ISET Policy Institute together with Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Georgia offers free of charge training program "Leaders in Development". The program is designed for anybody who is involved in or is affected by, public policy decisions: government analysts and decision-makers, parliament staffers, private sector executives, civil society activists, as well as development professionals working in international organizations.

The ten modules of the program tackle some of the most important challenges of Georgia’s economic development, with a focus on how policy decisions (or indecision) directly and indirectly affect Georgian society, businesses, and households. For example, we will discuss the implications of changes in tax administration and taxation (corporate, income, excise, VAT) on prices, investment, domestic production and consumption, human capital, and labor supply.

We will try to answer questions such as: how can Georgia gain from the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement with the EU? Will the proposed Estonian model of corporate taxation help induce investment and growth? What might be the impact of the proposed pension reform on financial markets, formal and informal employment, household saving and consumption behavior? Are Georgia’s public procurement rules conducive to an effective allocation of public resources? Should Georgia increase its external borrowing in order to greatly accelerate its investment in its spatial development and transport infrastructure? What can be done to make Georgia’s education system a better fit for the 21st century? Should Georgia continue to invest in large hydropower plants and, if so, how should it pursue this strategy?

For more detailed information please read the PROGRAM BROCHURE.

Selection criteria

Thanks to JTI’s generous financial support, participation in the program is free of charge. However, selection into the program is very competitive. Candidates are expected to meet the following requirements:

• At least 3 years of management experience (at the head of division/department level)

• Education or work experience in an international setting

• Direct or indirect involvement in business or economic policy analysis and planning, policy advocacy, communication, etc.

• Proven leadership potential

• Excellent communication skills

• English language proficiency, including oral presentation skills

How to apply?

Fill in the online application form and send the following documents to [email protected] by 18:00 on December 2, 2016:

• Motivation letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Nomination letter by the candidate’s employers’ or supervisors

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which constitutes the final selection stage. We expect to make final admission offers by December 15, 2016.