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YEREVAN, ARMENIA – The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, proudly announces the launch of the groundbreaking iGorts in the Regions program. Building upon the success of the iGorts Fellowship initiative, this program aims to decentralize expertise by placing skilled professionals in critical roles outside of Yerevan, specifically targeting the urgent needs of the regions.
Dedicated to advancing Armenia’s development, the Foundation is spearheading this initiative to ensure that valuable resources are directed to areas where they are needed most. As part of this endeavor, five iGorts fellows will be stationed in the province of Shirak to address crucial priorities identified by local state institutions. The selected professionals will assume diverse roles, ranging from architect-engineer and museum curator to tourism expert, cultural events manager, and dendrologist. This pioneering program marks a significant step towards empowering regional development and fostering professional growth within Armenia.
Effie Karadjian, a Canadian-Armenian repatriate, has already been accepted into the program and is currently working at the Gyumri municipality to enhance the city’s cultural life by developing events. “This initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening Armenia’s regional infrastructure and fostering sustainable development. The experience and expertise of individuals in the diaspora are invaluable assets in bolstering Armenia's state institutions,” remarked Karin Yacoubian, Programs Manager at the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation.
Shirak has been selected as the pilot region for this innovative program, with plans to expand its reach in the future. The Foundation remains committed to promoting regional development and facilitating the repatriation of skilled professionals to contribute to Armenia’s growth. “By deploying skilled professionals to regions like Shirak, we aim to catalyze positive change and drive progress where it is needed most,” Yacoubian added.
Since 2021, the Hovnanian Public Service Fellowship has provided funding for 24 iGorts participants across 12 distinct public sectors, allowing them to extend their participation in the program for an additional 12 months if they have demonstrated indispensability to their respective public institutions. The iGorts in the Regions program represents a unique opportunity for diasporan Armenian professionals to contribute their expertise to the homeland, leveraging their international experience to address pressing challenges on-site. Emphasizing hands-on engagement, these placements are not remote positions but immersive experiences designed to make a tangible impact within local communities.
Applications for the 2024 iGorts in the Regions program are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Armenian fluency and a one-year on-site commitment are just a few requirements for program eligibility. Candidates are invited to learn more and apply via the Foundation’s website [link here].
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Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1986, H. Hovnanian Family Foundation has earmarked over $75 million for hundreds of initiatives and projects for charitable, educational, scientific, cultural, and other related purposes with a primary focus on assisting Armenian communities worldwide as well as organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in the state of New Jersey.
