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- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, 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 checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The FAO Representation in Albania (FAOAL) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to national priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development, in close partnership with the Government of Albania and in alignment with the FAO Country Programming Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
The position is established under the project GCP/RER/075/PAF "MAKE-READY", a multi-country pandemic preparedness initiative funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented in Albania, Kosovo* and North Macedonia, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank acting as Implementing Entities. The FAO-implemented components of the project aim to strengthen national and regional capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through a One Health approach, with a focus on the animal health and agrifood sectors. Key result areas include: early warning and disease surveillance systems (including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, community-based and wildlife disease surveillance, and zoonotic disease surveillance); laboratory systems strengthening; workforce development in the veterinary and public health sectors; and engagement of vulnerable and marginalized populations in preparedness and response.
In Albania, the project is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the veterinary and food safety authorities, public health institutions, and other national and local stakeholders, and in coordination with the project teams in Kosovo and North Macedonia and the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU).
The National Project Coordinator will provide day-to-day coordination and technical support for the implementation of the project in Albania and will serve as FAO’s focal point on the ground vis-à-vis national counterparts and beneficiaries. Operational and budgetary management of the project rests with the country Project Manager.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Albania, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close functional coordination with the country Project Manager (operations and budget) and the Project Operational Coordinator based in REU, and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the REU technical team.
Technical Focus
Coordination of pandemic preparedness activities in the animal health and agrifood sectors under a One Health approach, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, in particular the Programme Priority Area on One Health (BP3).
Tasks and responsibilities
The National Project Coordinator will coordinate and support the implementation of the MAKE-READY project in Albania, with the following tasks and responsibilities:
• Support liaison and coordination with relevant national authorities, technical institutes, professional bodies and other stakeholders across sectors (human health, animal health and environment);
• Support the planning, organization and implementation of national project activities, including meetings, trainings and workshops;
• Provide in-country support to international specialists, including facilitation of planning, data collection, consultations and communication with national counterparts;
• Support the organization and implementation of activities related to surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce capacity, as required;
• Provide technical input to national processes, including the review and updating of policies, strategies, legislation and implementation approaches, as appropriate;
• Support the strengthening of multisectoral coordination mechanisms, including the One Health approach;
• Contribute to the development and adaptation of technical guidelines, protocols and training materials;
• Assist in monitoring project implementation, including data collection and reporting against indicators;
• Support financial and administrative coordination of project activities at national level;
• Prepare or contribute to technical reports, mission summaries and other project-related documentation, as required;
• Perform any other relevant duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (or university degree combined with additional years of relevant experience) in veterinary medicine, public health, animal health/science, epidemiology, One Health, or a closely related field;
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the management and/or coordination of projects and programmes in the fields of animal health and/or public health, including senior-level responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring and stakeholder coordination;
• Working knowledge (proficient – Level C) of English and Albanian.
• National of Albania or resident in the country with a regular work permit;
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Demonstrated extensive experience in the management of complex, multi-stakeholder projects in animal health, veterinary public health and/or public health, preferably including donor-funded projects of significant scale;
• Proven knowledge of the United Nations system, its rules, procedures and programming practices; direct experience working in or with UN agencies, and with FAO in particular, is a strong asset;
• Sound understanding of the One Health approach and of national systems for disease surveillance, early warning, laboratory diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance and emergency preparedness and response;
• Demonstrated experience engaging with senior government counterparts, including ministries, veterinary and public health authorities, and coordinating across sectors and institutions;
• Experience with project cycle management, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting;
• Familiarity with international standards and assessment frameworks relevant to health security (e.g. IHR/JEE, WOAH PVS Pathway, FAO assessment tools) is an asset;
• Excellent drafting, communication and interpersonal skills in English and Albanian.
Selection Criteria
• Extent and seniority of project management experience in animal health and/or public health;
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the UN system; experience with FAO is a strong asset;
• Experience working with the Albanian institutional context in agriculture, veterinary services and/or public health;
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously, with strong organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, multi-country team.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO 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 accepted
- 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/
- 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/csp
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