Export Development and Promotion Specialist

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Project management, programme development, strategy, Logistics, procurement, commodities

Application deadline: 06/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to helping Uzbekistan build a modern, prosperous, democratic society, based on responsive government systems, people prepared for future challenges and opportunities, and an inclusive green economy.

UNDP first became active in Uzbekistan in 1993, and has over subsequent decades implemented hundreds of projects alongside the national government, business, civil society and academic. We are proud to be both Uzbekistan’s primary development partner and a leading member of the UN Family.

Through the continued trust of the Government of Uzbekistan, close collaboration with our fellow UN agencies and the support of national and international donors, UNDP has helped build Uzbekistan’s market economy, modernize its government, and improve the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. In addition, UNDP has helped Uzbekistan tackle some of the most prominent ecological and environmental challenges it has faced over past years.
The directions of UNDP’s work in Uzbekistan reflect the current UN Country Programme Document (CPD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2021-2025. They also align with the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the 2030 Agenda, and Uzbekistan’s Development Strategy for 2017-2021. Throughout 2020 UNDP helped address the national health and socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is continuing to actively assist in Uzbekistan’s inclusive, green recovery.

Assignment context

UNDP’s work in Uzbekistan is guided by the current Country Programme Document (CPD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026–2030. It is also aligned with the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda and Uzbekistan’s Development Strategy 2030.
As part of the UN system’s support to the Government of Uzbekistan in addressing the negative consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, UNDP is implementing the following projects in the Aral Sea region:

The UNDP project “Enhancing the resilience of the local population and promoting green, inclusive development of the most vulnerable communities in the Aral Sea region”, financed by the Government of the Russian Federation, applies a systematic approach to addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in targeted areas of Karakalpakstan. It aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities, promote green and inclusive development, and scale up sustainable approaches and solutions in the most affected areas.

The UNDP project “Strengthening Water Resources Governance and Resilience to Climate Change in the Aral Sea Region”, funded by the Government of Japan, empowers communities in the Aral Sea region through integrated and climate-resilient water management, while strengthening governance, improving water-use efficiency, increasing agricultural productivity, and building inclusive resilience.

This UN Volunteer assignment forms part of UNDP’s broader efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive development in the Aral Sea region. It builds on the achievements of the projects “Enhancing the resilience of the local population and promoting green, inclusive development of the most vulnerable communities in the Aral Sea region” and “Strengthening Water Resources Governance and Resilience to Climate Change in the Aral Sea Region”, as well as other UNDP interventions aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening climate resilience, promoting efficient water management, and enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable rural households. The assignment will support a shift from production-oriented assistance towards market- and export-driven development by strengthening the competitiveness of agricultural value chains in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying high-potential export-oriented agricultural products, improving compliance with international quality and food safety standards, strengthening market linkages, and facilitating access to regional and international markets. Promoting agricultural exports will contribute to economic diversification, green job creation, increased rural incomes, and the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region, while enhancing the resilience of local communities to climate change and economic shocks through improved water governance and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the UNDP ECA Cluster Lead, UNDP Programme Coordinator in Nukus and in close collaboration with relevant UNDP specialists and local authorities, the International UN Volunteer - Export Development and Promotion Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

1. Assessment of promising export markets
• Conduct comprehensive analyses to identify and evaluate high-potential international markets for selected agricultural products produced in Karakalpakstan, including detailed assessments of country-specific import regulations, quality requirements, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical standards, certification requirements, tariff and non-tariff measures, consumer preferences, and other regulatory and commercial conditions relevant to each product category
• Identify and recommend locally produced export-oriented niche agricultural products with high market value, strong comparative and competitive advantages, and substantial potential to increase export revenues (e.g. fresh fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, dried fruits, and other value-added agricultural products), taking into consideration production capacity, market demand, trade conditions, consumer preferences, pricing trends, and import requirements in targeted destination markets
• Prepare comprehensive market assessment reports identifying priority export destinations, prospective buyers, distribution and marketing channels, pricing strategies, market-entry opportunities, and competitive positioning for selected agricultural products in at least five target countries (including Russia, Belarus, CA counties and others). The reports shall include practical recommendations for improving market access, strengthening export competitiveness, expanding market presence, and increasing export sales
2. Assessment of local agricultural production and export potential
• Assess the existing production capacity and export readiness of agricultural commodities produced in Karakalpakstan that demonstrate the greatest potential for successful commercialization in international markets
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of production, post-harvest, processing, quality assurance, logistics, marketing, and institutional constraints affecting export competitiveness across agricultural value chains. In close coordination with the UNDP team in Nukus, develop practical recommendations to address identified bottlenecks and strengthen the competitiveness of export-oriented agricultural production systems
• Assess capacity gaps among local farmers, producer organizations, processors, and agri-exporters with respect to climate-smart agricultural production, harvesting techniques, post-harvest handling, storage, processing, export-oriented packaging, business planning, compliance with international quality, food safety and certification standards, export logistics, trade marketing, and diversification of export product portfolios. Develop recommendations for targeted capacity-building interventions to improve export readiness and long-term competitiveness
3. Promotion of export-oriented agricultural products
• Develop comprehensive export market strategies for selected agricultural products targeting priority international markets. The strategies shall include market-entry approaches, identification of seasonal market opportunities ("market windows") arising from counter-seasonal production, value proposition development, competitive positioning, and promotional strategies emphasizing the unique characteristics, quality attributes, sustainability credentials, and geographical identity of agricultural products originating from Karakalpakstan
• Develop branding and market positioning concepts for selected agricultural products and producer groups, including brand identity, product naming, logos, packaging design, visual identity, promotional materials, and communication strategies aimed at enhancing product recognition, consumer confidence, market differentiation, and the international competitiveness of agricultural products promoted in foreign markets (e.g. fresh vegetables, sesame oil, dried fruits, and other value-added agricultural products).
• Prepare export development and promotion roadmaps for at least five priority agricultural products, tailored to specific target export markets. Each roadmap shall define strategic priorities, market-entry actions, implementation arrangements, stakeholder responsibilities, timelines, resource requirements, monitoring indicators, and expected outcomes to facilitate sustainable market access, export diversification, and long-term growth of agricultural exports from Karakalpakstan.

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in export development/promotion, international business, or marketing/branding, or other relevant programmes; experience with Central Asian countries is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in UNDP work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions

Nukus, the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, is a family duty station with a generally stable security environment and a low crime rate. The city is accessible via daily domestic flights from Tashkent (approximately 1.5 hours), as well as by rail and road. Regular direct international flights to Moscow are also available. The region has a continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters.
The cost of living is relatively affordable, and furnished accommodation is readily available for rent. Food, drinking water, and essential consumer goods are generally accessible, while electricity, mobile communications, and internet services are reliable. Primary healthcare services are available locally, with specialized medical care provided in Tashkent. Banking services, including ATMs, electronic payment systems, and currency exchange facilities, are widely available throughout the city.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.