National Coach for Local Active Groups (LAGs)/Community mobilizer

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for foodbsecurity, 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

A person for this function will be recruited under the project, based on FAO HR rules. Under the direct supervision of Programme/Operations Officer or BH and overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Armenia and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Office (LTO) of the project, as well as in close cooperation with the Government authorities, other national counterparts and the national/international consultants.

Technical Focus

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Armenia under the “Local Empowerment of Actors for Development (LEAD) in Lori and Tavush Regions” Project (hereinafter Project) is looking for a Coach for Local Active Groups (LAGs)/Community mobilizer, who will directly work with community members in the target communities of Lori or Tavush regions, supporting efficient implementation of the Project.

Coach for Local Active Groups (LAGs)/Community mobilizer will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader/FAO Representative in Armenia and direct supervision of the Budget Holder and guidance of the National Project Manager, under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the Project, as well as in close cooperation with the UNDP Armenia, local self-government bodies, other national counterparts and the national/international consultants.

Tasks and responsibilities

Coach for Local Active Groups (LAGs)/Community mobilizer will support the Project implementation at the field level and will perform the following tasks.

• Support in mapping and identifying of the main stakeholders and focal points at community level.
• Raise awareness of community members about the approach, objectives and key activities of the Project. Ensure that the key stakeholders are constantly updated about the Project developments.
• Encourage community self-organization and reorganization, and foster new partnerships between local development stakeholders.
• In line with the LEADER/CLLD methodology, facilitate the formation and development of a Local Action Group (LAG) in a given target area.
• Organize meetings, workshops and other events within the community and ensure the active participation of the relevant stakeholders, including women, youth and vulnerable groups at those and other relevant events,
• Create contact and work closely with local farmers, private sector and CSO representatives, regional and local administration, and other local stakeholders if needed.
• Assess the capacity and needs of potential LAG members and provide recommendations on provision of respective capacity development measures.
• Conduct capacity building activities for LAG members and various community groups, including farmers, women, youth, other vulnerable groups.
• Contribute to the effective cooperation within the LAG. Ensure that the farmers (including women, youth, other vulnerable groups), their organizations and representatives of extension services have capacities to represent and lobby their needs to be included in the Local Development Strategies developed by the LAGs.
• Support elaboration of the Agricultural section of the Local Development Strategies for the LAG territories in their respective areas by setting up specific working groups.
• Engage in gender mainstreaming and social inclusion throughout the project, in direct coordination with the international gender-mainstreaming specialist.
• Periodically collect information, data and monitor local developments to report to the Project team.
• Closely cooperate and work in a coordinated manner with other Coaches for Local Active Groups (LAGs)/Community mobilizers working in the same area particularly with UNDP Armenia coaches, as well as with the national/international consultants.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture or a closely related field
• Three years of relevant experience and strong analytics, research skills
• Fluency in Armenian and English. Knowledge of Russian is an asset
• National of Armenia or resident in the country with a regular work permit
• Resident of Lori or Tavush regions

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good communication skills