstan in partnership with leading universities from around the world. Admission to NU is highly competitive and the University accepts the best students from the country and region. In a short 13 years since its inception, NU has achieved notable recognition, entering the Times Higher Education Global Ranking in 2024 and securing a position in the top 30% of research universities worldwide. Presently, NU stands as the leading university in Central Asia.

The Center for Preparatory Studies

The Center for Preparatory Studies (CPS) at Nazarbayev University was founded in 2010 in cooperation with University College London and was the first division of the Nazarbayev University.

In 2015, Nazarbayev University created its own Foundation Year Program (NUFYP). This Program was specifically designed for Kazakhstani students and provides academic instruction that prepares students to be successful in top English-medium universities around the world.

The vast majority of students who have completed NUFYP have advanced to successful undergraduate study in Nazarbayev University while a few students immediately pursued an international education.

Job Description

The Specialist provides administrative and operational support to the School, contributing to student recruitment, admissions, examinations, records management, and day-to-day School activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process documents related to the School’s activities in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Support student recruitment activities in Kazakhstan and abroad, including regional presentations and international education exhibitions.
• Assist in organizing and administering Nazarbayev University entrance examinations in Kazakhstan and abroad.
• Maintain School records and documentation in accordance with internal University regulations and procedures.
• Monitor the timely provision, ordering, and replenishment of office supplies for School employees.
• Maintain proper accounting, storage, and safekeeping of School documents prior to their transfer to the University Archives.
• Prepare, register, organize, and submit School documents to the University Archives in accordance with established procedures.
• Participate in the annual preparation of the School’s records retention and classification schedule (nomenclature).
• Maintain proper accounting, storage, and issuance of controlled University forms.
• Manage the storage, accounting, and issuance of educational and examination equipment and materials, including calculators, voice recorders, notebooks, microphones, cameras, and other equipment.
• Maintain and regularly update the School’s personnel mailing lists and contact information.
• Prepare and maintain minutes and related documentation for meetings of the School’s Executive Committee and Teaching and Methodological Committee.
• Coordinate activities related to the School’s clearance/bypass procedures.
• Assist in the organization and administration of examinations conducted by the School.
• Prepare presentations, analytical materials, reports, and other information as requested by the supervisor and within the scope of the position.
• Participate in the identification, assessment, management, and monitoring of operational risks within the assigned area.
• Perform other duties and assignments as required by the immediate supervisor and University management, in accordance with applicable legislation and University policies.

Qualifications

Education

Higher professional education, preferably from a higher education institution where the language of instruction is English.

Priority specializations:

• Management
• Education Management
• Human Resource Management
• Finance
• International Relations
• International Business
• International Law
• Marketing
• Law
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Related specialties in the field of Humanities

Work Experience

• For candidates with a Bachelor’s degree/Specialist degree — at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
• No work experience is required for candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Knowledge

• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of relevant administrative procedures and document management principles is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong information management skills
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Fluency in English, Kazakh, and Russian
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Additional Information

Please note that this position is a temporary.

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values