National Consultant on Agrobusiness

Organizational Setting

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

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.

Tasks and responsibilities

Specific tasks include:

• Prepare a comprehensive situation analysis of existing agricultural cooperatives, agro-producers' associations and groups in Armenia, including the assessment of their capacities and performance, the assessment of the national legal framework, as well as highlighting the best practices and business models of successfully operating cooperatives and agro-producers' associations working in Armenia; • Provide recommendations on the economically justified areas for producers’ cooperation in the five LAG territories, supported by financial justifications and projections; • Develop and regularly update a database of resource persons and resource institutions from the regions of LAG areas and beyond that can support establishment and operation of the agro-producers’ associations, create networks and make these persons and institutions available as and when required; • Organize awareness raising events and meetings with interested beneficiaries in the five LAG territories to present and discuss the prospective areas for producers’ cooperation and the relevant business models; • Identify at least five interested groups and support them with the development of a business strategy for the future associations; • Support 3-4 groups of agro-producers to form associations in the LAG territories and assist them in the development of business plans; • In cooperation with the National Agriculture Economist, organize capacity building sessions with the interested groups on business planning, cost-benefit analysis, financial management, grant applications, etc.; • Contribute to project progress reports related to the activities performed; identify lessons learned, constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions and present recommendations; • Prepare mission reports after each mission; • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced 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. • Good communication skills • 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