UNDP calls for the Diaspora to help in enhancing development in Armenia

1. Background and history

The United Nations Development Program in Armenia launches a project enhancing know-how exchange among Armenians worldwide.

The project is part of an initiative of UNDP Armenia which aims at supporting the socio-economic development of the Republic of Armenia through its nationals living abroad.

Through the "Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN)" Program,  skilled Armenians in the Diaspora will have the chance to provide technical expertise, policy advice and research services to central and local government, private and public sector enterprises, universities, and research centers in fields such as the environment, education, sciences, health, public administration, enterprises management, and information technology among other.

The concept of "Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN)" was first introduced in 1977 under the auspices of UNDP. The concept aimed at mobilizing technical services of high committed expatriates to work in their country of origin to support the country's development process. Since then, the Program has been expanded to more than 35 countries, including China (1690 experts since 1980); Palestine (200 experts since 1990), India (470 experts from 1980 to 1995), Poland (126 experts from 1991 to 1999), and Lebanon.

The TOKTEN Program provides a framework to facilitate the return (or first visit) of talented Armenians to the country, with the guidance and support of the UN system. As this is a programme to enhance volunteerism, UNDP will cover the incumbent's travel expenses and provides a living allowance in Armenia only.

Interested Armenian professionals who are living abroad and have permanent residence or citizen status in another country are invited to apply to participate in this project. Information on eligibility and the application form is available online on this website.

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For more information, please contact:

Sara Sangoi, UNV Program Officer; UNDP Armenia; sara.sangoi@undp.org;

Tel: +34710 566073 +224(Ext:)

Hovhannes Sarajyan; Communications Associate; UNDP Armenia; hovhannes.sarajyan@undp.org

Tel : +37410 566073 +128 (Ext:)

2.     Objective and advantages of TOKTEN

How TOKTEN works

TOKTEN background - summary:

The project aims at mobilizing high committed expatriates in serving in their homelands for short periods of time (generally 6 months), thus directly contributing to development

The programme brokers the demand from national institutions, with the skills of individuals of the Armenian Diaspora, who would like to volunteer for short term assignments in Armenia.

There is a competitive process to place the applicants, administered and guaranteed by the United Nations system, which takes place using international standards and very strict rules of competition and transparency.

An internationally recruited TOKTEN volunteer is a professional recruited for her/his qualifications, specialized skills and readiness to serve with volunteer spirit and under volunteer terms without regard for financial benefit. She/he works to realize the broad objectives laid down by the UN Charter for the economic and social advancement of humanity.

Host institutions which could receive the services of Volunteers under the TOKTEN program in Armenia (identified by the UN Agencies through their development projects in the country):

• Ministries/national institutions
• Small and medium enterprises
• Universities and Academic institutions
• Non Governmental organizations
• International organizations

Areas of service of TOKTEN assignments

• Experts under the TOKTEN program will serve in a wide range of areas: urban planning, environment, education, sciences, health, enterprise management, information technologies, among others
• Assignments are demand-driven, based on development needs, as identified by the UN system in Armenia.

3.     Become a TOKTEN volunteer

 TOKTEN comparative advantages:

• Bridges up knowledge exchange between the local and international Armenian community
• Integrates the Diaspora Armenians' knowledge, skills and experience with their familiarity of local culture and language to transfer advanced knowledge, skills and know how to Armenians residents
• Enhances national affinity across borders, deepening Armenians' roots to their homeland
• Contributes to human resource development in science and technology, private sector development, social and cultural sectors, adding to the national capacity
• Promotes volunteerism to contribute to a more cohesive society by building trust and reciprocity among nationals who share one language, one culture, and one history
• Encourages new mechanisms for volunteering which enrich the learning experience and, accordingly, the development process.

Benefits of participating in TOKTEN:

• Support Armenia's development process;
• Share the skills and experience you gained abroad;
• Experience life in the homeland;
• Living expenses covered up to a certain amount., during the duration of the assignment;
• Travel costs covered from and to your country of residence by TOKTEN;
• Have the security and support of working under the UN umbrella;
• Having the results of your work and your contribution to Armenia's development acknowledged, and monitored by the UN

The Armenian people, the real beneficiaries of the TOKTEN

In the long term, the ultimate beneficiaries of the TOKTEN Programme are the Armenian people. The result is an ongoing and substantial improvement in the Armenian economic, environmental and education systems, and better social cohesion.

Criteria of selection:

• You are an Armenian, who would like to support the development of Armenia
• You have good communication skills and ability to speak, read and write Armenian and preferably English

Download Application Form

Job opportunities: