Back Enhancing Development through Diaspora Engagement in Armenia

Position Title: Enhancing Development through Diaspora Engagement in Armenia

Duty Station: Yerevan, Armenia

Classification: Consultancy, Ungraded

Type of Appointment: 4 months with possible of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: January 28, 2022**

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Nature of the Consultancy:

Title of the IOM Project: Enhancing Development through Diaspora Engagement in Armenia

Background Information:

Drawing on its long-standing experience, IOM has formulated a comprehensive strategic approach centered on the 3Es for action: to enable, engage and empower transnational communities as agents for development. IOM recognizes the role of global migrant communities as key actors for development, considering diaspora first and foremost as human and social capital, economic capital and in some cases – cultural capital.

In line with the UN Secretary General’s Call for a Decade of Actions, launched since September 2019 and especially in light of the global pandemic and emerging challenges, diaspora communities are gradually transforming into one of the main transnational agents to boost sustainable solutions to problems the world faces with, becoming a driving force for acceleration of the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-s). The Addis Ababa Action Agenda also considers the role of diaspora (particularly migrants remittances, which represents the largest sources of external finance for many countries ahead of ODA and FDI-s), as a measure to finance sustainable development and calls for re-alignment of public and private financial resources to transform the global economy and achieve the SDG-s (Addis Ababa Action Agenda, 2015).

Beyond migrants’ remittances, diaspora other contributions for country development such as investments in diaspora bonds, entrepreneurship and transfer of human capital stocks are one of another forms for diaspora contributions which can accelerate achievement towards SDG-s.

In this regard within the Decade of Action for achievement of SDG-s, the Republic of Armenia – a county having one of the largest, oldest and well institutionalized diasporas in the world, has all chances to become “champion state” or a model, demonstrating achievement of certain targets of the SDG-s through engagement of the Armenian diaspora. Armenian diaspora has been a driving force for the country’s economic survival and development over the past three decades, primarily by providing humanitarian support and remittances, as well as by implementing philanthropic and development projects.

In 2020, UNDESA estimated the Armenian emigrant population at 958,190 or approximately 32,3% of the country´s current population (UNDESA, 2020). In a meantime, these figures represent only emigrants with Armenian citizenship and do not include ethnic Armenians who may hold other citizenships but who maintain strong linkages and affinities to Armenia. Projections estimate the Armenian diaspora to 8 to 10 million ethnic Armenians (IOM, 2021). Estimates place the largest community in the Russian Federation, in the United States, followed by France, countries of the Middle and Near East and Latin America. The recent professional Armenian diaspora mapping, done with onomastic research tools with the use of two major professional and scientific databases, revealed an abundance of intriguing and concealed facts and features about the Armenian diaspora. 26,945 Armenian scientists have been identified from the 5.2 million Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) database and 270, 729 Armenian professionals have been identified from 156 million ZoomInfo database. Most of them are involved in health, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as engineering, finance, general management, and other sectors.

The Armenian Government in its Government Programme 2021-2026 prioritized involvement of “human, scientific, creative, and economic potential of the Diaspora in the Armenia’s political, social, economic, cultural, educational, scientific life”, aiming to maximize diaspora contributions in a sustainable manner.

Objective: As Secretariat and Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration in the Republic of Armenia in coordination with the Resident Coordinator’s Office and other UN agencies, in close cooperation with the United National Development Programme (UNDP) and based on the results of Armenian Diaspora Skills Mapping Through Big Data Analysis and Global Best Practices in Diaspora Engagement, the IOM undertakes an initiative (i) to assess the Armenian diaspora potential as a accelerator for achieving the SDG-s in three main sectors, prioritized by the Government and revealed by Armenian professional diaspora skills mapping – Agriculture development, Tourism and Science and Education, (ii) to develop and suggest targeted recommendations applicable for the Republic of Armenia how to make diaspora an instrument for financing for the SDG-s in the mentioned prioritized sectors.

Specific Objective. In order to achieve this objective, the study will include:

· Conduct assessment of significant projects and initiatives both philanthropic and business oriented, undertaken by the Armenian diaspora in sectors of Agriculture development, Tourism development and Science and Education;

· Identify key opportunities in the prioritized sectors where innovative finance with diaspora engagement can be applicable.

· Identify the main instruments for diaspora financing for Armenia with the clear vision for financing for SDG-s (such as diaspora bonds, migrants’ remittances, portfolio investments, etc.)

· Develop and suggest actionable targeted mechanisms for financing for SDG-s with engagement of diaspora in three identified sectors.

Tasks to be performed under the contract:

· Develop and present the study methodology to IOM on acceleration of SDG-s achievement through diaspora engagement in Armenia in three prioritized sectors.

· Conduct desk research on diaspora engagement in Armenia in the three prioritized sectors and assess the initiatives and projects implemented by the Armenian Diaspora in the Republic of Armenia in the sectors of Agriculture development, Tourism development and Science and Education.

· Contact and conduct interviews and meetings with key diaspora organizations, representatives, UN partners, Government agencies and key individuals, active in diaspora engagement initiatives in Armenia.

· In close cooperation with the UNDP and national consultants, working on feasibility study on innovative financial instruments and on feasible SDG-aligned financing tools/mechanisms for Armenia, initiated within the framework of UNDP-UNICEF-WFP jointly implemented “*Innovative Financial Instruments for SDG Acceleration*” Project, coordinate the study with the aim to synchronize synergies and avoid possible duplication of efforts.

· Identify the main targets of the SDG-s where the Armenian diaspora can contribute and serve as an accelerator for achieving and financing for SDG-s.

· Identify key financing and investment opportunities in the three prioritized sectors where the Armenian diaspora can contribute.

· Based on international best practices, coincide efforts with the UNDP expert team, engaged in feasibility study on innovative financial instruments identify innovative financing tools applicable to Armenia through which the Armenian diaspora can serve as an accelerator for financing for SDG-s (such as diaspora bonds, migrants’ remittances, portfolio investments, venture impact funds, impact investments, green finance, etc.).

· Assess the ongoing processes on transforming the financial landscape of the Republic of Armenia in terms of creation of Common Eurasian Financial Market by 2025 and -propose new possibilities of the diaspora contributions for financing for SDG-s.

· Based on the results of the desk research and feedback received from IOM and key partners draft an assessment report, including targeted and actionable recommendations specific for the Republic of Armenia on making diaspora as a tool for financing for SDG-s.

· Propose a roadmap specific for the Armenian context with the clear deadlines, responsible agencies and cost-breakdowns for engagement of diaspora as a tool for acceleration and financing for SDG-s in the sectors of Agriculture development, Tourism development and Science and Education.

· Prepare and submit the final report with key findings and recommendations.

· Conduct a workshop and present key findings and recommendations to state and non-state partners.

Tangible and measurable deliverables:

1) Inception report, including detailed workplan and methodology for conducting the assessment.

2) Desk research and stakeholder consultations to identify ways how the diaspora can serve as an accelerator for development and a tool for financing for the SDG-s for the Republic of Armenia in three prioritized sectors.

3) First draft of the report with recommendations and roadmap.

4) Pre-final draft of the report with incorporated recommendations suggested by the IOM and key partner agencies as per suggested by the IOM.

5) Workshop and presentation of finding and recommendations to state and non-state partners (in close cooperation with the UNDP).

6) Final report with key findings and recommendations on acceleration of SDG-s achievements through diaspora engagement in Armenia in prioritized 3 sectors.

Realistic delivery dates and details as to how the work must be delivered

Implementation period – 4 months, M1, M2, M3, M4.

Deliverables

Description

1. M1

Inception report, including detailed workplan and methodology for conducting the assessment.

1. M1

Desk research and stakeholder consultations to identify ways how the diaspora can serve as an accelerator for development and a tool for financing for the SDG-s for the Republic of Armenia in three prioritized sectors.

1. M2

First draft of the report with recommendations and roadmap.

1. M3

Pre-final draft of the report with incorporated recommendations suggested by the IOM and key partner agencies as per suggested by the IOM.

1. M4

Workshop and presentation of finding and recommendations to state and non-state partners (in close cooperation with the UNDP).

1. M4

Final report with key findings and recommendations on acceleration of SDG-s achievements through diaspora engagement in Armenia in prioritized 3 sectors.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

• The quality of and the timely completion of deliverables;
• Feedback from the IOM Project Management Team, Thematic Specialist and counterparts;
• Compliance with IOM House style Guidelines;
• Compliance with IOM Data Protection Principles.

Qualifications and experience

The international consultant is expected to have the following competencies and personal qualities:

The following qualification criteria will apply:

a. Education: - Advanced university degree in Economics (preferable macroeconomics), International Finance, Development, Diaspora studies, Migration studies, or related areas relevant for the assignment; - Other formal education relevant for the assignment. PhD degree is an advantage.

b. Experience: - At least 5 years of proven experience preferably in social research areas; -

• Proven experience in developing analytical works, preferably in macroeconomy, migration related fields, innovative finance, development finance;

• Previous experience in conducting international research including using research techniques such as surveying, KIIs and Focus Groups;

• Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between migration and development and diaspora engagement;

• Extensive knowledge of the SDG-s, understanding of socio-economic situation and national governance system of Armenia.

• Advanced experience in drafting research tools and sampling frameworks, as well as data management and analysis;

• Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies, an advantage;

• Previous experience developing reports for governments, an advantage.

c. Competencies and Skills:

• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills particularly in the field of interviewing and conducting focus groups;

• Good knowledge of the migration & development concept and diaspora as well as remittances themes;

• Familiarity with IOM’s mandate;

• Good command of oral and written English;

d. Personal Qualities and other requirements:

• Good interpersonal skills, solid judgment/decision making, initiative and creativity;

• Cultural and gender sensitivity;

e. Diversity:

• Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of

culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, etc.

Functional competencies

• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
• Respond positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Demonstrate / safeguard ethics and integrity;
• Focus on result of tasks performed;
• Demonstrate outstanding time-management and inter-personal skills;
• Facilitate and encourage open communication.

Languages

Oral and written fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Armenian, Russian or French is a big advantage.

About the Project:

The project aims to support the Government of Armenia in developing a coordinated and sustainable diaspora engagement strategy in Armenia. In order to achieve the project objective and strengthen the role of diaspora in Armenia’s development though effective utilization of its intellectual potential, knowledge and skills necessary for the country’s economic and social modernization and transformation into a knowledge and innovation based economy IOM implements three project components dealing with: (i) initial diaspora mapping; (ii) study of the international experience of diaspora engagement; (iv) development of a diaspora communications framework.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.

Posting period:

From 04.01.2022 to 28.01.2022