National Project Coordinator (NPC)

Organizational Setting

The Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES) promotes the prevention, detection, preparedness and response to transboundary and emerging animal diseases. Frameworks, strategies and guidelines for early warning surveillance, integrated One Health Intelligence and information sharing for risk assessment, prevention and preparedness are developed by EMPRES to enhance country capacities to manage epidemic and pandemic risks. It also coordinates information sharing with Quadripartite partners through the joint FAO-OIE-WHO Global Early Warning System (GLEWS ) including threats at the human-animal-plant-environment interface. 

The consultant will lead the implementation of activities at country level under the project, “Prevent and Mitigate the Impact of Transboundary Zoonotic Diseases of Pandemic Potential through the IT Modernization of FAO EMPRES-i and EMA-i Web-based Platforms and the Implementation of FAO Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB)” (GCP/GLO/1140/USA). The project has two objectives: (1) enhance existing systems for data collection, analysis, visualization, risk assessment capabilities and reporting on emerging transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases (APPDs), including zoonotic diseases at the human-animal-plant-environment (HAPE) interface; and (2) improve national and community level biosecurity capacities and systems through the implementation of FAO Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB).

Reporting Lines

The incumbent direct reports to Assistant of FAO Representative (PROGRAMME), under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, in close coordination with the technical leadership of the project GCP/GLO/1140/USA, and in liaison with the Senior Animal Health Officer/Head of EMPRES (Animal Health).

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will work collaboratively with technical units in the Animal Production and Health (NSA) Division and national ECTAD team (if applicable) to lead the country-level implementation of activities under the project.

The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of a bespoke country workplan for the project aimed at implementing the PMP-TAB, aligned with the outcomes and outputs outlined in the project document.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specific roles of the NPC will be determined by the country needs and workplan to implement the project and are expected to include: 

•    Create contacts and linkages with the national and subnational governments and relevant stakeholders in the animal health sector and one health space.
•    Lead and coordinate the organization of the project inception meeting, workshops, stakeholder consultations, field data collection activities, in-person and virtual trainings.
•    Lead the introduction, deployment and testing of new tools, based on regular consultation with the Veterinary Service Directorate, project team and others at FAO headquarters.
•    Lead the scoping of the current biosecurity environment at the national level and the HAPE interface along the selected value chain including aspects of evidence, policy and regulation, capacity, and practices, identifying gaps and improvements required for enhancement of biosecurity. 
•    Lead the formation of a national biosecurity advisory group and local biosecurity taskforce to oversee the design and implementation of the PMP-TAB pilot and plans for scaling up based on lessons learned. 
•    Lead the mapping of the prioritized value chain to identify key stakeholders and risk hotspots at the HAPE interface. 
•    Lead the analysis of data collected as part of the PMP-TAB initiative, and the development of policy and technical briefs.
•    Contribute to the development and implementation of country-contextualised tools, instruments, schemes and guidelines to support the establishment of enhanced national biosecurity strategies at the HAPE interface. 
•    Identify training needs and contribute to development and implementation of training modules aimed at animal health professionals, producers and other actors of the value chain as part of PMP-TAB implementation.
•    Support monitoring and evaluation of the project to assess impact, feasibility, and scalability of the interventions.
•    Provide regular feedback to the project team at FAO headquarters including detailed progress and meeting reports according to the project needs, results of the pilots and lessons learned. 
•    In collaboration with the communications team, enhance project visibility by documenting implementation for media dissemination. 
•    Other tasks agreed in collaboration between the project coordination and the country stakeholders. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university or technical diploma in Animal Production and Health 
•    Working knowledge of English and or French 
•    At least 5 years of experience animal health, areas the HAPE interface, national biosecurity and local biosecurity and related fields
•    Must be a Cape Verde national or Cape Verde legal resident

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Excellent verbal and writing skills in English and Portuguese
•    Have a good networked, has skills in organising and facilitating stakeholder meetings and a good understanding of the production systems in Cape Verde
•    Familiarity and work experience in animal health
•    Knowledge of the UN system will be an asset

Selection Criteria 

•    Curriculum vitae
•    Interview

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION