Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports countries in addressing the challenges of food security, climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Guided by the FAO Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors and its 2024โ27 Action Plan, the Organization works to ensure that biodiversity considerations are integrated into agricultural policies, programmes and decision-making at national, regional and global levels. FAO also provides technical support to Members in their engagement with multilateral environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and contributes to global and national efforts related to biodiversity planning, reporting and implementation. As part of this work, FAO engages actively in CBD processes, including intersessional meetings and the preparation for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17). FAO collaborates closely with COP Presidencies and national authorities to ensure that agrifood systems are appropriately reflected in global biodiversity discussions.
In this context, FAO Armenia is recruiting a national consultant to support the FAO with preparations to the COP 17. The consultant will facilitate coordination with the Presidency counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economy, and ensure smooth communication and alignment with FAOโs technical work. Working closely with the OCB, the consultant will help ensure that agrifood system priorities are effectively incorporated into COP 17 preparations and related national and international processes.
Reporting Lines
The Biodiversity Programme Specialist will report to Country Programme Coordinator and closely collaborate with the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.
Technical Focus
The specialist will support FAO with preparations to the COP 17 through facilitating coordination with Presidency counterparts and ensuring that agrifood system priorities are effectively incorporated into COP 17 preparations and related processes.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย ย ย Support the COP 17 Presidency and the Government of Armenia in its preparations for COP 17.
โข ย ย ย ย Assist with regular liaison with the COP 17 Presidency (MFA, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Economy) and planning and organizing regular meetings with OCBB in Rome and with Armenian authorities.
โข ย ย ย ย Support the Presidency with discussions on proposed COP 17 themes and developing initiatives related to agrifood systems.
โข ย ย ย ย Assist with development, implementation and monitoring of a detailed calendar of joint activities and deadlines to ensure the timely planning and organization of high level events, side events, thematic days, Presidency initiatives, bilateral meetings, communications and related logistics.
โข ย ย ย ย Support Armenia in reviewing and implementation of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
โข ย ย ย ย Support Armenia in preparing its 7th National Biodiversity Report.
โข ย ย ย ย Support the COP 17 Presidency in the preparations for intersessional meetings (SBI 6, SBSTTA 28, SBI 7) and activities related to Biodiversity Day.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย ย ย University degree in environmental studies, sustainable development, agriculture, international relations or other areas related to the topic
โข ย ย ย ย At least 5 years of relevant experience in managing programmes related to environment and climate change programmes, sustainable development, agriculture or closely related areas
โข ย ย ย ย Working knowledge of English
โข ย ย ย ย National of Armenia or resident of the country with a valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย ย ย Communication
โข ย ย ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
ย