Organization: American University of Armenia (AUA)

Unit: AUA Acopian Center for the Environment

Project name: Waste Policy Armenia 

Position title: National Senior Waste Management Expert

Contract type:  Service Contract

Job Location: Yerevan, Armenia

Program background
Waste Policy Armenia is a 4-year Program aimed at improving Armenia’s waste management sector capacity to implement more environmentally sound waste management practices through:

1. Providing technical assistance to RA Government in developing and adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for several specific waste streams in line with EU Waste legislation and best practices (Program Component 1);
2. Providing technical assistance to RA Government in developing a national model on waste source separation and introducing it as a system in a pilot municipality (Program Component 2); 
3. Building sector capacities to implement Component 1 and Component 2, as well as to scale up the achieved results (Program Component 3). 

The Program supports the implementation of several provisions set in the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between EU and RA, as well as several provisions regarding “Waste management strategy and its implementation action plan” of the RA Government Program for 2021-2026.

The Program’s principal partners and beneficiaries are the RA Ministry of Environment (MoE), RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI), Sevan Municipality and other municipalities to be selected from Kotayk or Gegharkunik provinces.  

Scope of work

Under guidance of the Program Manager, the Expert will work with the Program team to successfully deliver Program outcomes through performing the following activities:

• Work with the Program team, national and local authorities, and other key stakeholders to support the development of the source separation national model and its introduction as a system in a pilot municipality (Program Component 2).
• Work with national authorities and other key stakeholders to support the development and adoption of national legislation on EPR (Program Component 1).
• Support the work of the international experts by identifying and communicating the needs and concerns of key Program beneficiaries and stakeholders. 
• Support the work of the international experts by localizing and communicating the international experience to the Program stakeholders. 
• Carry out the delivery of technical assistance and training to the pilot municipality (and other partner local governments within the Component 3) as well as other key stakeholders.
• Ensure legal and ethical implementation of the Program activities.
• Participate in Program activities, including team meetings, stakeholder engagement activities, discussions, workshops and seminars, and other activities; and
• Other duties and tasks that may be necessary for successful Program implementation.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The Expert is expected to have contributed to or be responsible for the delivery of the Program Outputs that may include, but not limited to: 

• Output 2.1 National technical guidance (Model) for waste source separation
• Output 2.2 Operational plan for new source separation in the target municipality

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Economics, Systems Management, Business, or related fields, or in their absence, demonstrated experience/knowledge in the above mentioned fields;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing skills, including ability to produce high quality practical reports and knowledge products.
• A good understanding of the waste management sector context and structure, waste market systems structure and performance, sub or related sectors.
• Experience in environmental sector related projects or programs.
• Proven experience and technical ability to assist a large project.
• Effective interpersonal, management and negotiation skills proven through successful interaction with stakeholders, including government officials, regional/local authorities, experts and NGOs/communities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Fluency in Armenian and English; ability to write clearly and concisely in both languages.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications; and
• Integrity and ethical standards; positive, with constructive attitude to work. 

Application process: Inquiries, nominations and applications will be treated confidentially. 

Applicants must submit a letter of interest detailing their qualifications for the position, a Curriculum Vitae, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three to five references that have firsthand knowledge of the applicant's potential for the career. All documents should be submitted electronically to [email protected] with the subject heading “National Senior Waste Management Expert / WPA”. The announcement is open until filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified for interview.

AUA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active non-discrimination program within the institution.