National Project Specialist (Epidemiologist)

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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 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 the Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response through One Health Approach Pandemic” 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 2026 to 2028.

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 Lines

The National Project Specialist will be under the joint supervision of the FAO Representative in South Africa, the Operation Officer will oversee project administration and manage the operational aspects of the FAO Pandemic Fund Project, ensuring that all activities align with project goals, comply with organizational policies, and adhere to budgetary constraints.

The Project Specialist will also work in collaboration with relevant technical and operational colleagues within the FAO Representation and within the regional and global project teams. The incumbent will also work closely with technical backstopping of the ECTAD Country team Lead.

Technical Focus

The 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

The National Project Specialist will contribute to the implementation of the project activities and their tasks will include:

• Lead surveillance and epidemiological activities assigned in the project.
• Provide technical support and inputs on disease intelligence.
• Support strengthening of laboratory surveillance systems.
• Conduct epidemiological analyses that are required in the project.
• Develop and customize training curricula according to the training needs of government officers and animal health community workers involved in the project.
• Lead the delivery of training related to epidemiology, surveillance, response strategies, and project-specific topics in collaboration with Department of Agriculture (DoA) including the veterinary body
• Mentor government veterinary officers and laboratory personnel.
• Support technical monitoring of outputs and outcomes as outlined in the project.
• Participate in technical missions with project partners
• Prepare and provide technical reports and briefs that are required by FAO and Pandemic Fund Secretariat
• Provide evidence for project related decisions in the implementation of the project
• Work closely with the National Project Coordinator, FAO LTO and DOA Focal person for Pandemic Fund in ensuring that the Project addresses Government Priorities.
• Provide technical inputs on the project activities with delivery partners
• Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by the FAO Representation

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in BVSc degree/ Epidemiologist, Registered with Veterinary Statutory Board
• 5 years of relevant experience in Animal Health or Production
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of South Africa

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/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 structure

Selection Criteria

• Understanding South African Biosecurity protocols and priorities in primary animal health system
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.
• Knowledge of public health principles and experience in pandemic response or similar initiatives is preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of project management software.
• 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 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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