Explosive Ordnance (EO) contamination in Armenia is the consequence of Nagorno Karabakh (NK) conflict in early 1990s. The outbreak of the conflict and military hostilities in NK in September 2020, resulted in additional EO contamination patterns in the conflict-affected regions, including border areas of Armenia. Large scale military hostilities on 13-14 September have resulted in a significant contamination in 3 borderline regions. The extent of the new contamination remains yet to be assessed.  This contamination is a direct threat to Armenian communities living along the border areas and creates an obstacle to the gradual return to peacebuilding and reconciliation. During the last 10 years, a total of 829 people have been killed or wounded by EO in Armenia. The proposed action aims at responding to this serious security and safety challenges for Armenian communities and fundamental rights of the citizens living in the border areas in target regions (Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik and Tavush).

At the apex level, the Project aims at increasing safety and security for women, men and children in the communities affected by the EO contamination, increased preparedness and protection of the communities and strengthening national mine action structures to address the EO contamination in compliance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

The overall objective of the consultancy is to facilitate the development of National Mine Action Strategy, Operational plans for upcoming 5-year period, as well as revision of National Mine Action Standards, ensuring the compliance of the developed strategic documents with IMAS.

The specific objective of the consultancy is to act as a mentor and key technical resource person for the national mine action authority in Armenia – Centre for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise (CHDE) along the project implementation.

Under the direct supervision of Project Coordinator and under the overall guidance of UNDP Democratic Governance Programme Analyst, the incumbent will be responsible for the following activities:

• In consultation with national and international stakeholders, support the national authorities to develop and validate National Mine Action Strategy and operational plans (support the expert team to conduct desk review, organize stakeholder’s consultations, workshops, support the CHDE to collect and consolidate feedbacks and finalize the documents).
• Support CHDE to prepare proposals for Technical Survey and Land Release (LR) as per validated Operational plans and in compliance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
• Support the CHDE to review National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) in compliance with IMAS (support CHDE to conduct desk review, organize stakeholder’s consultations, workshops, support the CHDE to collect, consolidate feedbacks and finalize NMAS).
• Contribute to conduct the needs and gaps assessment for institutional development of the CHDE.
• Act as a liaison between the CHDE, Project team and International Mine Action Consultant to elaborate technical specifications of modern EOD, detection and protection equipment to operate safely in compliance with IMAS.
• Support the Project team and International Mine Action Consultant to organize training and on-demand mentoring for CHDE personnel (EOD Level 2/3, other MA pillars, first aid/medical emergency).
• Support the CHDE and the Project team to organize regular meetings for National Mine Action Platform (NMACP) and its working groups (draft agenda, implement preliminary arrangements, communication, reporting, and logistics arrangements as needed in consultation with the PC and UNDP CO, etc).

Expected deliverables:

• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different social and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong track record with producing high quality research and strong quantitative skills in economic analysis, social science, etc.
• Proven knowledge of communication tools, excellent writing skills.
• Excellent coordination and collaboration skills, with ability to work under time pressure and handle multiple activities and projects concurrently.
• Ability to work independently and to participate effectively in a team-based information sharing.

Education

• Advanced University degree (MSc, MA or PhD) in social sciences, economics, public administration or related fields. A relevant university degree in combination with qualifying experience in the area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least 7 years of experience in humanitarian/development projects with specific experience in mine action sector or other related fields at national and/or international level.
• Demonstrated experience in analytical work, particularly in strategy and policy papers development.
• At least 5 years of experience in coaching/mentoring/assisting teams implementing international development projects, familiarity with methodological tools related to research and assessment.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting research tools and sampling frameworks, as well as data management and analysis.
• Experience in working with national authorities, international organizations and UN agencies, as well as previous experience developing reports for governments is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating on mine action and disarmament issues tailored to different audiences.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in Armenian and English is required (written and oral).

CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications, experience and financial proposal.The contract will be awarded to the candidate whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

• Financial Proposal and Availability form: OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP (A total lump sum  option is applicable for this assignment)
• CV shall include Education/Qualification, Processional Certification, Employment Records /Experience

General Conditions of Contract is available here: GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

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