NCFA: Postition announcements

National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia
Zaruhi Hakobyan, Executive Assistant/Office Manager
5 Mher Lazarian St.
7th floor, room 706
Yerevan 0010, Armenia
Tel: +374 10 58 35 21
Fax: +374 10 58 91 93

Dear Sir/Madame,

The NCFA is a newly formed mission-oriented organization working
to achieve breakthrough development toward a more competitive Armenia. We
have several job openings and would like to disseminate the information
through your network. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact
me through the information on the bottom of the page.

Thank you in advance.

Please see below the job announcements.

NEW POSITIONS AT THE NATION COMPETITIVENESS FOUNDATION OF ARMENIA

The National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia (NCFA) is seeking to
hire Project and Program Managers, an Outreach Manager and an
Administrative Assistant for full-time positions in Yerevan, Armenia.

ABOUT THE COMPETITIVENESS FOUNDATION

The NCFA is a newly formed mission-oriented organization working to
achieve breakthrough development toward a more competitive Armenia.

The NCFA is a non-governmental organization structured as a public-private
initiative. Our board of trustees is chaired by the Prime Minister of the
Republic of Armenia. The board includes six high-level government
representatives, six prominent international businessmen from the United
States, Russia, Europe and Armenia and, on a rotating basis, the head of
the World Bank, the United Nations or USAID in Armenia as a representative
of the international donor community. We work closely with a number of
ministries as well as Armenian and international private sector entities.

The NFCA’s mandate is to improve national competitiveness by developing an
ambitious vision for Armenia’s future and catalyzing progress toward that
vision in a number of strategic areas of the economy. Our focus is on
sectors such as tourism, healthcare and education where there is the
biggest gap between the potential for excellence and the sector’s current
state of competitiveness. In addition, we work on strengthening the
enabling environment for business and innovation and on increasing access
to networks and know-how as crosscutting priorities.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Project and Program Managers

The Program/Project Managers will be responsible for managing the design
and implementation of one or more projects of the NCFA. Depending on the
level of qualifications and the nature of the projects, candidates will
report either to the director of one of NCFA’s sector teams (such as the
Director of the Tourism Office) or directly to the Chief Executive Officer
of the NCFA. Program/Project Managers will be responsible for:

– Oversight and participation in project design
– Management of contract awards
– Management of project implementation
– Coordination with third parties, including Ministry representatives,
contractors, stakeholders and project partners
– Assistance in the recruitment and hiring of project staff
– Financial management of projects
– Technical support for outreach and public relations efforts

Highly qualified candidates may take on increased responsibilities, such
as the management of project teams or program areas, including supervision
of project managers and other staff.

Qualifications for Program/Project Managers:

– Extensive experience managing complex projects with aggressive deadlines
– Experience with financial management and procurement of services
– Experience studying and/or working both in Armenia and abroad
– Excellent communication skills
– Flexibility, dynamism and dedication
– Teamwork skills and a highly positive attitude
– Advanced degree from a leading university
– Proficiency in Armenian, English and/or Russian

2. Outreach Manager

The Outreach Manager will:

– Be in charge of developing the NCFA’s outreach, public relations
strategy and corporate identity
– Ensure that the NCFA works with stakeholders in a highly consultative
and responsible manner
– Ensure a high level of awareness about NCFA initiatives on the part of
the general public and potential partners
– Participate in the selection and management of specialized service
providers
– Identify relevant stakeholder groups and design and manage consultative
sessions and workshops with them
– Oversee the development of promotional material, both online and print

Qualifications for the Outreach Manager:

– Extensive experience in public relations and promotion
– Extensive experience in managing stakeholder relations and media relations
– Experience studying and/or working both in Armenia and abroad
– Excellent communication skills
– Flexibility, dynamism and dedication
– Teamwork skills and a highly positive attitude
– Advanced degree from a leading university
– Proficiency in Armenian, English and/or Russian

3. Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Assistant will:

– Perform administrative and office support activities
– Assist multiple staff members with ad hoc projects
– Field telephone calls, receive and direct visitors
– Manage files and prepare documents
– Coordinate staff calendars
– Interface with business service providers
– Perform other duties as assigned

Highly qualified candidates may take on increased responsibilities, such
as project management, office management, or case-by-case participation in
teams implementing development projects.

Qualifications for the Administrative Assistant position:

– Minimum two years of professional experience
– Advanced degree from a leading university
– Excellent spoken and written Armenian and English
– Excellent computer skills, including extensive experience with word
processing, spreadsheets, presentation software and internet search and
applications
– Experience studying and/or working both in Armenia and abroad
– Excellent communication skills
– Flexibility, dynamism and dedication
– Teamwork skills and a highly positive attitude

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants are requested to submit:

1. The applicant’s resume
2. A maximum 200 word cover letter indicating the applicant’s motivation
in applying for the position

Please submit applications by emailing them to [email protected].
Please mention in the Subject line of the email the name of the position
you are applying for (`Project/Program Manager’, `Outreach Manager’ or
`Administrative Assistant’).

COMPENSATION AND TIMING

The level of compensation for residents of Armenia will be competitive
with that of international organizations operating in Armenia,
commensurate with the candidate’s work experience, salary history and
qualifications. The compensation for expatriates will be negotiated on a
case-by-case basis.

The position is open immediately but has a flexible start date depending
on the candidate’s earliest availability. The deadline for submitting
applications is April 27, 2009.

Turkish Membership In The European Union Would Strengthen Europe’s F

TURKISH MEMBERSHIP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION WOULD STRENGTHEN EUROPE’S FOUNDATION

PanARMENIAN.Net
07.04.2009 16:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s refusal to grant
EU membership to Turkey is not a result of French-Armenian relations,
TRT-2 cited US President Barack Obama as saying.

Speaking Monday to the Turkish Parliament, Obama reiterated
U.S. support of Turkey’s bid to be a member of the economic alliance as
Turkish membership in the European Union would "broaden and strengthen"
Europe’s foundation.

Obama said Monday the U.S. isn’t speaking as a member of the EU,
but as "close friends of Turkey and Europe", and hopes Europe will
reconsider its views on the issue.

Can’t Deny If He Hasn’t Heard

CAN’T DENY IF HE HASN’T HEARD

A1+
06:34 pm | April 07, 2009

Society

"We are healthy not only when there are no signs of illness, but when
we feel good socially, physically and psychologically," says RA Deputy
Health Minister Tatul Hakobyan.

The Deputy Health Minister did not wish to give an evaluation that
would arouse panic among citizens of Armenia when giving an evaluation
on the health of the Armenian population, but he did say the following:

"I can say that it is normal. When we take a look at the trends,
we see that there is some tension in society. When rating health
in terms of society, we must take into account the current economic
situation and the crisis."

According to the Deputy Health Minister, the RA Ministry of Healthcare
has not changed its priorities in a time of crisis.

"We are once again going to pay attention to the needy. Our priority
has always been and continues to be mothers and children."

According to him, the crisis forces us to cut back on spending and
that is why funding must be used appropriately.

"We are trying to cut back on spending and draw more attention to
effectiveness," underlined Tatul Hakobyan adding that the financial
crisis gives them the opportunity to see the flaws existing in
the system.

The deputy minister remarked that regardless of inflation of medicine,
the ministry will interfere in the regulation of prices so that
clinics will have access to the best medicine.

Tatul Hakobyan was surprised when one of the journalists asked whether
some hospitals have petitioned for mayor candidate Gagik Beglaryan.

"I would not like to comment on that. I am hearing that for the first
time and I can’t deny what I have not heard. We have always tried
to keep the health ministry away from any elections and we have been
successful," assured Hakobyan.

Let us remind that Health Minister, member of the "Prosperous Armenia"
party Harutyun Kushkyan is also running for mayor in the upcoming
elections for city council.

President Of Armenia Extends Condolences To His Italian Counterpart

PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO HIS ITALIAN COUNTERPART

armradio.am
07.04.2009 14:57

President Serzh Sargsyan sent a message of condolence to the President
of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano. The message states:

"On behalf of the Armenian people and myself, I extend condolences
to you and the friendly people of Italy on the human losses and
destructions as a result of the tragic earthquake in L’Aquila.

Sharing your sorrow, I wish soon recovery to friendly Italy, and
strength of spirit to the families and friends of the victims."

ANKARA: How Did Turkish Newspapers Receive Obama?

HOW DID TURKISH NEWSPAPERS RECEIVE OBAMA?

BIA, Turkey
April 7 2009

The Evrensel, Birgun and Gunluk newspapers criticised Obama’s messages
as insincere. Hurriyet, Milliyet and Radikal quoted his message of
a new phase in Turkish-American relations. Star and Taraf published
his message to the Muslim world.

Bia news centre – Istanbul 07-04-2009 Emine OZCAN

US President Barack Obama’s visit to Turkey was on the front pages
of Turkey’s daily newspapers today.

The Hurriyet newspaper referred to Obama’s slogan of "change" and said
"We Must All Change". The first page was devoted to Obama’s comments
on the importance of Turkey and praise for the country.

The Zaman newspaper announce Obama’s visit under the heading
"Historical and Warm Messages." The newspaper acknowledged Obama’s
gesture of visiting Prime Minister Erdogan at the Prime Ministerial
Office and further discussed four messages of the US President:

"The USA is not at war with Islam, nor will it be. We support
EU membership for Turkey. We will form a model partnership with
Turkey. PKK and Al Qaida are common enemies. Many American families
have Muslim members. I am one of them."

The Sabah newspaper’s headline ran "Obama’s Ankara Manifesto." The
newspaper reported that Obama supported an opening of the border
with Armenia, a discussion of the events of 1915 in parliament,
and a re-opening of a priests’ seminary on Heybeliada in Istanbul.

The Radikal newspaper read "Let Our Partnership Be a Model", with
another heading saying "Two laicist democratic countries must form
a model partnership."

The Birgun newspaper was more critical, saying "Obama’s Bargain for
Cheap Soldiers." Referring to the Ataturk quote "Peace in the country,
peace in the world," which Obama wrote into the visitor’s book at
Ataturk’s mausoleum in Ankara, the newspaper said, "He might write
[that], but he has visited in order to place more Turkish soldiers
in the region, especially Afghanistan."

The Evrensel newspaper said "Trying to Please Everyone", saying that
he was trying to win over everyone with different messages.

The Milliyet newspaper covered Obama’s visit with the headline
"Setting off with Turkey," reporting that Obama’s speech in Turkish
Parliament on Monday showed the path ahead.

The Haberturk newspaper’s headline read "He Didn’t Budge," adding
below, "On his first visit to a foreign country, US President Barack
Obama spoke candidly, emphasing a laicist democracy. He sent the
world important messages."

With its heading "You Change, Too", the Vatan newspaper said that
Obama was calling on Turkey to change. The newspaper also covered
the president’s comments on the 1915 events and priests’ seminaries.

<!–[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]–> <!–[endif]–>

The Star and Taraf newspapers had nearly the same headline, the
Taraf writing "We Will Not Fight with Islam", and Star saying "We
Will Never Fight with Islam."

The Gunluk newspaper said, "Obama Came, Bush Talked," arguing that
Obama was following Bush’s policy and supporting Turkey against
the PKK.

The Yenisafak newspaper put Obama’s sentence "There are Muslims in
My Family" on the front page and emphasised that Obama would try to
make good Bush’s mistakes. (EZO/AG)

Will Zakharyan Give A Fresh Impetus?

WILL ZAKHARYAN GIVE A FRESH IMPETUS?

A1+
01:44 pm | April 06, 2009

Official

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan, visited the State
Committee of the Real Estate Cadastre to introduce the newly appointed
Chairman, Yervand Zakharyan, to the staff.

The Prime Minister noted that Yervand Zakharyan has a rich experience
and biography, which will help him in the new position. Despite the
serious achievements of the past, there is still much to do at the
State Committee of the Real Estate Cadastre, especially considering
that the improvement of the quality of services to the public is one
of the important points of the President’s election platform.

Yervan Zakharyan also emphasized the serious work done in the
direction of creating a system of real estate cadastre corresponding
to contemporary standards, expressing confidence that jointly with
the highly qualified employees it would be possible to solve the
problems the system faces today and ensure a high level of services.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Manuk Vardanyan for the
serious work done in the direction of establishment and development
of the system of the real estate cadastre. Tigran Sargsyan voiced
hope that Yervand Zakharyan will be able to give a fresh impetus to
the ongoing works in the structure.

Armenian Police Denied The Information On Detection Of Picture Galle

ARMENIAN POLICE DENIED THE INFORMATION ON DETECTION OF PICTURE GALLERY ROBBER

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.04.2009 15:43 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Police denied information on detection of
picture gallery robber, Manvel V., aged 39, who admitted to having
stolen 18 pictures from Hrazdan Subsidiary of RA National Picture
Gallery.

"No one came to the police and admitted robbing the picture gallery,"
RA Police Press Secretary Sayatt Shirinyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter, adding that the following day museum guard addressed an
application for theft discovery.

On the night of 30/31, 18 pictures by Ayvazovski, Bashindgaghyan,
Terlemezyan and other Armenian masters were stolen from Hrazdan
Subsidiary of RA National Picture Gallery.

President Received World Absolute Champion

PRESIDENT RECEIVED WORLD ABSOLUTE CHAMPION

Panorama.am
23:30 02/04/2009

According to the special decree signed by the President of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan dated on 27 December, 2008 world absolute boxing
champion Vakhtang Darchinyan has been awarded "Movses Khorenatsi"
medal today. The President handed the medal today and congratulated the
boxer with his recent successes, the press service of the President’s
Administration reports.

Wall Street Journal: Deal On Armenian-Turkish Border Opening May Be

WALL STREET JOURNAL: DEAL ON ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER OPENING MAY BE SIGNED APRIL 16

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.04.2009 12:28 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey and Armenia could soon announce a deal
aimed at reopening their border and restoring relations, according
to diplomats, a move that could help stabilize a region that’s
increasingly important as a transit route for oil and gas, the Wall
Street Journal reported quoting diplomatic sources in Brussels.

The timing of the deal is being choreographed with the schedule
of U.S. President Barack Obama, who visits Turkey next week, these
people say.

The Turkish and Armenian governments have agreed on terms to open
formal talks in three areas: opening and fixing borders, restoring
diplomatic relations and setting up commissions to look at disputes,
including one on the tense history between the two nations, according
to the diplomats, all of whom declined to be named due to the
sensitivity of the talks.

Normalizing relations between Turkey and Armenia would "create a new
and positive dynamic" in relations across the region, "as well as
in developing the economic and transport links we have been pursuing
ever since the collapse of the former Soviet Union," said U.S. Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State Matthew J. Bryza, the State Department’s
point man in the Caucasus.

Mr. Bryza travels to Azerbaijan Thursday to discuss how a
Turkish-Armenian agreement could help revive efforts for a settlement
on Nagorno Karabakh.

Analysts say Turkey’s government hopes progress in reviving its
relations with Armenia could prompt the White House not to recognize
the killings as Genocide and to block the Congressional resolution.

If the U.S. proceeds with the genocide resolution, "I cannot imagine
any Turkish government opening the Armenian border," said Ozgur
Unluhisarcikli, director of the Ankara office of the German Marshall
Fund of the United States, a think tank.

A Senior Turkish foreign-policy official said the U.S. is trying to
facilitate the agreement with Armenia. Turkish and Armenian officials
declined to comment on the status of their talks.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said on Turkish
television last week he would discuss Nagorno Karabakh, the
Armenian Genocide and relations between Russia and Georgia with the
U.S. President, among other issues.

Mr. Obama’s decision to make Turkey the final, two-day stop on his
European tour has been welcomed in Ankara as a sign of the country’s
strategic importance.

One date under discussion for signing the deal with Armenia, diplomats
say, is April 16. But Mr. Unluhisarcikli said he believes Turkey and
Armenia won’t be ready to sign the deal before April 24, and Turkey
instead will "signal" its commitment to reopen the borders in the
hope that will be enough for Washington.

FM Nalbandian Meets German Minister Gernot Erler

FM NALBANDIAN MEETS GERMAN MINISTER GERNOT ERLER

Foreign Ministry
March 31 2009
Armenia

Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian meets Gernot Erler,
Minister of State of the German Federal Foreign Office

On March 30, Minister Nalbandian received Gernot Erler, Minister of
State of the German Federal Foreign Office who arrived in Armenia
accompanied by MP Steffen Reiche, Chairman of Germany – South Caucasus
parliamentary group of the German Bundestag.

In his welcoming remarks Minister Nalbandian stressed that a high-level
political dialogue has been established between the two countries,
partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats is effective,
business and cultural ties are expanding. Minister Nalbandian said
that Armenia attaches importance to further deepening and strengthening
of comprehensive cooperation with Germany.

Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian meets Gernot Erler,
Minister of State of the German Federal Foreign Office 30 March 2009

On March 30, Minister Nalbandian received Gernot Erler, Minister of
State of the German Federal Foreign Office who arrived in Armenia
accompanied by MP Steffen Reiche, Chairman of Germany – South Caucasus
parliamentary group of the German Bundestag.

In his welcoming remarks Minister Nalbandian stressed that a high-level
political dialogue has been established between the two countries,
partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats is effective,
business and cultural ties are expanding. Minister Nalbandian said
that Armenia attaches importance to further deepening and strengthening
of comprehensive cooperation with Germany.

The two had a detailed discussion on the "Eastern Partnership"
initiative. Edward Nalbandian mentioned that the Declaration of
the European Summit, which creates basis for further cooperation,
has been carefully discussed in Armenia. Minister underlined that
Armenia is ready to have an active cooperation with the EU structures
and member-states toward further development and implementation of
the Eastern Partnership.

Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office underlined that
cooperation between the two countries in political, economic,
educational and cultural areas is excellent and attaches importance
to the efficiency of Armenian-German intergovernmental consultations
and the activity of Armenian-Germany friendly parliamentary group.

Minister Nalbandian and State Minister Gernot Erler also touched upon
developments Nagorno Karabakh peace process and discussed issues
concerning the possibilities of normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations.

The meeting was followed by joint press conference of Deputy Foreign
Minister Karine Kazinian and Minister of State of the German Federal
Foreign Office Gernot Erler.