Senior AKIS / Agricultural Research Expert

About the role

NTU International is seeking a Senior AKIS / Agricultural Research Expert to support the EU‑funded project that will help Uzbekistan implement its Agri‑Food Development Strategy 2020‑2030. The role focuses on strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), improving research‑extension linkages, and facilitating knowledge transfer across the country.

Key responsibilities

• Support development and strengthening of AKIS and agricultural research coordination mechanisms.
• Provide technical assistance on innovation systems, research‑extension linkages, and knowledge‑transfer frameworks.
• Advise public institutions on agricultural innovation policies, applied research systems, and dissemination of research results.
• Facilitate institutional cooperation between research institutes, universities, extension services and private‑sector stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of AKIS assessments, research strategies, innovation roadmaps and institutional development plans.
• Promote integration of climate‑smart agriculture, digitalisation, sustainability and inclusive innovation into research systems.
• Coordinate with ministries, universities, research institutes, advisory services and development partners.
• Deliver workshops, technical training and capacity‑building activities related to agricultural innovation and research systems.
• Support monitoring, reporting and analytical outputs for AKIS strengthening initiatives.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, agronomy, agricultural economics, innovation systems, rural development or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in agricultural research, innovation systems or institutional strengthening.
• At least 7 years of experience specifically in agricultural research systems, AKIS, innovation transfer or related areas.
• Proven experience working on agricultural research or innovation projects in developing or transition economies.
• Experience in international development cooperation and donor‑funded programmes.

Required skills