Project Expert

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 appointed International/National Expert will assist in the project. Under the joint supervision of the FAO Representative in South Africa through the AFAOR Programmes and technical guidance of the LTOs for the Southern Africa (SFS) and Headquarters and with the Task Team the Project Coordinator will play high-level advisory services the project team, guiding project strategies, facilitating alignment with existing pandemic responses in the region, and offering technical expertise in reviewing project reports from implementing partners.

Technical Focus

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

1. Provide high-level strategic oversight and technical guidance to ensure project activities adhere to set timelines and objectives.
2. Perform periodic strategic reviews of project progress, advising on overall implementation rather than managing day-to-day tasks.
3. Advise on training needs and contribute to high-level capacity-building strategies for the One Health approach Focus on strategic advisory rather than operational administration.
4. Organise periodic strategic reviews to align project direction with evolving One Health priorities.
5. Analyse trends in project performance and advise on corrective measures.
6. Recommend periodic strategic stakeholder forums or workshops.
7. Monitor the financial impact of strategic decisions and provide advisory input when necessary.
8. Recommend establishing partnerships with specialised training institutions for ongoing development.
9. Ensure the project activities are aligned with ongoing pandemic-related activities in the region, fostering collaboration and harmonization of efforts.
10. Review and provide feedback on project reports from implementing partners, ensuring their alignment with the project objectives and quality standards.
11. Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to ensure coherent implementation of project activities.
12. Review project reports submitted by implementing partners, providing constructive feedback and evaluations based.
13. Support the Programme Coordinator to ensure the alignment of project activities with national animal health policies and priorities of government are met and adhered.
14. Participate in the project steering committees meeting and other key strategic meetings with the project team.
15. Provide regular progress updates to the FAOR, highlighting key achievements and areas of improvement.
16. Advise on communication strategies and offer high-level insights to enhance stakeholder engagement.
17. Where necessary participate in country missions with project partners including One Health Initiatives.
18. Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

1. Advanced university degree in Veterinary Science with PhD.
2. More than 10 years’ experience (Category A) in Veterinary Epidemiology, with special emphasis on zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases.
3. Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

1. Understanding of South African animal disease control and surveillance systems, including early warning and emergency preparedness.
2. Excellent communication and presentation skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
3. Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.
4. Proven track record in strategic thinking and leadership.
5. Knowledge of global one health trends and processes.
6. Extensive knowledge of public health principles and experience in pandemic response or similar initiatives is preferred.
7. Proficiency in data analysis and the use of project management software.
8. Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards.
9. Very good knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures and policies.
10. Very good knowledge of the organizational structure.