Veterinary Paraprofessional Project (VPP) Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. With 194 member states, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide, including South Africa. The organization aims to achieve the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO's mission includes assisting governments in developing policies and programs to ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. The FAO Country Office in South Africa is actively involved in designing and implementing country-specific field programs and engaging with local donors to support FAO initiatives.

Job Overview:
The VPP Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Pandemic Fund Project, which aims to strengthen national health systems in South Africa to effectively respond to pandemics. This position involves coordinating activities that enhance the capacities of Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) as part of the project. The coordinator will ensure that all project activities are aligned with the objectives and framework of the Pandemic Fund Project, which focuses on surveillance, laboratory systems, and capacity development. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local partners, to ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes. The coordinator will also be responsible for monitoring progress, assessing support needs, and developing training programs for AHTs, thereby contributing to the overall goal of improving animal health and pandemic preparedness in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The VPP Project Coordinator will undertake a variety of tasks, including: coordinating the design, implementation, and monitoring of all activities under the AHT component of the Pandemic Fund project; ensuring timely delivery of activities within budget; assessing and updating the support needs of trained AHT beneficiaries; developing targeted coaching and training programs; leading the procurement of starter kits for AHTs; overseeing logistics for workshops and training sessions; participating in relevant training initiatives; integrating AHT activities into broader animal health systems; conducting monitoring and evaluation of project implementation; preparing high-quality project reports and documentation; and developing communication products to share best practices and success stories. The coordinator will also perform any other tasks as mutually agreed upon with the project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agriculture and have a minimum of 5 years of working experience in the animal health discipline. A working knowledge of English at level C is required, and candidates must be nationals of South Africa. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong project management skills, excellent communication and report writing abilities, and proficiency in data analysis and project management software. Familiarity with key stakeholders in the animal health field and knowledge of corporate financial systems and administrative procedures are also essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in agriculture or a related field. Candidates must have obtained their higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational background aligns with international standards and is recognized by the FAO.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant working experience in the animal health discipline. This experience should include project management, coordination of activities, and engagement with stakeholders in the field of animal health. Familiarity with pandemic preparedness and response initiatives is a plus, as the role involves working on projects aimed at strengthening health systems and improving animal health services.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The FAO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background.