Organizational Setting
The Animal Health and Production programme leads FAO’s work in strengthening national and regional capacities for the prevention, detection and control of animal diseases, improving animal production systems, and addressing complex health challenges through the One Health approach. The programme provides technical and operational leadership on animal health surveillance, transboundary animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonoses, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness and response, contributing to food security, livelihoods, public health and sustainable agri-food systems. It works in close collaboration with Member Countries, regional institutions, development partners and other FAO technical divisions, building on functions traditionally delivered under the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD).
Within this context, the Animal Health and One Health team supports the design and implementation of regional and country-level programmes and projects, including under the Animal Production, Surveillance and One Health (APSOH).
Reporting Lines
The Regional Operations Specialist reports to the ECTAD Regional Manager for East Africa. He/she will work in close collaboration with the Programme, Administration, Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Communication teams, and in consultation with the relevant technical units at the Animal Health Unit (SFE), the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and headquarters.
Technical Focus
Operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, regional/global projects.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Coordinate budgetary management and monitoring expenditures for programmes and projects under the technical leadership of the Senior Animal Health Coordinator – RAF
• Ensure adequate programme and operational support is provided to the implementation of Animal Health and One Health programmes and projects in implementing countries as required.
• Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
• Handle day-to-day programme and operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure.
• Contribute/Assist to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO’s procedures and prepare project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements.
• Maintain and update information systems and databases, as applicable.
• Assist the Regional Manager, in liaison with technical officers, in operating thematic activities linked to the overall Animal Production System and One Health (APSOH) programme including facilitating and participating in the planning exercises for thematic activities.
• Ensure timely procurement of services and materials required for implementation of programmes and projects.
• Monitor the implementation of efficient financial flow mechanisms and in ensuring timely availability of resources for the smooth implementation of project activities, including preparation and submission of Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs) and initiation of timely action for FBA revisions and amendments.
• Oversee work plan and budget delivery monitoring
• Maintain coordination and communication with respective Country, Regional and HQ Administrative Units for timely programme implementation.
• Assist in coordinating timely preparation of programme progress reports.
• Contribute to the preparation of Regional Team meetings.
• Organize all official international travels for staff and non-staff.
• Support resources mobilization efforts
• Perform other functions as required
