Senior Agricultural Extension 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 the modernisation of agricultural advisory and extension systems, institutional capacity-building, knowledge transfer mechanisms, and farmer support services across Uzbekistan.
NTU International is seeking a Senior Agricultural Extension Expert to support agricultural advisory systems, farmer outreach services, and institutional strengthening initiatives related to agricultural extension and rural knowledge transfer in Uzbekistan.
Key Responsibilities
- Support reform and modernisation of agricultural extension and advisory service systems;
- Provide technical assistance on farmer outreach mechanisms, extension methodologies, and knowledge dissemination systems;
- Support development of extension strategies, operational frameworks, and service delivery models;
- Advise public institutions and extension providers on participatory extension approaches, climate-smart agriculture, and farmer-oriented advisory systems;
- Support integration of digital advisory tools, e-extension systems, and innovative knowledge-sharing approaches;
- Contribute to preparation of extension assessments, operational manuals, training materials, and policy recommendations;
- Promote inclusion of women, youth, and vulnerable rural populations in agricultural extension programmes;
- Coordinate with Ministries, research institutions, extension agencies, farmers’ organisations, and development partners;
- Deliver workshops, field training sessions, and capacity-building activities related to agricultural extension and advisory services;
- Contribute to monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of extension reform and rural advisory initiatives.
Education
- Master’s degree in agronomy, agricultural extension, rural development, agricultural sciences, or another relevant field.
General Professional Experience
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in agricultural extension, rural advisory services, agricultural development, or farmer support systems;
- Proven experience working on agricultural or rural development 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 extension systems, advisory services, or farmer capacity development programmes;
- Demonstrated experience with extension methodologies, rural knowledge transfer systems, or institutional reform of extension services;
- Experience related to climate-smart agriculture, digital advisory systems, farmer field schools, or participatory extension approaches is considered an advantage;
- Experience supporting projects financed by the EU, World Bank, IFAD, FAO, GIZ, ADB, or other international financial institutions is considered a strong asset;
- Experience working with Ministries of Agriculture, agricultural extension agencies, research institutions, or farmers’ organisations 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.
