National Socioeconomic Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working on various projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable rural development. The specific project mentioned in this job ad, 'Forest Resilience in Armenia: Enhancing Adaptation and Rural Growth through Mitigation,' was approved in December 2021 and has a total funding of USD 18.7 million, co-financed by multiple partners including the Government of Armenia and various international organizations.

Job Overview:
The National Socioeconomic Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the energy efficiency component of the 'Forest Resilience in Armenia' project. This position requires the incumbent to ensure the smooth technical execution of project activities in the Lori and Syunik Marzes. The specialist will work closely with local producers, authorities, and project beneficiaries to identify and support 9,000 households that will receive improved wood stove appliances. The role involves confirming beneficiary eligibility, analyzing socio-economic data, and developing methodologies for beneficiary selection that are transparent and inclusive. The specialist will also focus on integrating gender-responsive measures into the beneficiary identification process, ensuring that women-headed households are prioritized and that barriers to women's participation are addressed. The position demands strong analytical skills, the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders, and a commitment to community engagement and empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Socioeconomic Specialist include: confirming and operationalizing beneficiary eligibility criteria; reviewing household socio-economic data; providing technical support for developing beneficiary selection methodologies; establishing verification procedures for eligible households; integrating gender-responsive targeting measures; designing outreach and consultation processes; coordinating with women's organizations; defining household categorization and vulnerability assessment approaches; assessing support modalities and co-financing mechanisms; developing data collection tools and beneficiary databases; preparing selection reports; ensuring transparency and accountability in the selection process; contributing to monitoring indicators; and providing technical guidance during implementation and grievance resolution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in fields such as Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related areas. They should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in socio-economic assessments, rural development, or community-based projects. A strong understanding of poverty targeting methodologies and social protection systems is essential, along with proficiency in both English and Armenian. Candidates must be nationals of Armenia or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in relevant fields such as Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or Sociology. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of socio-economic assessments and rural development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas such as socio-economic assessments, household analysis, and community-based development projects. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in designing and implementing beneficiary targeting methodologies and working with vulnerable populations, including low-income households and women-headed households.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Armenian is mandatory for this position, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve working remotely, and candidates should be prepared for potential international collaboration.