Project Coordinator (AU-CDC HARMONIZE)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports sustainable agri-food systems to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) leads FAO's response to regional priorities in food security, agriculture, and rural development. RAF manages partnerships and capacity development, and oversees the AU-CDC led regional Pandemic Fund project, HARMONIZE. This project aims to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in Africa through locally driven solutions, standardization, and multisectoral collaboration.

Job Purpose

The Project Coordinator will provide technical leadership and coordination for the timely and high-quality implementation of the HARMONIZE project. This role requires strong skills in partnership building, coordination, communication, and leadership within multisectoral teams. The coordinator will manage the project cycle, oversee disease surveillance, diagnostics, preparedness, and response efforts, and ensure the integration of One Health principles within agrifood systems. A focus on monitoring and evaluation, community-based approaches, and inclusivity and diversity is essential for achieving project objectives and contributing to resilient public health systems across the continent.

Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for comprehensive project work planning, including maintaining partner dashboards, coordinating the development of annual work plans with stakeholders, and preparing procurement, travel, and recruitment plans. They will facilitate contract signing with implementing partners and review/support the development of specifications for goods and services, supervising consultants and companies. In monitoring and reporting, the coordinator will ensure sound project implementation using appropriate modalities, supervise contracted activities, and ensure adherence to the log-frame and M&E framework. They will oversee timely submission of results for quarterly, half-yearly, and annual reports to FAO and the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, and provide regular updates on project activities. The role involves monitoring IP contract performance, serving as Secretary to the FAO component of the HARMONIZE Project Taskforce, and coordinating with other Implementing Entities and partners to ensure timely receipt and incorporation of project results into M&E frameworks. Furthermore, the coordinator will lead and participate in coordination meetings, liaise with other pandemic fund projects to optimize resource use, and build synergies with other HARMONIZE IEs and stakeholders using the One Health approach. They will provide technical leadership, manage resources, identify and resolve constraints, ensure compliance with FAO and Pandemic Fund guidelines, and escalate critical issues to the LTO. Additionally, the coordinator will assist in resource mobilization and project formulation for sustainability and scaling up.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience is required in managing multisectoral, multicounty projects within an international framework, specifically utilizing the One Health approach. Experience in project planning and management related to animal health, wildlife, community development, and One Health in agrifood systems is essential.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, communication, teamwork, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Demonstrated ability to write technical and communication documents in English is required. Intermediate French (Level B) is an asset. Familiarity with drafting procurement plans, FAO's work in Africa, UN agencies, and FAO policies is advantageous. Proven track record in strategic planning and leading project implementation in livestock, agriculture, public health, community engagement, or environmental sectors, along with experience in developing monitoring and evaluation plans, is highly valued.

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