Sri Lanka Pandemic Fund Team Leader

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Position Title: Sri Lanka Pandemic Fund Team Leader
Location: Colombo
Country: Sri Lanka
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Pandemic Fund was established in 2022 with a mission to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities specifically in low- and middle-income countries. The organization aims to enhance global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by ensuring that countries are better equipped to handle pandemics and other health emergencies. The Pandemic Fund operates in various countries, focusing on collaborative efforts with local governments and international organizations to implement effective health strategies. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and leveraging resources to achieve its goals, and it employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to public health and animal health initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Sri Lanka Pandemic Fund Team Leader will play a pivotal role in leading the implementation of the FAO’s component of Sri Lanka’s single-country proposal, focusing on animal health activities as part of a broader multi-country proposal. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that all project activities are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the FAO Representation in Sri Lanka, government counterparts, and other implementing partners. The Team Leader will provide technical inputs, management oversight, and leadership to ensure effective execution of pandemic preparedness initiatives, particularly in the realm of animal health and One Health capacity. The role also involves facilitating collaboration among national and regional stakeholders to enhance the implementation of Pandemic Fund activities, thereby contributing to the overall health security of Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Pandemic Fund Team Leader include:

• Leading and coordinating the Sri Lanka Pandemic Fund activities, ensuring high standards of delivery, timely execution, and adherence to budget constraints.
• Supervising the Sri Lanka Pandemic Fund affiliate workforce, providing managerial support and guidance.
• Overseeing the preparation of project work plans, including GNATT charts with milestones, and ensuring timely provision of inputs.
• Organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions to facilitate smooth coordination of Pandemic Fund activities.
• Integrating Pandemic Fund activities within the broader FAO country program and contributing to its development and implementation.
• Convening Implementing Entity meetings to ensure strong coordination and information sharing among partners.
• Conducting regular management and technical meetings to communicate project updates effectively.
• Maintaining oversight of budget reporting and ensuring alignment with regional management structures.
• Preparing high-quality yearly reports for the Pandemic Fund and ensuring timely submission. 1
• Developing media and web articles to showcase the progress and impact of Pandemic Fund activities. 1
• Fostering relationships with relevant Sri Lankan government partners to facilitate project implementation. 1
• Advising the Sri Lankan government on technical and policy matters related to pandemic preparedness and animal health. 1
• Supporting One Health capacity and platforms through collaboration with various sectors. 1
• Developing strategies for controlling transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in collaboration with the Sri Lankan government. 1
• Representing FAO in UN meetings related to zoonotic diseases and health threats. 1
• Maintaining links with national networks for sharing technical information on TADs and EIDs. 1
• Providing technical support for the publication of project data and preparing briefs as requested. 1
• Coordinating consultations with senior officials on emerging health threats and supporting technical missions from RAP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in veterinary science, public health, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in animal health, One Health, or pandemic preparedness is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of project leadership, coordination, and implementation, with a proven track record in managing multi-stakeholder projects, preferably within international organizations. Familiarity with FAO’s strategic frameworks and operational guidelines is also essential. A PhD is considered an asset, and expertise in transboundary animal diseases (TADs), emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in veterinary science, public health, or a related field. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of animal health and pandemic preparedness. Candidates with a PhD will have an added advantage, as it indicates a higher level of expertise and research capability in relevant fields.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as animal health, One Health, or pandemic preparedness. This extensive experience is essential for the candidate to effectively lead and manage the various components of the Pandemic Fund activities in Sri Lanka. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in project leadership and coordination, particularly in managing multi-stakeholder projects, which is critical for ensuring successful implementation of health initiatives.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English, French, or Spanish, along with limited knowledge of one of the other two languages or Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. Proficiency in these languages is important for effective communication with international partners and stakeholders involved in the Pandemic Fund initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be full-time and may involve international collaboration with various stakeholders. The role is crucial for the successful implementation of pandemic preparedness activities in Sri Lanka, and candidates should be prepared to engage with multiple partners, including government agencies and international organizations. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process, and the position may require travel within Sri Lanka and potentially to other countries as part of the multi-country proposal.