Consultancy Services for Modernizing Uzbekistan's National Innovation System

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS Country : Uzbekistan Project name: “Modernizing Uzbekistan National Innovation System (MUNIS)” Project Credit No. : IDA-67840 Assignment Title: Member of the International Expert Board (Expert in Computer Science/ICT) Reference No .: MUNIS/IC/IEB/10 The Republic of Uzbekistan has received a credit from International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of the “Modernizing Uzbekistan National Innovation System” Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The Consulting services (“the Services”) include (i) the final selection of research projects to be financed by the REP, RCP, BIRD and PRIM program; (ii) general oversight and advice on the mentorship and the investment readiness support activities under RCP and BIRD; and, (iii) advice to the Agency for Innovative Development (AID) on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies and reforms. The assignment is designed until Project Closure Date (March 30, 2026). The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15a9wv2o6_C2jxlvtQXTSwMnOOkA7JeYe/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103319065924197421654&rtpof=true&sd=true The Modernizing Uzbekistan National Innovation System Project Implementation Unit under the Agency for Innovative Development now invites Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

• Masters or PhD degree in ICT/Computer Science will be an advantage.
• Excellent scientific publication record and experience in proven commercialization of research results;
• Applicants should have 10+ years of experience in ICT scientific field;
• Deep understanding of emerging technologies such as Blockchain, AI, IoT
• Excellent knowledge of emerging issues such as data governance, data security, data privacy, fintech, digital rights, digital id, cyber security
• Exceptional business networks especially in top innovation hubs such as Tel Aviv, Silicon Valley, Boston
• Experience in preparation, management and implementation of funded competitive research grants will be an advantage;
• Experience in R&D and development of education programs will be an advantage;
• Experience in conducting original research, the development of scientific and technology-based and training programs for industry;
• Experience in management of scientific laboratories and research groups will be an advantage;
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks for industrial innovation, IP protection, technology transfer and technology commercialization in developed and emerging markets;
• Previous experience with the World Bank-funded projects related to science, technology and innovation development will be an advantage;
• To avoid conflict of interest during the grant selection process, the candidate should not be affiliated to any local scientific research, academic research organization or private entity in Uzbekistan;
• Knowledge of English language is obligatory. Russian and/or Uzbek language skills would be an advantage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (revised in February 2025) (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Expressions of interest in the form of CV of the Consultant must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person / by mail / fax / e-mail) by October 05, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Tashkent time. Attn: Mr. Dilshodbek Azgarov – Manager of the Project Implementation Unit No.7, Universitet Street, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan Tel: +998-97-170-67-84 E-mail: munis.project.uz@gmail.com Agency: Agency for Innovative Development Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 35000.0 USD