National Consultant on Rural Development

Organizational Settings

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Armenia and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative and the LTO in close collaboration with the FAO Teams in Armenia and REU and the national institutions such as Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Economy etc. the National Consultant will specifically:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide inputs to the documents of the LEAD project;

• Develop and design FAO’s activities related to agriculture and rural development in details in scope of the LEAD project;

• Based on the national experience of agriculture and rural development policy provide recommendations on the implementation of LEADER approach in Armenia;

• Technically contribute to the review of national agricultural and rural development policy documents and outlines specific action for FAO support in parties engaged in agriculture in rural communities;

• Participate in the discussions, meetings and workshops on the LEAD project and other rural development issues within FAO’s team;

• Prepare reports on the LEAD project and other agriculture issues during implementation period

• Participate in reviews of reports and in FAO activities concerned with rural development;

• Participate in the assessment of investment implications of parties engaged in agricultural and rural development activities;

• Participate in activities related to COVID component of the LEAD project;

• Contribute to the relevant activities of the inception phase of the LEAD project;

• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and interact with international and national partners;

• Liaise with the EUD, UNDP, ADA and other agencies on cooperation and formulation of joint activities;

• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural policy, agriculture economics, agribusiness management, rural development, public policy or a closely related field;
• Three years of relevant experience in agriculture or agriculture and rural development policy, preferably with international and national organizations.
• National of Armenia or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good knowledge of public policy processes is an asset. Fluency in Armenian and English. Knowledge of Russian is an asset.
• Good communication skills.