Local Project Management Specialist - Pandemic Preparedness

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) specifically addresses regional priorities for food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and supporting policy dialogue and regional partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Local Project Management Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Pandemic Fund project 'MAKE-READY - North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo Emergency Ready'. This multi-country initiative aims to enhance the capacities of Kosovo in preventing, detecting, and responding to zoonotic disease threats through a One Health approach. The specialist will be responsible for coordinating project activities, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with FAO procedures and donor requirements. This position requires close collaboration with local counterparts, implementing partners, and stakeholders to achieve project objectives effectively. The specialist will also support the planning and organization of project activities, including meetings, trainings, and workshops, and will be involved in field visits to gather evidence for monitoring and reporting purposes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Local Project Management Specialist include ensuring the timely implementation of project activities in accordance with the approved workplan and budget. The specialist will support the Local Technical Advisor in maintaining communication with project partners, review project implementation against targets, and address any bottlenecks that arise. Responsibilities also include liaising with other implementing entities, organizing project coordination meetings, and supporting the planning and execution of project events. The specialist will draft terms of reference for local project management specialists, prepare Letters of Agreement and contracts, contribute to project visibility and communication activities, and coordinate the collection of documentation and data for monitoring and reporting. Additionally, the specialist will assist in preparing donor-related reports and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agriculture, economics, public or business administration, finance, accounting, social sciences, or a related field relevant to FAO's mandate. A minimum of five years of relevant working experience in project management and coordination is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and Albanian at level C, and must be nationals of Serbia or Albania, or residents of one of these countries with a valid work permit. Knowledge of Serbian will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, economics, public or business administration, finance, accounting, or social sciences. It is essential that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational qualifications meet the standards set by FAO and are recognized internationally.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant working experience in the management and coordination of projects. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to effectively oversee project implementation, monitor progress, and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects, particularly in the context of food security, agriculture, or public health.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Albanian, with a working knowledge at level C. Additionally, knowledge of Serbian is considered a valuable asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders in the region.

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 must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions recognized in the WHED. For further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.