National One Health Focal Point

Organizational Setting

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a dynamic and revitalized organization, recognized as the leading UN agency in the global fight to eradicate hunger, reduce rural poverty, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and livestock development. Additionally, FAO champions the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment to benefit vulnerable communities and rural populations.

FAO’s overarching corporate goal is to increase the visibility of its impactful work at the country, regional, and international levels. While FAO Headquarters and Regional Offices have dedicated staff for this purpose, there is a growing need for specialized media outreach personnel at the country level to elevate the organization’s presence in national and local media, as well as on broader platforms.

Reporting Lines

The National One Health Focal Point will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Head of Programme. 

Technical Focus

Zoonotic disease prevention & control, surveillance systems integration, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate & environmental heath, risk assessment & emergency preparedness, food safety & security.  

Tasks and responsibilities

Support the implementation of TCP/PNG/4003 titled “Identifying and mitigating health threats in agri-food systems and related natural ecosystems”
•    Assist in the implementation of defined TCP activities, working closely with the NPC, International Consultant, FAO country office, and FAO Implementing Partners (IPs) to ensure adherence to agreed work plans and deliverables, with the required FAO technical and operational support;
•    Provide technical inputs for reviewing materials fitting to country contexts, such as guidelines, training material, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, for good farming, husbandry and management practices for agri-food value chains;
•    In collaboration with NPC and National Animal Health Specialist, provide assistance to technical support missions, and assist in the organization of FAO TCP-related events, workshops, and meetings.
•    Hold regular consultations with National Project Coordinator (NPC), National Animal Health Specialist, and other staff, and provide updates as appropriate and required;
•    In collaboration with NPC and National Animal Health Specialist, participate in project monitoring by maintaining current registers and controlling tools on the status of projects at various stages; review inputs, expenditures and time frames according to work plans; make necessary abstracts and computations; detect inconsistencies;
•    In collaboration with NPC and National Animal Health Specialist, assist in the preparation and submission of periodic and ad hoc project reports;
•    Support in liaising with relevant government agencies, and implementing partners, for FAO TCP activities, as requested by the NPC; and
•    Review project progress and final reports to ensure their operational and technical compatibility.

Support to country programme/project development and management
•    Provide technical support to the FAO Head of Programme to strengthen national and regional One Health coordination and multisectoral collaboration among stakeholders;
•    Support the preparation of concept notes, project documents, and briefs, and ensure that required information and data are properly reflected;
•    Support the collection and preparation of data and (background) information in the areas of FAO’s activities in the country (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural/sustainable development); edit the information in appropriate format;
•    Support project monitoring by maintaining current registers and controlling tools on the status of projects at various stages; review inputs, expenditures, and time frames according to work plans; make necessary abstracts and computations; detect inconsistencies;
•    Support the preparation and submission of periodic and ad hoc project reports;
•    Prepare background material, working papers and tables for briefings, review sessions, and meetings. Take minutes of meetings as requested;
•    Carry out other programmatic tasks for the FAO office in Papua New Guinea, as well as for FAO programmes/ projects in Papua New Guinea, as required; and
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in public health, veterinary medicine, environmental health/science, epidemiology, biology or related life sciences
•    Three years (03) of relevant experience in public health, veterinary services or environmental health.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English. 
•    National of Papua New Guinea or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•    Experience in cross-sectoral/inter-agency collaboration
•    Experience in program coordination/project management.