National Consultant for COP 17 Preparations

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to ensure that all people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for COP 17 Preparations involves supporting the FAO in its efforts to prepare for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The consultant will play a crucial role in facilitating coordination between the FAO and various Armenian governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Economy. The consultant will ensure that agrifood system priorities are effectively integrated into the preparations for COP 17 and related processes. This role requires close collaboration with the Biodiversity Programme Specialist and the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, ensuring that all activities align with FAO's technical work and strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: supporting the COP 17 Presidency and the Government of Armenia in their preparations for the conference; maintaining regular communication with the COP 17 Presidency and organizing meetings with the FAO's Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment; assisting in discussions regarding proposed themes for COP 17 and developing initiatives related to agrifood systems; creating and monitoring a detailed calendar of joint activities and deadlines to ensure timely planning and organization of high-level events, side events, thematic days, and bilateral meetings; supporting Armenia in the review and implementation of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP); preparing the 7th National Biodiversity Report; and assisting in the preparations for intersessional meetings and activities related to Biodiversity Day.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in environmental studies, sustainable development, agriculture, international relations, or other relevant fields. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant experience managing programs related to environment and climate change, sustainable development, or agriculture. A working knowledge of English is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Armenia or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields such as environmental studies, sustainable development, agriculture, or international relations. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of biodiversity and environmental issues that will be addressed during COP 17.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in managing programs related to environment and climate change, sustainable development, or agriculture. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to navigate complex environmental issues and work effectively with governmental and international organizations.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Armenian is also essential, given the local context and the need for effective communication with national authorities. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role, and candidates should be prepared for a contract that may vary in duration based on the needs of the FAO and the COP 17 preparations. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be aware that the position may involve international collaboration and travel as necessary. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.