National Specialist on Agriculture Policy

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

Technical Focus

On 1 March 2021, the European Union-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) enter into force. It has now been ratified by the Republic of Armenia, all EU Member States and the European Parliament. This represents an important milestone for EU-Armenia relations. Under this context FAO Armenia will support the Ministry of Economy in the preparation of adopting the CEPA in agriculture sector. It will also look at effective policies and legal/policy preparedness of the pandemic with a focus on cooperatives and provide support on the development of the applicable strategy for the cooperatives as well as on the targeting for the COVID-19 recovery phase.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide inputs to the policy component of the documents of the project;
• Support international expert in conducting policy analysis of CEPA and Armenian national agriculture policy;
• Develop and design FAO’s activities related to agriculture and rural development in details in scope of the project;
• Based on the national experience of agriculture and rural development policy provide recommendations on policy issues;
• Technically contribute to the review of national agricultural and rural development policy documents and outlines specific action for FAO support in CEPA implementation;
• Participate in the discussions, meetings and workshops on the project and other rural development issues within FAO’s team;
• Under the guidance of International Expert and supervision of LTO, prepare reports on the CEPA analysis and other agriculture policy issues;
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and interacts with international and national partners;
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural policy, agriculture economics, 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.