National Project Coordinator

Job Description - National Project Coordinator (2601585)Job Description 2601585 National Project Coordinator Job Posting: 27/Jul/2026Closure Date: 10/Aug/2026, 9:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: FRSAF - FAO Representation in South AfricaJob Type: Non-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)Grade Level: N/APrimary Location: South Africa-PretoriaDuration: 12 monthsPost Number: N/AIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including South Africa. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.The main of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors' representatives and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.The project titled “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach” was approved during the second call in South Africa. The project is led by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development as the National Agencies while FAO, WHO and UNICEF are the Implementing Entities to work with their designated delivery partners to deliver the project in the country. The Project is an initiative aimed at strengthening national health systems to effectively respond to pandemics through improved surveillance, laboratory systems, and capacity building. It will focus on enhancing pandemic preparedness and will be implemented during 2025 to 2027.The project is centered around three key areas of focus which are:• Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Development and enhancement of systems that can promptly detect potential pandemic threats.• Laboratory Systems: Strengthening laboratory capacity to diagnose and respond to emerging pathogens effectively.• Capacity Development: Building the skills and competencies of local institutions and personnel to better prepare for and manage one health emergencies.Reporting LinesUnder the overall supervision of the FAOR, with the technical support of the Assistant FAOR in Programmes at FAO Country Office, and the Project International Expert, the National Project Coordinator will coordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities at national level in the Pandemic Fund Project called “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach”.Technical FocusThe incumbent will play a pivotal role in the coordination of the implementation of the World Bank Funded Project Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response through One Health Approach Pandemic (GCP /SAF/014/PAF) in South Africa.Tasks and responsibilities• Lead and coordinate the overall execution of the Pandemic Fund Project in South Africa.• Develop project workplans and implementation schedules.• Manage relationships with Pandemic fund the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development including the UN Implementing Entities (WHO and UNICEF) and FAO’s key. • Facilitate regular project meetings with National Agencies, Implementing Entities, delivery partners and team members to discuss progress, challenges, and solutions. • Organize Steering Committee meetings as well as the regular team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and promote a shared understanding of project goals.• Present regular project progress updates to the Country Pandemic Fund National Steering Committee, highlighting achievements, challenges, and any areas requiring attention.• Prepare and submit periodic progress reports to the Pandemic Fund Secretariat and ensure project visibility to all key stakeholders including government.• Manage project budgets and oversee LoAs and contractual arrangements including the delivery partners and ensure effective allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines under the supervision of the Budget Holder. • Supervise project affiliate personnel in the Pandemic Fund Project by fostering a collaborative and productive work environment• Prepare and submit timely project reports, including progress updates, financial reports, and any other required documentation to FAO and other Donor/Pandemic fund Secretariat• Engage with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community representatives, to foster collaboration and ensure project alignment with broader public health objectives • Monitor implementation progress and project risks and evaluate outcomes against objectives • Coordinate exchange lessons-learned and insights with the Pandemic fund project team at SFS, RAF and HQ. • Prepare comprehensive workshop reports summarizing training outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for future sessions.• Coordinate country missions in support of the project.• Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements • University Degree in Agriculture (Animal Health/Production)• 5 years of relevant experience in Animal Health or Production and Health• Working knowledge of English, • National of South AfricaFAO Core Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills• Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards• Very good knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures and policies• Very good knowledge of the organizational structureSelection Criteria• Proven experience in FAOs project development, management and execution• Familiarity with FAOs project development, management and execution will be an advantage • Strong project management skills, with experience in overseeing budgets and coordinating activities. • Understanding of South African animal disease control and surveillance systems, including early warning and emergency preparedness • Proficiency in data analysis and the use of project management software ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications• Incomplete applications will not be considered• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT