The FAO Representation in Albania (FAOAL) leads FAO's response to national priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development, in close partnership with the Government of Albania and in alignment with the FAO Country Programming Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
The position is established under the project GCP/RER/075/PAF "MAKE-READY", a multi-country pandemic preparedness initiative funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented in Albania, Kosovo* and North Macedonia, with FAO and the World Bank acting as Implementing Entities. The FAO-implemented components aim to strengthen national and regional capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through a One Health approach, focusing on the animal health and agrifood sectors.
Key result areas:
Early warning and disease surveillance systems (AMR surveillance, community-based and wildlife disease surveillance, zoonotic disease surveillance)
Laboratory systems strengthening
Workforce development in the veterinary and public health sectors
Engagement of vulnerable and marginalized populations in preparedness and response
In Albania, the project is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the veterinary and food safety authorities, public health institutions, and other national and local stakeholders, and in coordination with the project teams in Kosovo and North Macedonia and the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU).
The National Project Coordinator provides day-to-day coordination and technical support for project implementation in Albania and serves as FAO's focal point on the ground. Operational and budgetary management rests with the country Project Manager.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Albania, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close functional coordination with the country Project Manager and the Project Operational Coordinator based in REU, and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the REU technical team.
Technical Focus
Coordination of pandemic preparedness activities in the animal health and agrifood sectors under a One Health approach, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, in particular the Programme Priority Area on One Health (BP3).
Tasks and Responsibilities
Support liaison and coordination with national authorities, technical institutes, professional bodies and other stakeholders across human health, animal health and environment sectors
Support the planning, organization and implementation of national project activities, including meetings, trainings and workshops
Provide in-country support to international specialists, including facilitation of planning, data collection, consultations and communication with national counterparts
Support activities related to surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce capacity, as required
Provide technical input to national processes, including review and updating of policies, strategies, legislation and implementation approaches
Support the strengthening of multisectoral coordination mechanisms, including the One Health approach
Contribute to the development and adaptation of technical guidelines, protocols and training materials
Assist in monitoring project implementation, including data collection and reporting against indicators
Support financial and administrative coordination of project activities at national level
Prepare or contribute to technical reports, mission summaries and other project documentation
Perform any other relevant duties as required
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree (or university degree with additional years of relevant experience) in veterinary medicine, public health, animal health/science, epidemiology, One Health, or a closely related field
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in management and/or coordination of projects and programmes in animal health and/or public health, including senior-level responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring and stakeholder coordination
Working knowledge (proficient – Level C) of English and Albanian
National of Albania or resident in the country with a regular work permit
FAO Core Competencies
Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Extensive experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in animal health, veterinary public health and/or public health, preferably including large donor-funded projects
Knowledge of the United Nations system, its rules, procedures and programming practices; direct experience with UN agencies, and FAO in particular, is a strong asset
Sound understanding of the One Health approach and of national systems for disease surveillance, early warning, laboratory diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance and emergency preparedness and response
Experience engaging with senior government counterparts, including ministries, veterinary and public health authorities, and coordinating across sectors and institutions
Experience with project cycle management, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting
Familiarity with international health security standards and assessment frameworks (e.g. IHR/JEE, WOAH PVS Pathway, FAO assessment tools) is an asset
Excellent drafting, communication and interpersonal skills in English and Albanian
Selection Criteria
Extent and seniority of project management experience in animal health and/or public health
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the UN system; FAO experience is a strong asset
Experience working within the Albanian institutional context in agriculture, veterinary services and/or public health
Ability to coordinate multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously, with strong organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, multi-country team
Additional Information
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances
Organizational Setting
The FAO Representation in Albania (FAOAL) leads FAO's response to national priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development, in close partnership with the Government of Albania and in alignment with the FAO Country Programming Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
The position is established under the project GCP/RER/075/PAF "MAKE-READY", a multi-country pandemic preparedness initiative funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented in Albania, Kosovo* and North Macedonia, with FAO and the World Bank acting as Implementing Entities. The FAO-implemented components aim to strengthen national and regional capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through a One Health approach, focusing on the animal health and agrifood sectors.
Key result areas:
Early warning and disease surveillance systems (AMR surveillance, community-based and wildlife disease surveillance, zoonotic disease surveillance)
Laboratory systems strengthening
Workforce development in the veterinary and public health sectors
Engagement of vulnerable and marginalized populations in preparedness and response
In Albania, the project is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the veterinary and food safety authorities, public health institutions, and other national and local stakeholders, and in coordination with the project teams in Kosovo and North Macedonia and the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU).
The National Project Coordinator provides day-to-day coordination and technical support for project implementation in Albania and serves as FAO's focal point on the ground. Operational and budgetary management rests with the country Project Manager.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Albania, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close functional coordination with the country Project Manager and the Project Operational Coordinator based in REU, and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the REU technical team.
Technical Focus
Coordination of pandemic preparedness activities in the animal health and agrifood sectors under a One Health approach, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, in particular the Programme Priority Area on One Health (BP3).
Tasks and Responsibilities
Support liaison and coordination with national authorities, technical institutes, professional bodies and other stakeholders across human health, animal health and environment sectors
Support the planning, organization and implementation of national project activities, including meetings, trainings and workshops
Provide in-country support to international specialists, including facilitation of planning, data collection, consultations and communication with national counterparts
Support activities related to surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce capacity, as required
Provide technical input to national processes, including review and updating of policies, strategies, legislation and implementation approaches
Support the strengthening of multisectoral coordination mechanisms, including the One Health approach
Contribute to the development and adaptation of technical guidelines, protocols and training materials
Assist in monitoring project implementation, including data collection and reporting against indicators
Support financial and administrative coordination of project activities at national level
Prepare or contribute to technical reports, mission summaries and other project documentation
Perform any other relevant duties as required
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree (or university degree with additional years of relevant experience) in veterinary medicine, public health, animal health/science, epidemiology, One Health, or a closely related field
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in management and/or coordination of projects and programmes in animal health and/or public health, including senior-level responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring and stakeholder coordination
Working knowledge (proficient – Level C) of English and Albanian
National of Albania or resident in the country with a regular work permit
FAO Core Competencies
Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Extensive experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in animal health, veterinary public health and/or public health, preferably including large donor-funded projects
Knowledge of the United Nations system, its rules, procedures and programming practices; direct experience with UN agencies, and FAO in particular, is a strong asset
Sound understanding of the One Health approach and of national systems for disease surveillance, early warning, laboratory diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance and emergency preparedness and response
Experience engaging with senior government counterparts, including ministries, veterinary and public health authorities, and coordinating across sectors and institutions
Experience with project cycle management, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting
Familiarity with international health security standards and assessment frameworks (e.g. IHR/JEE, WOAH PVS Pathway, FAO assessment tools) is an asset
Excellent drafting, communication and interpersonal skills in English and Albanian
Selection Criteria
Extent and seniority of project management experience in animal health and/or public health
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the UN system; FAO experience is a strong asset
Experience working within the Albanian institutional context in agriculture, veterinary services and/or public health
Ability to coordinate multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously, with strong organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, multi-country team
Additional Information
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances
