Project Coordinator

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including South Africa. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The main of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors' representatives and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.

The FAO Country Office in South Africa is working with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development WHO and UNICEF in the approved second call on Pandemic Fund for South Africa in the project entitled “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach”. The project is led by the Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. FAO, WHO and UNICEF are the Implementing Entities who are going to work with designated delivery partners in the project. The Project aims at strengthening national health systems to effectively respond to pandemics through improved surveillance, laboratory systems, and capacity building. It will focus on enhancing pandemic preparedness and will be implemented during 2025 to 2027.

The project is centered around three key areas of focus which are:
• Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Development and enhancement of systems that can promptly detect potential
pandemic threats.
• Laboratory Systems: Strengthening laboratory capacity to diagnose and respond to emerging pathogens effectively.
• Capacity Development: Building the skills and competencies of local institutions and personnel to better prepare for and manage one health emergencies.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the FAO Representative and will be under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) with technical guidance of the LTOs for Southern Africa (SFS) and Head Quarters, with the Task Team the Project Coordinator will undertake the tasks under Tasks and Responsibilities.

The project coordinator will also work in collaboration with relevant technical and operational colleagues within the FAO Representation and within the regional and global project teams. The incumbent will also work closely with technical backstopping of the ECTAD Country team Lead.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will play a pivotal role in the coordination of the implementation of the World Bank Funded project Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response through One Health Approach Pandemic (GCP /SAF/014/PAF) in South Africa.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent, through his/her work, will contribute to implementation of the project activities among which include:

1. Develop, update, and oversee the workplan while ensuring activities are executed in line with national strategies and policies.
2. Manage relationships with Pandemic fund the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development including the UN Implementing Entities (WHO and UNICEF) and FAO’s key.
3. Lead and coordinate stakeholder meetings, ensuring that progress updates and project challenges are clearly communicated.
4. Supervise budget allocation and ensure compliance with financial guidelines in close coordination with the Operations Officer.
5. Support the National Project Officer and other team members in the implementation of the three key project activities:
1. Surveillance enhancement
2. Strengthening of laboratory systems
3. Capacity building of national personnel
6. Provide overall supervision of the project team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
7. Conduct regular team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and promote a shared understanding of project goals.
8. Exchange lessons-learned and insights with the Pandemic fund project team at SFS, RAF and HQ.
9. Participate in the One Health Initiatives in the Country and in the Region.
10. Oversee and support the design and implementation of training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
11. Integrate contingency planning for delays or unforeseen challenges.
12. Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan.
13. Review quarterly financial reports and adjust strategy as needed.
14. Plan regular training workshops and evaluation sessions.
15. Where appropriate, prepare, facilitate and participate in country missions with project partners.
16. Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

1. Veterinary degree (D.V.M) with postgraduate Epidemiology specialisation
2. A minimum of 10 years working experience in disease control
3. Working knowledge of English
4. National of South Africa

FAO Core Competencies

Technical/Functional Skills

1. Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards
2. Very good knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures and policies
3. Very good knowledge of the organizational structure

Selection Criteria

1. Familiarity with FAOs project development, management and execution will be an advantage
2. Strong project management skills, with experience in overseeing budgets and coordinating activities.
3. Understanding of South African animal disease control and surveillance systems, including early warning and emergency preparedness
4. Proficiency in data analysis and the use of project management software

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

About the company

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.