Senior Akis / Agricultural Research Expert

Senior AKIS / Agricultural Research Expert

NTU International is preparing a proposal for the EU-funded project “EU Assistance for the Uzbekistan AgriFood Development Strategy 2020–2030”, which aims to support the Government of Uzbekistan in the implementation of a sustainable, market-oriented, inclusive and climate-smart agri-food system. The project focuses on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, institutional capacities, and public sector governance in support of the Agri-Food Development Strategy 2020–2030.

The Technical Assistance will support strengthening of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), research-extension linkages, innovation transfer mechanisms, and institutional cooperation between research institutions, universities, advisory systems, and farmers across Uzbekistan.

NTU International is seeking a Senior AKIS / Agricultural Research Expert to support agricultural innovation systems, research coordination, and knowledge transfer initiatives related to sustainable agri-food sector development in Uzbekistan.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development and strengthening of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and agricultural research coordination mechanisms;
  
• Provide technical assistance on agricultural innovation systems, research-extension linkages, and knowledge transfer frameworks;
  
• Support institutional cooperation between research institutions, universities, extension systems, and private sector stakeholders;
  
• Advise public institutions on agricultural innovation policies, applied research systems, and dissemination of research results;
  
• Support development of innovation platforms, digital knowledge systems, and collaborative research initiatives;
  
• Contribute to preparation of AKIS assessments, research strategies, innovation roadmaps, and institutional development plans;
  
• Promote integration of climate-smart agriculture, digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusive innovation approaches into research systems;
  
• Coordinate withMinistries, universities, research institutes, advisory services, and development partners;
  
• Deliver workshops, technical training, and capacity-building activities related to agricultural innovation and research systems;
  
• Contribute to monitoring, reporting, and analytical outputs related to AKIS strengthening and agricultural innovation initiatives.

Education

• Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, agronomy, agricultural economics, innovation systems, rural development, or another relevant field.

General Professional Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in agricultural research, innovation systems, rural development, or institutional strengthening
• Proven experience working on agricultural research or innovation-related projects in developing or transition economies
• Experience in international development cooperation and donor-funded programmes

Specific Professional Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in agricultural research systems, AKIS, innovation transfer, or institutional coordination related to agriculture;
  
• Demonstrated experience with research-extension linkages, agricultural innovation platforms, or institutional reform of research systems;
  
• Experience related to climate-smart agriculture, digital agriculture, sustainable farming systems, or innovation policy is considered an advantage;
  
• Experience supporting projects financed by the EU, World Bank, IFAD, FAO, CGIAR, GIZ, ADB, or other international financial institutions is considered a strong asset;
  
• Experience working with Ministries, agricultural universities, research institutes, or extension agencies is considered an advantage;
  
• Experience in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, or post-Soviet countries is considered an asset.

Languages

• English (C1 mandatory);
  
• Working knowledge of Russian is considered a strong asset.

Please note that inclusion in the expert pool does not guarantee immediate assignment. Experts will be contacted based on project requirements and matching qualifications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.