Senior Phytosanitary / Plant Health 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 institutional capacity building for the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection, with a focus on compliance with international phytosanitary standards, export certification systems, and institutional quality management.
NTU International is seeking a Senior Phytosanitary / Plant Health Expert to support plant health systems, phytosanitary governance, export certification, and institutional strengthening initiatives in Uzbekistan.
Key Responsibilities
- Support strengthening of phytosanitary systems, plant health governance, and quarantine procedures;
- Provide technical assistance on phytosanitary legislation, SPS compliance, and export certification systems;
- Support alignment of phytosanitary procedures with international standards and best practices;
- Advise the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection and other institutions on plant health management systems and inspection procedures;
- Support development of institutional quality management systems, operational procedures, and technical guidelines;
- Contribute to preparation of phytosanitary assessments, regulatory analyses, risk management procedures, and policy recommendations;
- Support strengthening of laboratory systems, pest surveillance systems, and diagnostic capacities;
- Coordinate with government institutions, laboratories, exporters, producers, and development partners;
- Deliver workshops, technical training, and capacity-building activities related to phytosanitary systems and plant health governance;
- Contribute to monitoring, reporting, and analytical outputs related to plant health reforms and SPS compliance initiatives.
Education
- Master’s degree in plant protection, agronomy, plant pathology, agricultural sciences, phytosanitary management, or another relevant field.
General Professional Experience
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in plant health, phytosanitary systems, agricultural inspection, or SPS governance;
- Proven experience working on agricultural or plant health projects in developing or transition economies;
- Experience in international development cooperation and donor-funded programmes.
Specific Professional Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience in phytosanitary systems, plant quarantine, SPS compliance, or export certification systems;
- Demonstrated experience with IPPC standards, phytosanitary inspections, pest surveillance systems, or institutional strengthening initiatives;
- Experience related to laboratory diagnostics, agricultural exports, food safety systems, or plant protection services is considered an advantage;
- Experience supporting projects financed by the EU, FAO, World Bank, IFAD, or other international financial institutions is considered a strong asset;
- Experience working with plant quarantine agencies, Ministries of Agriculture, or export certification authorities 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 RU 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.
