Development Specialist (Post Humanitarian Context)

UNRCO ARM organization mission TBD

The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Armenia leads the coordination of the UN development systems work in support of national priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In close partnership with the government of Armenia, development partners, civil society and the private sector, the RCO facilitates strategic planning, advocacy, partnerships and financing for development. The period of September to December 2025 marks as a critical juncture since the UN country team prepares the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which is the key strategic document guiding the UN cooperation in Armenia. The document has also integrated with the support provided to the refugees, and it is developed with the perspective of humanitarian-development-peace Nexus.
The finalization of the UNSDCF, along with its accompanying partnership strategy, resource mobilization strategy, communication materials and others, requires full coordination among UN entities, substantive input from diverse stakeholders and adherence to the UN programming standards. To support this process the RCO is engaging a UN volunteer who will provide technical, analytical, and coordination support to ensure timely and high-quality completion of the UNSDCF and related documentation, contributing to a coherent and impactful UN response in Armenia over the next programming cycle.

The UN Country Team in Armenia is preparing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, which will serve as the primary strategic instrument for guiding UN engagement in support of national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Within this framework, the specific needs and priorities of refugees, alongside those of host communities, will be fully integrated to ensure inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development outcomes.
The development plan underpinning the UNSDCF will:
• Promote Sustainable Recovery – Support the transition from immediate humanitarian assistance to long-term, inclusive development, strengthening resilience and self-reliance among both refugees and host populations.
• Address Root Causes – Tackle the social, economic, and governance factors that contribute to vulnerability, poverty, and inequality, enabling more targeted and effective interventions.
• Ensure Long-Term Impact – Deliver sustained improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and economic opportunities for all affected communities.
• Build Resilience – Enhance the capacity of communities to withstand future shocks and crises, reducing reliance on emergency responses.
• Foster Partnerships – Strengthen cooperation among government, UN entities, development partners, and civil society to achieve shared development goals and contribute to national and regional stability.

Duties and Responsibilities
The UNV will play a key role in supporting the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in the finalization of the UNSDCF 2026–2030, ensuring that the needs of refugees and host communities are fully reflected in strategic priorities and accompanying documents. The UNV will contribute to a coherent and effective approach to sustainable development, resilience building, and inclusive national planning. Key responsibilities include:
• Support to UNSDCF Finalization – Assist in consolidating inputs, and aligning priorities to ensure the UNSDCF fully integrates the development needs of refugees, including those opting for Armenian citizenship, alongside broader national development goals.
• Coordination and Collaboration – Support RCO in facilitating coordination among UN agencies, government counterparts, development partners, and civil society to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to programming under the UNSDCF.
• Resource Mobilization – Support the RCO in identifying and mobilizing resources from governments, donors, and private sector actors to advance UNSDCF priorities, particularly those related to inclusive development and social cohesion.
• Conflict Sensitivity and Risk Management – Apply conflict-sensitive approaches in planning and implementation to mitigate risks and prevent exacerbation of social tensions.
• Advocacy and Communications – Support advocacy and awareness efforts to promote inclusive, sustainable development approaches and highlight the integration of refugee needs in national strategies.
• Knowledge Management – Facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices across UN agencies and partners, ensuring lessons learned inform ongoing and future UNSDCF programming.