EFCA Kazakhstan Executive Director
Rinad Temirbekov is responsible for managing EFCA’s office in Almaty. He has an extensive project management experience in the field of small and medium business development. He also has considerable experience in developing programs for business incubation and microcredit lending, which he did for Kazakhstan’s Technology Park. In 1999, Mr. Temirbekov began his career with the Eurasia Foundation as a program assistant. He is now the Executive Director, a role that has him implementing standards for high-quality project management and ensuring that EFCA is a fully sustainable organization.
During his career, Mr. Temirbekov has been affiliated with the following: the National Steering Committee of Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (UNDP GEF); the Science Park & Innovation Center Expert Group (SPICE/ICECE), Berlin; the Small Grants Program of the World Bank in Kazakhstan; the Association of Civil Society Development (ARGO) (Expert of “Civil Advocacy”); the Soros-Kazakhstan Foundation Program (Expert of “Economic Development”); and the Image Enhancement Working Group of the Kazakhstan Foreign Investors Council (IEWG).
Mr. Temirbekov graduated with degrees in economics and history from East Kazakhstan State University and the Law School of Kaynar University. He also has a master of business administration from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management (KIMEP), where he specialized in economics and strategic research. He speaks Russian and English.
Head of Research and Development Department
Irina Naidenova has been working in EFCA since September 2008. Irina managed programs related to youth and education. Since March 2012, Irina Naidenova took the position of the Head of Research and Development Department. She has co-authored two books, the Leadership School Manual for orphans and the Leadership, Career Planning and Financial Literacy Manual “Choosing the Main Path!” for school children. Irina holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Monterey Institute of International Studies (USA). Before joining EFCA, Irina Naidenova has worked as a development program manager in a youth-focused NGO in Taraz, Kazakhstan. Irina’s professional expertise includes: project design and management, project and program monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and training, non-profit management, youth and orphans issues, and education.
Development Manager
Dana Jaxylykova works as Development Manager at EFCA. Her job is to collect information and conduct research on various social topics, prepare project proposals, work with experts and conduct projects’ evaluation. Dana has extensive experience in project management in the sphere of Civil Society development in Kazakhstan. Dana holds a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, University of Kentucky, USA.
Research and Development Associate
Jessica Howard arrived in Kazakhstan in 2009 as a Peace Corps volunteer, to work as a youth development specialist. She worked for two years at a local NGO called Youth Center Aynalaynin, located in the village of Asa, Zhambylsk oblast. She was responsible for the design and management of youth programs, which included a volunteer camp for rural young people and children. She also worked on the development of a youth resource center that offered young people an opportunity to learn professional skills. She has carried out interactive English lessons, developed educational material about volunteering and advertising literature for NPOs, and led trainings for local educators on subjects such as critical thinking, service learning and volunteerism.
Jessica currently works at the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia in Almaty, at the Research and Development Department. At the same time, she continues collaborating with NPOs, working with teachers through trainings and supporting volunteer youth programs.
Grant Manager
Vitaliy Tsoy has been working in EFCA as a senior grants and contracts manager since August 2006. Vitaliy is responsible for contracts and grants preparation in the frame of EFCA’s projects, financial control, financial instrument development and budgeting. Vitaliy has graduated from the University of International Business (UIB) as a specialist on “Finance and credit”. Also, he has successfully completed the seminar entitled “Financial management” held by the Kazakhstan-Japan center for human development. Before joining EFCA, Vitaliy has worked in the company “PetroKazakhstan Overseas Services Ink.” (PKOSI) as a financial manager in the treasury department. Vitaliy develops his skills in the sphere of corporate finance, financial planning and analytics.
Grants and Contracts Associate
Temirbayeva Ainur Dauletbekovna was born in Almaty and graduated from the Kazakh Economic University named after T.Ryskulov in 2010 with a degree on financial management . She has an extensive working experience in the banking sector and crediting services. She has worked as a credit adviser at the JSC Homecreditbank and as an assistant to the economist at the Semser Group of Companies. She graduated from the International Business School at KAZEU named after T.Ryskulov and received a master’s degree on economy and business. At present, Ainur works at EFCA as the grants and contracts associate.
Project manager
Aigul Tagatova joined the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) team in July 2008. Aigul manages community engagement and NGO programs. During her time at EFCA, she has successfully designed and implemented the Atyrau Community Engagement program, as well as implemented the Astana NGO development and Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Aigul holds an IPMA “C” level project manager certificate and a PhD degree. Before joining EFCA, she worked as a vice-president at a surveying company. Aigul’s professional skills includes project design and implementation, program monitoring and evaluation, training, and has expertise in social issues regarding NGOs, public policy, education, health, migration, and the oil regions of Kazakhstan.
Project manager
Gaukhar has been working with the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) since July 2007 first as a Development Associate, and then as a Project Manager for corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. She administers the first corporate social responsibility (CSR) web-site in Kazakhstan (www.csrkz.org) and manages projects regarding issues such as vocational education and anticorruption. Gaukhar previously managed projects in the fields of CSR, corporate volunteering, education and artisan support (which was based in Turkmenistan). Prior to joining EFCA, she worked at the Korean Embassy in Kazakhstan and at the Vigyan Vijay Foundation (India).
Gaukhar holds a B.S.S. degree in International Relations and Economics from KIMEP, and a MSc degree in Business and Community from the University of Bath (UK).
Gaukhar is a member of the CSR Club in Kazakhstan, as well as of the CSR working group at the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan.
Project manager
Janel is responsible for the management of the “Equal before the Law” program in Kazakhstan, and also assists its implementation in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Janel Bayastanova has been working in EFCA since January 2010. Janel manages rule of law projects related to anti-corruption policy and access to justice for vulnerable groups. Janel holds a degree in foreign philology and law and a Master’s degree in organizational leadership from the Azusa Pacific University (CA, USA) and has received certification as Project Manager from the International Project Management Association. Prior to joining EFCA, Janel managed student affairs at KIMEP. Janel’s professional expertise and interests include project implementation and training management, and obtaining new experiences and knowledge.
Project manager
Dina Saifutdinova joined EFCA in 2009. She is currently managing projects to assist Kazakhstan’s artisans and support orphans from East-Kazakhstan Oblast in their adaption to society after institutionalization. Dina holds Master’s degree in Economics from the Kazakh Economic University named after T.Ryskulov. Prior to joining EFCA, Dina worked at the Union of Crisis Centers in Kazakhstan, coordinating programs on the protection of children’s rights.
Project manager
Alma has been working in EFCA since August 2012.
Before joining EFCA, she worked as a regional manager for 10 years in the education and youth development programs at Peace Corps in Kazakhstan. Alma was responsible for the American volunteers’ placement, job assignment, as well as for project design and management. She took part in the design and implementation of the Environmental Program Project Plan for Peace Corps US in Kazakhstan.
AWARDS 2011 U.S. Peace Corps, DC, HQ office. Letter of recognition on bringing excellence in the World Wise Schools program coordination 2010 American Embassy, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Letter of recognition for contribution in developing “The Classroom Management Idea Book” 2001 ACCELS, Almaty, Kazakhstan Second Round Winner of the TEA program 2000 Regional Department of Education, Almaty, Kazakhstan Reward for professional Excellence
Project manager
Raushan has been working with EFCA since September 2012. Currently she works as project manager for Strengthening CSO Networking for Human Rights Advocacy Project.She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Karaganda State University named after E.Buketov, where she had earlier received a diploma cum laude in Foreign Languages. Raushan studied in the University of Missouri, USA and obtained a Master’s degree in Public Affairs with NGO management as one of the specializations.Before joining EFCA, she worked as a regional coordinator on the Conditional Cash Transfers Program of the Bota Foundation. In the past, Raushan participated in a research on Central Missouri Food Bank and worked in many international corporations.Her professional expertise and interests include learning new things and gaining new experiences, project management and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, NGO management etc.
Project Associate
Madina Galiyeva began working with the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia in September 2009 as a Project Assistant, and as a Project Associate since February 2012. Madina assists in the development, management, monitoring and evaluation of NGO and civil initiatives development project, implemented in different rural areas in Kazakhstan. Particularly, she coordinates youth development component by establishing Youth Bank of Ideas and Leadership Clubs.
Madina has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages. Before joining EFCA, Madina worked for Kazakhstan Fashion Week as a press-service coordinator and advertising manager at the entertainment magazine Yapyrai!. Madina has experience in conducting needs assessment and field assessment programs in the rural areas of Atyrau and Almaty oblasts.
Head of Communications and Marketing Department
Pavel Tymentsev joined EFCA as a Development Manager in 2010. Pavel has an extensive experience in the CSR sector, having worked both in the corporate and nonprofit sectors throughout Kazakhstan. Pavel holds a Master’s degree in International Administration from the University of Denver, USA with a major in Social Development. At the current position as Head of Communications and Marketing Department, Pavel Tymentsev is responsible for overall communication and marketing strategy of EFCA including the promotion of CSR in Kazakhstan.
Communications and Marketing Manager
Khalida has been working in EFCA since August 2012.
Before joining EFCA, she worked at the US Embassy to Kazakhstan for 12 years in the Communications Department, where she monitored the development of independent media in the country, and was responsible for public relations and organizing trainings for journalists. She was also a member of the Expert Council of the Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan, in relation to mass media. Khalida has received many awards, such as the Meritorious Honor Award, in 2006; the Franklin Award, in 2007; the State Department Award, in 2009, among others.
At the Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan, she worked with nonprofit organizations, and gained experience in events organization, such as international seminars and round tables.
Working at the US National Democratic Institute from 1993-1996 gave her experience on working with members of the Parliament, as well as with representatives of different political parties, independent trade unions, human rights organizations and the mass media.
She holds a diploma of having completed studies at the Almaty Institute of Foreign Languages.
Communications and marketing assistant
Mariana has been working at EFCA since April 2012. She arrived in Kazakhstan in 2008 for an exchange program at the Kazakh National University named after Al Farabi, and since then has gained experience as a Language teacher. She also has experience working with NGOs, designing and developing youth programs. Originally from Puerto Rico (USA), she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Navarre (Spain) and a certificate for having completed a one-year course on Marketing & Advertisement Graphic Design at I.D.&Me Design Studio in Almaty.
Project Assistant
Assel Berekbolova works at the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia since April 2011. Since November 2011 Assel assists Janel Bayastanova in the implementation of the EBL program. Assel graduated from East-Kazakhstan State University as a Translator of foreign languages and holds a degree in Management from the International Academy of Business.
Project Assistant
Andrey Bachishe works at the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia since September 2012. Andrey assists Dina Saifutdinova in the development of a project to support orphans from East-Kazakhstan Oblast in their adaption to society after institutionalization. He also assists Gaukhar Kozhasheva in a project for the promotion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Kazakhstan. Andrey graduated from the Kazakh-German University as a bachelor of international relations.
Project Assistant
Gaukhar works at Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia since August 2012 as an assistant of the Civil Sector Capacity Building Initiative in Kazakhstan program. Before joining EFCA, Gaukhar made an internship at the United Nations Development Program in Astana.
Gaukhar received her Bachelor’s degree in “International Relations” at Al-Farabi KazNU in 2011 and a Master’s degree in Humanities in 2012 at the same university. During her studies, Gaukhar interned in governmental structures such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Majilis of the Parliament of the RK, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of RK, as well as in private entities, e.g. GRATA Law Firm and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Gaukhar is one of the first alumni of the Global Classroom cross-disciplinary program on sustainable development, in the framework of which she successfully completed an internship at Columbia University in the city of New York.
Deputy Regional Finance and Administration/ Chief Accountant
Galina works in EFCA since September 2006. Before joining the team, she worked as chief accountant in the representative office of a foreign company.
Galina holds the CAP certificate, a qualification for professional accountants.
Accountant
Aigerim has been working as an Accountant at EFCA since December 2007. She graduated from the College of Economics as a finance and credit specialist, and also from the Symbat Fashion Business Academy as a specialist on marketing and commerce. She also holds a certificate of completion of the course on Law and Taxes conducted by the Association of Accountants and Auditors, as part of their educational program CIPA, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Accountant
Vladimir has been working at the EFCA office as an accountant since April 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of International Business, and has also completed advanced training courses from the CAP program of the Institute of Professional Accountants and Auditors.
Office Manager
Yulia Seydahmetova has been working with EFCA since November 2011. She graduated from the Kazakh University of Economics named after T. Ryskulova in 2010. Yulia holds a B.A. in Finance.