Jans joined Ergon as a Research Associate in 2019, providing support on projects on equal opportunity in Kazakhstan’s energy sector. She has since worked on a variety of research and advisory projects for Ergon’s DFI clients, with recent work focusing on the economic engagement of people with disabilities and older workers, inclusive skills development in agribusiness, and provision of in-company training on labour standards.

Jans’ main areas of interest and expertise include:

• Equal opportunity and inclusive employment
• Women’s economic empowerment
• Decent work and core labour standards
• Labour rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Energy sector (including renewable energy) and agribusiness

Before joining Ergon, Jans conducted human rights research for various NGOs, including the WONDER Foundation and Human Rights Watch, and worked for the UN Economic Commission for Europe, supporting policy dialogue in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Jans holds an MA in Human Rights Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, specialising in women’s rights issues in the Central Asia region, as well as a BSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (First Class Honours)