Local Project Management Specialist – Pandemic Preparedness

Job Description - Local Project Management Specialist – Pandemic Preparedness (2602019)

Job Description

2602019

Local Project Management Specialist – Pandemic Preparedness

Job Posting

28/Sep/2026

Closure Date

19/Oct/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : Up to 6 months with possible extension

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : NPP (National Project Personnel)

Primary Location

Home-Based

Duration : Up to 6 months with possible extension

Post Number : N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) lead FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of priority programme activities. REU ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, supports policy dialogue, strengthens regional partnerships, and oversees the implementation and monitoring of FAO programmes and projects in Europe and Central Asia.

The position is linked to the Pandemic Fund project “MAKE-READY - North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo 1 Emergency Ready”, a multi-country initiative implemented by FAO across the Europe and Central Asia region. In Kosovo, the project is implemented in close collaboration with the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA).

The project aims to strengthen Kosovo capacities for the prevention, early detection and effective response to zoonotic disease threats through a One Health approach. It supports enhanced surveillance systems, laboratory capacities, workforce development, risk assessment and multisectoral coordination mechanisms, contributing to improved pandemic preparedness.

Within this framework, the Local Project Management Specialist will support the project office in Kosovo and REU technical teams in the effective coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of project activities, working closely with FAO, local counterparts, implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely achievement of project objectives and results.

Reporting Lines

The Local Project Management Specialist will operate under the overall guidance of the Deputy Regional Representative/Regional Programme Leader, the direct supervision of the Field Programme Officer and will closely cooperate with the technical and operational teams.

Technical Focus

The Local Project Management Specialist supports FAO in the effective coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of project activities in close consultation with the Local Technical Advisor. The incumbent will serve as the primary responsible for monitoring project progress against agreed workplans and project indicators, supporting field implementation, and ensuring compliance with FAO procedures, donor requirements and reporting obligations.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure the overall sound and timely implementation of the project activities, in line with the approved workplan, budget and donor requirements at local level;
• Support the Local Technical Advisor in the coordination and regular communication with all project partners to facilitate effective collaboration and achievement of project objectives;
• Be responsible for the regular review and monitoring of project implementation against workplan targets, milestones and indicators, and proactively support identifying and address implementation bottlenecks;
• Be responsible for the liaison and coordination with other implementing entities, delivery partners, FAO programme and operational teams and relevant UN Kosovo Team focal points for matters related to monitoring and reporting of achieved targets.
• Be responsible for organizing regula