Senior Value Chain Development Expert

Senior Value Chain Development 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 development of competitive, market-oriented, and export-driven agri-food value chains through institutional strengthening, investment promotion, market access improvements, and private sector development initiatives in Uzbekistan. NTU International is seeking a Senior Value Chain Development Expert to support agri-food value chain development, market integration, and private sector competitiveness initiatives across Uzbekistan. Key Responsibilities Support development and strengthening of agri-food value chains and market-oriented agricultural systems; Provide technical assistance on value chain analysis, agribusiness development, and market access strategies; Conduct assessments related to production systems, processing capacities, logistics, export opportunities, and value addition; Support development of value chain upgrading strategies, investment plans, and private sector development initiatives; Advise public institutions and private stakeholders on competitiveness, quality standards, and sustainable agri-food market systems; Promote integration of climate-smart agriculture, sustainability, gender inclusion, and digitalisation into agri-food value chains; Contribute to preparation of market studies, value chain assessments, investment analyses, and policy recommendations; Coordinate with Ministries, producer organisations, agribusinesses, exporters, financial institutions, and development partners; Deliver workshops, technical training, and capacity-building activities related to value chain development and agribusiness competitiveness; Contribute to monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of value chain development and market integration initiatives. Education Master’s degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, rural development, economics, food systems, or another relevant field. General Professional Experience Minimum 10 years of professional experience in value chain development, agribusiness, market systems development, or agricultural economics; Proven experience working on agricultural, agribusiness, 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 agri-food value chain development, agribusiness competitiveness, or market systems initiatives; Demonstrated experience with value chain assessments, export development, market integration, or private sector development programmes; Experience related to horticulture, livestock, food processing, logistics, or export-oriented agriculture is considered an advantage; Experience supporting projects financed by the EU, World Bank, IFAD, FAO, ADB, GIZ, EBRD, or other international financial institutions is considered a strong asset; Experience working with producer organisations, agribusiness companies, cooperatives, or export 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.