Local Project Management Specialist - Pandemic Preparedness
Organizational Context
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads FAO’s response to regional priorities in food security, agriculture, and rural development. REU ensures a multidisciplinary approach, supports policy dialogue, strengthens regional partnerships, and oversees FAO programmes and projects in the region. This position is part of the "MAKE-READY" project, a multi-country initiative focused on strengthening pandemic preparedness through a One Health approach, enhancing surveillance, laboratory capacities, and multisectoral coordination.
Job Purpose
The Local Project Management Specialist will support FAO in the effective coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities within the "MAKE-READY" initiative. Working in close consultation with the Local Technical Advisor, the incumbent will be primarily responsible for tracking project progress against workplans and indicators. This role involves supporting field implementation and ensuring adherence to FAO procedures, donor requirements, and reporting obligations to achieve project objectives and results.
Responsibilities
Ensure the sound and timely implementation of project activities at the local level, adhering to the approved workplan, budget, and donor requirements. Coordinate and communicate regularly with project partners to facilitate collaboration and achieve objectives. Monitor project implementation against targets, milestones, and indicators, proactively identifying and addressing bottlenecks. Liaise with other implementing entities, delivery partners, FAO teams, and UN Kosovo Team focal points for monitoring and reporting. Organize regular project coordination meetings to review progress. Support the planning, organization, and implementation of project activities, including meetings, trainings, and workshops. Participate in field visits to gather monitoring and reporting evidence. Draft terms of reference for local project management specialists. Support the preparation of Letters of Agreement and contracts, focusing on budget, indicators, and reporting. Contribute to project visibility and knowledge-sharing activities. Coordinate the collection of project documentation and data for monitoring and reporting. Support the preparation of narrative progress and terminal reports for donors.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in managing and coordinating projects is required. This experience should align with the educational background in fields such as agriculture, economics, public or business administration, finance, accounting, or social sciences.
Skills
Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. A working knowledge of English and Albanian (level C) is essential. Knowledge of Serbian is considered an asset.