Organizational Setting

This position belongs to Project “Technical assistance for animal health systems to address emerging and priority zoonotic diseases and health threats in Pakistan” briefed as ECTAD Pakistan that is located at FAOPK Office in Islamabad, Pakistan. The main aim 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 reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, livestock, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The ECTAD Pakistan is dedicated to working with the government in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and Health Sector.

The position is envisaged at SB 4 SC9 level.

Reporting Lines

Project Coordinator will report directly to the FAO Representative in Pakistan, under technical supervision of the ECTAD Regional Manager and in close coordination with the Assistant FAOR (Programme). The incumbent will closely collaborate with ECTAD – FAO staff as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level and other implementing partners and stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The project goal is to strengthen animal health systems in Pakistan to reduce the risks and impacts of zoonosis, emerging disease threats and bio threats through a One Health and inclusive approach. The project will focus on:

1.    Enhancing national and regional One Health coordination and multisectoral collaboration among stakeholders.
2.    Improving multidisciplinary workforce and institutional capacity to address animal and public health threats.
3.    Enhancing capacities of public animal health sector in preparedness and response to public health threats.
4.    Advocating and adopting evidence-based policies and strategies on veterinary public health and biosecurity practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

In coordination with FAO-ECTAD-RAP Office and other members of FAO-ECTAD Pakistan team, will ensure smooth implementation and efficient delivery of FAO-ECTAD Programme in Pakistan funded by USAID. Main responsibilities include:

•    Act as a technical leader of the project and execute the project activities as per approved work plan of the project.
•    Prepare a detailed work plan for the implementation of the project activities in consultation with other country team members.
•    Prepare detailed Terms of Reference for the staff to be recruited in the project.
•    Prepare technical specifications for the procurement of project inputs.
•    Prepare terms of agreement and provide technical oversight of contract arrangement.
•    Organize meetings, workshops, trainings, and other events foreseen in the project and coordinate other activities that have a common bearing on the main project objective.
•    Assist in setting up a monitoring system, including performance indicators in alignment with Regional M&E Programme for ECTAD.
•    Coordinate closely with ECTAD teams at regional and country levels as well as government counterparts to promote safer cross-border movement of livestock, livestock products and on technical matters related to management of high impact emerging and transboundary animal diseases.
•    Liaise with national government, development partners, relevant national and international nongovernmental organizations, and others as appropriate for coordinating project activities.
•    Prepare technical reports for the Government, FAO and development partners in collaboration with other international and national consultants.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Post graduate degree in Epidemiology / Preventive Medicine/ Microbiology with basic degree in Veterinary Sciences.
•    A minimum of 15 years of work experience in the field of animal disease control.
•    Working knowledge of the English language and at least one regional language.
•    National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Previous experience working with transboundary animal diseases (e.g. FMD, PPR) is preferable.
•    Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.
•    Well versed with structure and working of Veterinary service(s) of Pakistan.
•    Ability to work under diverse cultural settings.
•    Well versed with participatory skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION