Project Expert

FAOHome; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an International/National Expert to contribute to a vital project aimed at strengthening pandemic prevention and preparedness in South Africa. This role involves providing high-level strategic oversight and technical guidance, ensuring project activities align with timelines and objectives. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders and contribute to capacity-building strategies within the One Health framework. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on public health initiatives and work closely with international organizations in a collaborative environment focused on sustainability and resilience.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Veterinary Science with extensive experience in epidemiology.
• Proven ability to lead teams and provide strategic oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and technical guidance for project activities.
• Monitor project performance and advise on corrective measures.

Skills

Veterinary Epidemiology

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Leadership

Data Analysis

Education

PhD in Veterinary Science

Tools

Project Management Software

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 role of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing 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 on 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 the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. FAO, WHO, and UNICEF are the Implementing Entities who will work with designated delivery partners in the project. The project aims to strengthen 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 from 2025 to 2027.

The project is centered around three key areas of focus:

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 Southern Africa (SFS) and Headquarters, and with the Task Team, the Project Coordinator will provide high-level advisory services to 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 the 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 will contribute to the implementation of the project activities, 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.
4. Organize periodic strategic reviews to align project direction with evolving One Health priorities.
5. Analyze 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 specialized training institutions for ongoing development.
9. Ensure 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 alignment with 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.
13. Support the Programme Coordinator to ensure alignment of project activities with national animal health policies and government priorities.
14. Participate in project steering committee meetings 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 upon and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

1. Advanced university degree in Veterinary Science with a PhD.
2. More than 10 years of 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 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.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.

Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile. Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application. Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military, and police records to ascertain any and all information pertinent to the employment qualifications.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks, and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by withdrawing your application; in such case, FAO will no longer be able to consider your application.

Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT.

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and underrepresented Members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold FAO's values.
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives, and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).

Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list.

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 the FAO employment website.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1