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Rakhymzhan Issakulov

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Head of the Administration of the Governor of Nur-Sultan

Republic of Kazakhstan

Young Leaders Program (’16)

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Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

After graduating from high school, I won the International Scholarship from the President of Kazakhstan to study in the United Kingdom and got my Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management at Royal Holloway, University of London. The combination of two areas of study – economics and management gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream: to be useful to society. My education in England helps me to this day. It has become a part of life that has radically changed me and beneficially impacted my future.

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With my bachelor’s degree, I was honored to start my career in the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. My philosophy is that a person has to reach one’s potential, all the capacities to a hundred percent. I achieved one of the highest administrative positions in corps “B”. After five years of working experience mainly in management fields, I decided to deepen my knowledge in public administration. I was successful in applying to the scholarship of the Government of Japan and completed the Young Leaders Program at GRIPS with the degree of Master of Public Administration.

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Gained knowledge and work experience allowed me to be promoted to the political position of state inspector of the President’s Administration. In September 2018, after working for more than 8 years in the President’s Administration, I was appointed as the Head of the Administration of the Governor of the West Kazakhstan Region, which is a high management position in corps “A”. Nearly two years of work in this position provided me the opportunity to gain experience in implementing government policies at the local level. Then I was invited to be the advisor to the Minister of Information and Social Development and in October 2020, I was appointed to my current position as the Head of the Administration of the Governor of Nur-Sultan city, which is the capital of our country.

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You are currently serving as Head of the Administration of the Governor of Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. What are your main roles and responsibilities?

As the Head of the Akim’s Office of Nur-Sultan, my main responsibilities are as follows:

• ?arrangement of implementation of the tasks assigned to the Office;
• ?arrangement, coordination and control of activities of the Office’s structural divisions;
• ?approval of the structure and staff schedule of the Office;
• ?appointment and dismissal of civil servants to/from public positions;
• ?general management of activities of the disciplinary commission;
• ?monitoring of compliance with official discipline;
• ?solving issues of business trips, granting leaves, providing material assistance, training, retraining and advanced training, incentives, setting allowances;
• ?solving issues of disciplinary responsibility of employees;
• ?ensuring compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on combating corruption.

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In your current capacity, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges for Kazakhstan over the course of the next five to ten years?

The main direction for Kazakhstan for the near future is the Strategic Plan until 2025. In accordance with the new development objectives of the country, this plan includes the following approaches:

• ?national human capital as a key factor of development;
• ?transition of the national economy to a new model of economic growth;
• ?achievement of specific indicators of quality of life and quality of economy, ensuring a high level of competitiveness;
• ?reforms that will help to maintain social and economic stability;
• ?activation of the regions in national development, more economic independence for mobilization of local resources and initiatives.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work? And what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

The main challenges that I have to deal with in my position are social issues, work with the population. Social work is becoming increasingly important. Today, the population, especially the most vulnerable groups, are not able to cope with modern problems on their own. As a rule, the results of activities of the local authorities should be transparent and visible. In this regard, it is necessary to be able to prevent modern risks, identify the causes of vulnerability of citizens and contribute to the achievement of social well-being, both for individuals, social groups, and society as a whole.

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What led you to GRIPS? What is the most important thing you got out of your studies here, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavors?

The main reason for my choice is that education at GRIPS is aimed at training civil servants who want to strengthen their leadership and managerial qualities, become professional political analysts or pursue an academic career. Experience of studying at GRIPS allows you to improve your skills and competence, to specialize in a specific area and to manage effectively. In general, this is the formation of personal qualities of a modern civil servant, awareness of responsibility for your performance.

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Have you had any involvement, professional or otherwise, with Japan since your graduation? Unfortunately no.

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How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life? And what is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

The current pace of work and workload forces me to devote a lot of time to work. At the same time, in my free time, I try to spend time with my family, to raise my children. I like to read fiction, watch my favorite movies, and communicate with friends.

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What are some of your fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS? And what do you miss about Japan?

My fondest memories are of the time spent together with my fellow students, as well as the country of Japan itself, with its unique traditions and high culture. Today, while in Kazakhstan, I try to keep in touch with my friends.

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If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

Good education is the foundation that each of us needs to be able to find a good job and earn a high income. My advice would be unequivocal: try to enroll. It is an irreplaceable experience, a prestigious diploma, and a chance to build an international career. The opportunity to learn more about the political and economic systems of the leading countries, for more objective analysis and possibilities of applying modern development trends in your country, as well as to get acquainted with the history of the global policy development.

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