Development of a Biodiversity Data Collection Framework for Armenia

The consultant will support the Government of Armenia to develop a biodiversity data collection framework aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Armenia's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The work involves conducting a needs and priorities assessment, mapping existing biodiversity data assets, stakeholder consultations, legal and institutional analysis, and preparing a roadmap for a feasibility study to guide the framework's design and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of international best practices in biodiversity data collection frameworks, focusing on GBIF’s data infrastructure, Darwin Core standards, and national biodiversity data systems of the Czech Republic and Finland.
• Map Armenia’s existing biodiversity data ecosystem including data producers, types, methodologies, platforms, and legal/institutional barriers.
• Design and facilitate structured consultations with key biodiversity data producers and users including government institutions, scientific bodies, universities, civil society, and international partners.
• Synthesize desk study and consultations into a Needs and Priorities Assessment identifying critical biodiversity data gaps, priority data types, and key requirements for a national framework.
• Identify legal and/or administrative acts required under Armenian law to establish the biodiversity data collection framework, including type of instrument, responsible authority, and legislative process.
• Prepare a Phase 2 Roadmap document outlining the scope, methodology, and expected outputs of the feasibility study for the biodiversity data collection framework.
• Consolidate all Phase 1 outputs into a Final Report with an executive summary in Armenian and English.
• Ensure the framework aligns with Armenia’s existing spatial data governance and supports NBSAP monitoring and evaluation framework.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in biodiversity informatics, ecology, environmental science, biology, computer science, or a related field.
• A first level degree with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in biodiversity data management, biodiversity informatics, environmental monitoring, or related fields, preferably in Armenia or the South Caucasus region is required.
• Demonstrated familiarity with GBIF’s data infrastructure, the Darwin Core standard, and biodiversity data mobilisation processes is required.
• Knowledge of Armenia’s biodiversity institutional landscape, including the relevant scientific institutions, protected area system, and existing data collection actors is required.
• Experience in designing or assessing data management systems, biodiversity databases, or environmental information systems is required.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct stakeholder consultations and synthesise diverse institutional perspectives into actionable recommendations is required.
• Familiarity with the KMGBF and its data and knowledge requirements (Target 21, Target 26) is desirable.
• Experience working with UN agencies, international organisations, or development partners is desirable.
• Fluency in Armenian and English (written and spoken) is required.

Skills

• Biodiversity Data Management
• Biodiversity Informatics
• Environmental Monitoring
• GBIF Data Infrastructure
• Darwin Core Standard
• Biodiversity Data Mobilisation
• Biodiversity Database Design
• Environmental Information Management
• Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
• Institutional and Organizational Analysis
• Data Collection Framework Development
• Needs Assessment
• Roadmap Preparation
• Legal Analysis
• National Biodiversity Strategy
• Fluency in Armenian
• Fluency in English
• Biodiversity Knowledge

Languages

Armenian, English