National Coordinator (Pandemic Fund Project – Grenada)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (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.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

Description of the project

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for improving the country’s preparedness and response to emerging health threats. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Transforming Agrifood systems for sustainable production and healthy diets), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture). The project will be implemented in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda over a period of 3 years. The project will specifically focus on strengthening surveillance and diagnostics for veterinary and zoonotic pathogens and strengthening the human resource capacity of the veterinary services in the OECS.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Subregional Office for the Caribbean (FAO-SLC), the National Coordinator (Pandemic Fund Project – Grenada) will report to the Lead Technical Officer who is based in the FAO sub-regional office in Barbados.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that funded initiatives are aligned with national priorities, are implemented effectively, and comply with Fund requirements

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Coordinate the identification of priority project areas based on national needs and strategic PPR plans.
•     Facilitate inclusive consultations between relevant sectors, civil society, and implementing partners.
•     Maintain regular communication with Implementing Entities (IEs) and Executing Agencies.
•     Participate in continuous strategic planning and coordination meetings with IEs and Executing Agencies.
•     Monitor project progress against agreed milestones and outputs.
•     Ensure coherence between project outputs and broader national animal health security frameworks.
•     Review and validate progress reports and financial reports submitted by the Implementing Entities.
•     Provide updates to national authorities on project implementation status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
•     Ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable benefit-sharing in project execution.
•     Convene stakeholder coordination platforms to inform and guide project implementation.
•     Facilitate access to communities, technical institutions, and other actors as needed.
•     Promote meaningful engagement of vulnerable and marginalized populations in project activities.
•     Identify potential implementation risks and work with partners to mitigate them.
•     Escalate unresolved issues or risks to national authorities when needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   
 

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, public health, public/private administration, project management or any other relevant topics. 
•     Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in project or programme management, agricultural development, private/public sector administrative activities, administrative processes, monitoring and evaluation or finance
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English
•     National of Grenada

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•     Demonstrated experience in managing large scale projects donor-funded projects or programs
•     Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills
•     Excellent communication and reporting skills in English
•     Demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a results-oriented environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION