Gharib Harutyunyan has graduated from Armenian State University of Economics (2006) with a Diploma in Finances and Credit, and has received PhD in Economics from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. Gharib Harutyunyan is a researcher with background in Public Finances, and experience in civil society organizations and public policy research. His work experience includes about 12 years’ practice in research, consultancy, and training, including conducting desk research, moderating focus group discussions, drafting analytical reports and producing relevant sets of recommendations. He is a founder and president of a think tank in Gyumri "Compass" research center. He is specialized in "Community partcipatory budgeting and monitoring", Programme budgeting, and other relevant subjects in Public Finances.