Project Coordinator (AU-IBAR SCOPE)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports sustainable agri-food systems globally. The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) leads FAO's regional response, focusing on food security, agriculture, and rural development. RAF oversees the "Strengthening One Health Capacity for Enhancing Pandemic Prevention, preparedness and response in Lake Chad Basin (SCOPE)" project, a regional initiative led by AU-IBAR, with FAO acting as a financial intermediary. This project aims to enhance cross-border capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response using an integrated One Health approach in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

Job Purpose

The Project Coordinator will provide technical leadership and coordination for the SCOPE project's implementation within the FAO Regional Office for Africa. This role involves ensuring timely and quality delivery of project results by managing work plans, coordinating with partners, monitoring progress, and facilitating communication. The coordinator will oversee project activities, ensure adherence to FAO and Pandemic Fund guidelines, and contribute to synergy building among implementing entities and stakeholders. The position requires strong project cycle management skills, expertise in One Health approaches within agri-food systems, and effective leadership to a multisectoral team, ultimately contributing to enhanced pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in the Lake Chad Basin.

Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator, under the supervision of the FAO-RAF Senior Animal Production and Health Officer, will be responsible for comprehensive project work planning, including developing annual work plans, procurement, travel, and recruitment plans in collaboration with AU-IBAR and other partners. They will facilitate contract signing with implementing partners and review their specifications and Terms of Reference. The role involves supervising the implementation of project activities contracted to partners, ensuring adherence to the log-frame and M&E framework, and timely submission of reports to FAO and the Pandemic Fund Secretariat. The coordinator will monitor partner contract performance, provide feedback, and serve as Secretary to the FAO component of the SCOPE Project Taskforce. Additionally, they will lead and participate in coordination meetings, liaise with other pandemic fund projects, and build synergies with other SCOPE implementing entities and stakeholders using the One Health approach. The coordinator will provide technical leadership, manage human, material, and financial resources, identify and resolve constraints, and escalate critical issues to the LTO. They will also assist in resource mobilization and project formulation for sustainability and potential scaling up.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience is required in managing complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders, preferably within a One Health approach. Experience in project planning and management related to animal health, wildlife, community development, and One Health in agri-food systems is also necessary.

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 essential, with intermediate knowledge of French being an asset. Familiarity with drafting project procurement plans and prior experience with developing monitoring and evaluation plans are important. A demonstrated track record in strategic planning and leading project implementation in livestock, agriculture, public health, wildlife, community engagement, or environmental sectors is required. Understanding of FAO policies and programmes, especially in the African region and UN agencies, is a strong asset.

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