National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

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 project titled “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach” was approved during the second call in South Africa. The project is led by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development as the National Agencies while FAO, WHO and UNICEF are the Implementing Entities to work with their designated delivery partners to deliver the project in the country. The Project is an initiative aimed 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

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR, with the technical support of the Assistant FAOR in Programmes at FAO Country Office, and the Project International Expert, the National Project Coordinator will coordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities at national level in the Pandemic Fund Project called “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach”.

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

• Lead and coordinate the overall execution of the Pandemic Fund Project in South Africa.
• Develop project workplans and implementation schedules.
• 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.
• Facilitate regular project meetings with National Agencies, Implementing Entities, delivery partners and team members to discuss progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Organize Steering Committee meetings as well as the regular team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and promote a shared understanding of project goals.
• Present regular project progress updates to the Country Pandemic Fund National Steering Committee, highlighting achievements, challenges, and any areas requiring attention.
• Prepare and submit periodic progress reports to the Pandemic Fund Secretariat and ensure project visibility to all key stakeholders including government.
• Manage project budgets and oversee LoAs and contractual arrangements including the delivery partners and ensure effective allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines under the supervision of the Budget Holder.
• Supervise project affiliate personnel in the Pandemic Fund Project by fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
• Prepare and submit timely project reports, including progress updates, financial reports, and any other required documentation to FAO and other Donor/Pandemic fund Secretariat
• Engage with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community representatives, to foster collaboration and ensure project alignment with broader public health objectives
• Monitor implementation progress and project risks and evaluate outcomes against objectives
• Coordinate exchange lessons-learned and insights with the Pandemic fund project team at SFS, RAF and HQ.
• Prepare comprehensive workshop reports summarizing training outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for future sessions.
• Coordinate country missions in support of the project.
• Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

• University Degree in Agriculture (Animal Health/Production)
• 5 years of relevant experience in Animal Health or Production and Health
• Working knowledge of English,
• National of South Africa

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards
• Very good knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures and policies
• Very good knowledge of the organizational structure

Selection Criteria

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION