National Project Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a National Project Specialist to lead a vital initiative aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness in South Africa. This role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, managing project tasks, and delivering training to enhance local capacities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring effective communication and project execution while contributing to the overall goals of improving health systems. Join a dedicated team focused on making a significant impact in the field of public health and animal health through innovative approaches and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the animal health sector required.
• Strong understanding of South African animal disease control systems.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
• Lead technical training sessions and capacity-building workshops.
• Prepare comprehensive workshop reports summarizing outcomes.

Skills

Animal Health Knowledge

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Project Management

Capacity Building

Education

University Degree in Life Science

Tools

Project Management Software

Corporate Computerized Financial Systems

Job description

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 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:

1. Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Development and enhancement of systems that can promptly detect potential pandemic threats.
2. Laboratory Systems: Strengthening laboratory capacity to diagnose and respond to emerging pathogens effectively.
3. Capacity Development: Building the skills and competencies of local institutions and personnel to better prepare for and manage one health emergencies.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Specialist will be under the joint supervision of the FAO Representative in South Africa, the Operation Officer will oversee project administration and manage the operational aspects of the FAO Pandemic Fund Project, ensuring that all activities align with project goals, comply with organizational policies, and adhere to budgetary constraints.

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

1. Serve as the primary liaison with stakeholders to maintain smooth project execution.
2. Act as the primary conduit for day-to-day communication with stakeholders, ensuring timely feedback and updates.
3. Manage daily project tasks, coordinate team efforts, and ensure that activities progress on schedule.
4. Assist in budget monitoring and coordinate administrative tasks to support overall project management.
5. Lead the customization and delivery of technical training sessions and capacity-building workshops.
6. Collaborate with the Programme Coordinator to ensure the alignment of project activities with national animal health policies and priorities of government.
7. Participate in the steering committees meeting.
8. Support the consultants to assess the training needs of government officers and animal health community workers involved in the project.
9. Support the development and customization of training materials related to epidemiology, surveillance, response strategies, and project-specific topics in collaboration with DALRRD veterinary body.
10. Deliver training sessions for key stakeholders, including government animal health officials, community animal healthcare workers, and laboratory personnel.
11. Foster an interactive learning environment that encourages participation and knowledge sharing among trainees.
12. Work with Project coordinator and DALLRD focal point to evaluate the effectiveness of training sessions and incorporate feedback for continuous improvement.
13. Prepare comprehensive workshop reports summarizing training outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for future sessions.
14. Provide regular progress updates to the Programme Coordinator, highlighting achievements and areas of improvement.
15. Exchange lessons-learned and insights with the project team including the International Expert and the lead technical project officers at SFS, RAF and HQ.
16. Participate in country missions with project partners including One Health Initiatives.
17. Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation.
18. Support the timely preparation and submission of periodic project reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

1. A university degree/qualification in Life science.
2. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in animal health sector.
3. Working knowledge of English.
4. National of South Africa.

FAO Core Competencies

1. Results Focus
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Building Effective Relationships
5. Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

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. Understanding of South African animal disease control and surveillance systems, including early warning and emergency preparedness.
2. Knowledge of public health principles.
3. 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.