Individual Consultant for Project Coordination – Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health approach in Central Asia – Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan
| Context |
| The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH – founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide. Through its activities, WOAH makes a decisive contribution to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. The Organisation provides transparent information on world’s animal health situation, and promotes international standards, particularly in terms of the safety of trade in live animals and animal products. More information can be found on WOAH’s website. Joining WOAH means taking part in the development of one of the leading international organisations, recognised and associated with other multilateral institutions, in the field of worldwide health. It means helping to build a global approach to health, combining animal and human health in a “One Health” approach.To support its work, WOAH may use individual consultants to provide ad hoc support for tasks that cannot be carried out by members of its staff. An individual consultant works in his own name, for the duration of his assignment at WOAH, to the exclusion of any other principal and without being attached to any employer.WOAH’s headquarters are based in Paris. The Organisation is present on every continent through 13 Regional or Sub-regional Representations. WOAH has 250 staff members, two-thirds of whom are based at headquarters.The location of this assignment is located in WOAH Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia, in Astana, Kazakhstan. |
| Project background |
| The Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health approach in Central Asia is an operational consulting assignment trusted to WOAH as part of the multi-country Pandemic Fund Grant, financed by the World Bank Group. This assignment will support WOAH in advancing its efforts to build laboratory capacity in three Central Asian countries, namely Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its objective is to support (i) zoonosis control, (ii) workforce development, (iii) laboratory and Veterinary Services capacity building under One Health activities towards strengthened pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacities in Central Asia. Duration: As soon as possible to 31 March 2027, with the possibility of extension until 31 December 2027, subject to project needs, performance, and availability of funding. |
| Description of the individual consultant assignment |
| Positioning and reportingUnder the authority of WOAH Director General, the consultant will be under the direct supervision of WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Central Asia, and will work in collaboration with the One Health team and relevant technical departments at WOAH headquarters as well as with relevant international partners at regional level. |
| Mission and Activities– Work closely with WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Central Asia and the Programme Manager for Laboratory Twinning Projects, to support and facilitate the implementation of all activities developed within the framework of the project, including: – Coordination meetings – Targeted technical assistance (in-country missions)– Laboratory twinning– Facilitate communication and coordination among Quadripartite partners, the World Bank, the regional One Health Coordination Structure (secretariat hosted at CAREC) and national stakeholders.– Support the coordination of activities subcontracted (twinning projects) throughout the project.– Organise meetings and technical exchanges to report on activity implementation.Initiate, engage, and facilitate information exchange and sharing among all partners, experts, and stakeholders involved in the project.– Organise, support, and participate in regional events and activities related to the Pandemic Fund implementation, Laboratory twinning projects, and other One Health initiatives in Central Asia including the One Health for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience and ecosystem health in Central Asia– MPA World Bank Program.– Contribute to the project review of deliverables, recommendations, and follow-up activities to address current and future capacity needs, including through the development of regular reports on project progress. – Perform other related activities assigned by WOAH Regional Representative for Central Asia within his/her area of competence. Additional Tasks and Responsibilities– Support the implementation and coordination of One Health initiatives at regional and national levels, in alignment with WOAH priorities and the Pandemic Fund programme. – Facilitate multisectoral collaboration among animal health, public health, environment, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the One Health approach. – Support coordination with the regional One Health Coordination Structure (CAREC), the Quadripartite partners, the World Bank, and other technical and development partners, as required. – Contribute to the planning, organization, and follow-up of technical meetings, workshops, training activities, and coordination platforms. – Support monitoring of project implementation, including tracking work plans, deliverables, risks, and reporting against project indicators. – Assist in the preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders. – Ensure effective communication and information sharing among implementing partners and participating countries to promote consistency and harmonization of project activities. – Identify implementation challenges and propose practical solutions to facilitate timely delivery of project activities. – Support the identification and development of new One Health collaboration opportunities and resource mobilization initiatives where relevant |
| Requirements |
| Qualifications and Experience– Master’s degree in veterinary medicine, medicine or biomedical sciences – Minimum 10 years of relevant experience – Experience with laboratory quality management systems – Strong knowledge and experience of One Health Experience working with government institutions– Proven experience in project management and monitoring, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and results reporting. Required SkillsTechnical Skills– Laboratory diagnostics systems. – Experience with laboratory quality documents.– Biosafety and biosecurity implementation – Solid knowledge of One Health– ISO 17025 accreditation processes – Zoonotic disease management– Experience working in coordination with animal health, human health and environmental health sectors.– Experience working with government counterparts. Additional Skills– Proven ability to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and environment, as well as to collaborate effectively and flexibly with counterparts in external organizations; – Good organizational understanding, including the ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines; – Proactive attitude and a sense of initiative and autonomy; – Ability to identify key information, conduct critical analyses, and synthesize logical proposals or advices; – Situational awareness and excellent communication skills, particularly in advocacy, on sensitive issues; – Ability to lead groups and contribute to training sessions; – Strong determination, strong work ethic, good negotiation, diplomacy and conflict management skills. Interpersonal SkillsEnglish – required Russian – required Local of Central Asia languages – asset |
| Additional Information |
| Working conditions– Salary: between 1500EUR and 1800EUR / month depending on qualifications and experience – Duration: 10 months renewable – Start Date: as soon as possible – Location: Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia in Astana, Kazakhstan with availability of some mission in other countries for theduty assigned |
| General informationWOAH places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates, irrespective of their origin, gender, opinions or beliefs. If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by July 23rd, 2026.All applications will be reviewed after the closing date of the publication. |
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