The European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) supports the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia in ensuring an efficient and sustainable agriculture that contributes to better living conditions in rural areas.

“ENPARD Armenia Technical Assistance: Producer Group and Value Chain Development” is implemented by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the European Union (€2.4 million) and co-funding from the Austrian Government (€1 million).

The project aims to:
•    strengthen producer groups,
•    effectively engage producer groups in value addition activities,
•    strengthen value chains that provide improved access to affordable, better quality food.

The project contributes to the development of rural areas, improved access to local and international markets, and ensures the introduction of environmentally-friendly farming and food processing practices.

The direct beneficiaries of the project are agricultural producers, members of producer groups and their employees, their families, as well as the consumers themselves. Women and youth and other vulnerable groups are given a special priority by the project.
 

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Programme Analyst for Sustainable Growth and Resilience (SGR), and in cooperation with the Programme Associate for Economics and IBM for day-to-day activities, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project activities, in close partnership with ENPARD UNIDO team, the Ministry of Agriculture, regional and local authorities, other sectoral institutions, and other UNDP projects.

In particular, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for:
•    Leading, supervising, and monitoring the project implementation process, including provision of advice on the UNDP activities in the area of agriculture.
•    Ensure the efficient operation of the Project Unit, including supervision of the project staff and national consultants.
•    Ensure the development and efficient implementation of activities, as per the Project Document acting flexibly to adjust to implementing realities.
•    Manage and monitor the financial performance of the Project and ensure delivery as per the project budget.
•    Liaise with the Government, regional and local authorities, civil society organizations, agricultural sector stakeholders, including private companies, and international partners to ensure participatory approach for the development and implementation of project activities.
•    Develop critical partnerships and networks for the specific thematic areas; participating in the activities of intergovernmental or other coordinating bodies.
•    Develop and submit reports to the implementing partners, UNDP, and funding organizations on the financial and operational status of the Project.
•    Support UNDP in providing guidance and technical expertise on the formulation of project strategies and proposals in the related fields.
•    Identify and develop new project proposals and identify respective funding sources to ensure continuity of UNDP activities in agriculture and rural development sector.
•    Liaise closely with UNDP’s global and regional economic and trade advisors to ensure that UNDP Armenia is at the cutting edge of thinking on economic development, inequalities etc
•    Contribute to the preparation of the office collective products, including policy papers, corporate planning and reporting tools, resource mobilization and advocacy materials, innovative and creative initiatives, blogs, interviews etc.
•    Provide knowledge-driven policy advice and services to UNDP and the Government in the related practice areas.
•    Act as project assets custodian and ensuring that the project assets are properly inventoried and reported to UNDP.
•    Perform other duties as required by UNDP.

Corporate Competencies:
-    Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
-    Demonstrates a passion and energy for development projects
-    Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
-    Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
-    Treats all people fairly without favouritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
-    Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
-    In-depth knowledge on development issues
-    Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
-    Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more     Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness
-    Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
-    Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
-    Strong IT skills
-    Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership
-    Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
-    Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
-    Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
-    Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
-    Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
-    Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure

Education:
•    Advanced university degree in economics, business administration, development studies or other relevant discipline.

 Experience:
•    At least 3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in project management and implementation. Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
•    Previous experience in agriculture, rural development, value chains, etc.
•    Experience in development of analytical documents, briefs and project proposals.

Skills:
•    Ability to deliver and reach the planned project targets.
•    Creativity, flexibility and an innovative approach to problem solving.
•    Strong managerial skills, proven ability to work under pressure and handle multiple activities and tasks concurrently;
•    Ability to travel and work in remote rural areas of Armenia.

Languages:
•    Fluency in English and Armenian.