Agritourism and Event Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are jointly implementing “Local Empowerment of Actors for Development (LEAD) in Lori and Tavush regions” Project in Armenia. The Project is supported by the European Union (EU) and aims at bolstering the participation of a wide range of local stakeholders in sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development of their communities through pilot implementation of the EU LEADER/Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approaches in Lori and Tavush regions.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of FAO Representative in cooperation with the experts’ group.

Technical Focus

Marketing and visibility activities of the Farmers’ Associations groups in Lori and Tavush regions.

Tasks and responsibilities

To invite tour agencies/guides/event management organizations to explore, review, and assess the products and services offered by at least two farmers' associations in Lori or Tavush regions with potential for tourism development. The aim of the collaboration and the business-to-business (B2B) workshops are to build relation between businesses, and to support farmers’ associations’ to incorporate local experiences into their travel packages. This initiative seeks to promote agro-tourism and enhance the economic benefits for local communities. Selected candidate will be responsible for: • Conducting an exploratory visit to the designated farmers' association(s) to understand the range of products and services available. • Assessing the potential for integrating these local experiences into their existing or new travel packages. • Organize a B2B workshop in Yerevan for approximately 100 participants, including agencies, guides, event management organizations, and farmers' associations from all LAG areas that work with tourists and offer agritourism packages. Provide constructive feedback to these associations on how to make their offerings more appealing to tourists. • Conduct a mapping of relevant counterparts such as agencies, guides, and event management organizations working in LAG areas who can potentially partner with farmers' association groups offering agritourism packages. • Offering recommendations for potential collaborations or package development. • Developing a preliminary plan for promoting the farmers' association(s) within their travel packages, including marketing and sales strategies. • Prepare End of assignment report

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in tourism, business administration, agricultural economics, or a related field. • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in tourism development, agritourism, event management, or a related field. • Working knowledge of English • Working knowledge of the official language of Armenia (Armenian) is essential. • National of Armenia or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong analytical and assessment skills to evaluate the potential for integrating local experiences into tour packages. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, including farmers' associations, tour agencies, and event management organizations. • Ability to develop marketing and sales strategies for promoting agritourism packages. • Proficiency in preparing detailed reports and providing constructive feedback.

Selection Criteria

• Proven track record of working with farmers' associations, tourism agencies, or event management organizations. • Experience in organizing B2B workshops or similar events involving multiple stakeholders.