Development of biodiversity coordination mechanism for Armenia consultant

The consultant will assist the Government of Armenia to develop a biodiversity coordination mechanism to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The role involves reviewing existing coordination mechanisms, designing a coordination concept through stakeholder consultations, and identifying legal steps to establish the mechanism under Armenian law, contributing to effective biodiversity governance aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing biodiversity and environmental coordination mechanisms in Armenia and relevant international models.
• Develop a Coordination Mechanism Concept document through structured stakeholder consultations proposing options for an inter-agency coordination body for biodiversity in Armenia.
• Prepare a Legal Mapping Note identifying legal and/or administrative acts required to formally establish the coordination mechanism under Armenian law.
• Document stakeholder consultation views on coordination needs, institutional options, and governance design.
• Strengthen national institutional capacity for cross-sectoral coordination on biodiversity to support effective and inclusive NBSAP implementation.
• Design and facilitate consultations with government stakeholders, civil society, private sector, academic institutions, and UN agencies.
• Assess and compare institutional models for biodiversity coordination, including expanding the Inter-Agency Council on Climate Change mandate versus establishing a standalone body.
• Recommend the best institutional model suited to Armenia's context, including the role and functions of a dedicated Secretariat.
• Prepare a consolidated Final Report integrating all workstreams with actionable recommendations for adoption and operationalisation of the coordination mechanism.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental law, public administration, environmental policy, political 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 environmental governance, public administration, or institutional policy is required.
• Demonstrated experience in institutional analysis and/or the development of coordination mechanisms, inter-agency bodies, or governance frameworks is required.
• Familiarity with Armenia’s environmental institutional landscape, including the mandate of the Ministry of Environment and relevant line ministries is required.
• Knowledge of biodiversity policy and/or the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is desirable.
• Prior experience working with UN agencies, international organisations, or development partners is desirable.
• Fluency in Armenian and English (written and spoken) is required.

Skills

• Environmental Governance
• Public Administration
• Institutional and Organizational Analysis
• Inter-agency Coordination
• Governance Framework Analysis
• Biodiversity Policy Understanding
• Legal Framework Assessment
• Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
• Environmental Law
• National Biodiversity Strategy
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Environmental Institutional Landscape
• Policy Development
• Institutional Policy Application
• Coordination Mechanisms

Languages

Armenian, English