JOB DESCRIPTION: 
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES: 
- Prepare a comprehensive situation analysis of existing agricultural cooperatives, agro-producers' associations and groups in Armenia, including the assessment of their capacities and performance, the assessment of the national legal framework, as well as highlighting the best practices and business models of successfully operating cooperatives and agro-producers' associations working in Armenia;
- Provide recommendations on the economically justified areas for producers’ cooperation in the five LAG territories, supported by financial justifications and projections;
- Develop and regularly update a database of resource persons and resource institutions from the regions of LAG areas and beyond that can support establishment and operation of the agro-producers’ associations, create networks and make these persons and institutions available as and when required;
- Organize awareness raising events and meetings with interested beneficiaries in the five LAG territories to present and discuss the prospective areas for producers’ cooperation and the relevant business models;
- Identify at least five interested groups and support them with the development of a business strategy for the future associations;
- Support 3-4 groups of agro-producers to form associations in the LAG territories and assist them in the development of business plans;
- In cooperation with the National Agriculture Economist, organize capacity building sessions with the interested groups on business planning, cost-benefit analysis, financial management, grant applications, etc.;
- Contribute to project progress reports related to the activities performed; identify lessons learned, constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions and present recommendations;
- Prepare mission reports after each mission;
- Perform other related duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
- Advanced university degree in Agriculture or a closely related field;
- 3 years of relevant experience and strong analytics, research skills;
- Fluency in Armenian and English languages; knowledge of Russian language is an asset;
- Good communication skills;
- National of Armenia or resident in the country with a regular work permit.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 
Interested candidates are welcome to follow the link and complete the application online:
https://tinyurl.com/FAO-National-Consultant. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered. Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile. If you need help, or have queries, please contact the Company at: *******@***.***.
Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this announcement through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am. Thanks.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: 
Citizens of RA