National Project Coordinator

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency supporting 194 member states in over 130 countries. FAO aims to transform agrifood systems for greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, contributing to the 2030 Agenda. FAO Country Offices assist governments in developing policies and projects for food security, hunger reduction, and sustainable natural resource management. This role is within the FAO Representation in South Africa, supporting a project focused on strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through a One Health Approach.

Job Purpose

The National Project Coordinator will be instrumental in overseeing the implementation of the World Bank-funded project "Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach." This pivotal role involves coordinating all aspects of the project's execution within South Africa, ensuring alignment with national agencies and implementing entities. The incumbent will drive the project's success in enhancing national health systems for effective pandemic response, focusing on improved surveillance, laboratory capabilities, and capacity building.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the overall execution of the Pandemic Fund Project in South Africa, developing detailed work plans and implementation schedules. Manage relationships with the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and UN Implementing Entities (WHO, UNICEF). Facilitate regular project meetings with National Agencies, Implementing Entities, delivery partners, and team members to discuss progress and challenges. Organize Steering Committee and team meetings to ensure shared understanding of project goals. Present regular progress updates to the National Steering Committee and prepare periodic reports for the Pandemic Fund Secretariat. Manage project budgets, oversee contractual arrangements, and ensure effective resource allocation under the supervision of the Budget Holder. Supervise project personnel, fostering a collaborative environment. Engage with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies and NGOs, to ensure project alignment with public health objectives. Monitor implementation progress, identify risks, and evaluate outcomes. Coordinate lessons-learned exchanges with global project teams and prepare comprehensive workshop reports. Coordinate country missions and undertake other relevant tasks as agreed with the FAO Representation.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Animal Health or Production and Health. National of South Africa.

Skills

Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Very good knowledge of communication and documentation standards, corporate computerized financial systems, administrative procedures, and organizational structure. Proven experience in FAO project development, management, and execution is essential. Familiarity with FAO project development, management, and execution is an advantage. Strong project management skills, including budget oversight and activity coordination. Understanding of South African animal disease control and surveillance systems, including early warning and emergency preparedness. Proficiency in data analysis and project management software.

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