National One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Coordinator
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to defeating hunger and improving food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural development. FAO supports governments globally in developing resilient agrifood systems and addressing emerging challenges. In Zimbabwe, FAO is implementing the "From Early Warning to Early Action: Building Zimbabwe's One Health Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (ZIPOH)" project, funded by the Pandemic Fund, to enhance national systems for health threat prevention, preparedness, and response.
Job Purpose
The National One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Coordinator will serve as the primary national focal point for coordinating One Health and AMR activities under the Pandemic Fund project in Zimbabwe. This role is crucial for advancing the nation's health security agenda by strengthening One Health coordination, AMR governance, integrated disease surveillance, laboratory systems, and multisectoral collaboration. The incumbent will significantly contribute to enhancing national pandemic preparedness and response capacities, while actively supporting the implementation of Zimbabwe's national One Health and AMR priorities.
Responsibilities
Coordinate the implementation of all activities under the Pandemic Fund project in Zimbabwe, ensuring alignment with annual work plans and schedules. Facilitate effective collaboration and information exchange among the animal, human, wildlife, and environmental health sectors. Provide support for the implementation of Zimbabwe's National Action Plan on AMR and contribute to the development and strengthening of integrated AMR surveillance systems. Enhance laboratory quality systems, biosafety, and biosecurity measures. Support the strengthening of surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases and emerging health threats. Organize and facilitate capacity-building initiatives focused on One Health, AMR, laboratory systems, and pandemic preparedness. Coordinate stakeholder engagement and ensure effective information sharing among all relevant partners. Prepare comprehensive technical reports, donor updates, progress reports, and other knowledge products.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required, encompassing areas such as One Health, antimicrobial resistance, public health, veterinary public health, laboratory systems, or zoonotic disease programs. Experience in coordinating multisectoral programs and stakeholder platforms is highly desirable. Familiarity with international standards and guidance from organizations like FAO, WHO, and WOAH is beneficial.
Skills
Essential skills include a strong understanding of One Health concepts, principles, and governance. Proficiency in AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and National Action Plans on AMR is crucial. Experience with laboratory quality management systems, biosafety, and biosecurity is required. Knowledge of zoonotic disease prevention, preparedness, and response frameworks is necessary. Strong stakeholder coordination, facilitation, and partnership-building skills are vital. The ability to effectively implement projects, monitor progress, and produce donor reports is important. Excellent analytical, communication, and technical report-writing skills are expected. Familiarity with international standards from FAO, WHO, and WOAH is advantageous. The capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multisectoral teams is essential.