National Specialist on Environment and Natural Resource Management

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

The incumbent will undertake the following duties in support of the Project’s team in their activities within the selected territories of five Local Action Groups (LAGs) in Lori and Tavush regions, particularly:

• Provide guidance to the project team and local stakeholders on environmental considerations and sustainable management of natural resources when implementing project activities and planning project support; • In cooperation with the Agriculture expert of the project, assess farm management and agricultural practices, as well as risks imposed by agri-food systems on environment and natural resources in the five LAG territories to identify the gaps and needs for sustainable agriculture practices in the LAG territories; • Provide input to the baseline assessment of agricultural sector of the five LAG territories, including short overview of relevant environmental regulations related to agriculture production andrecommendations related to sustainable management of natural resources and sustainable practices for livestock management and agriculture production, harvesting, storing and processing of relevant agricultural produce in each of the LAG territories; • In cooperation with the Agriculture expert provide technical support to the Project team and the LAG members aiming at introduction and adoption of internationally accepted environmentally-friendly agricultural innovations, technologies and best practices; • Develop and implement needs-based training sessions to strengthen knowledge and skills of the LAG members on tools, technologies and best practices for minimizing environmental risks related to agricultural production; • Provide technical input to the five Local Rural Development Strategies for the LAG territories from the perspective of natural resource management and environment, and provide relevant recommendations for improvements, if needed; • Travel to project sites when needed and prepare back to office reports after each mission; • Perform other relevant 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