About the opportunity
The National Project Coordinator will provide day-to-day coordination and technical support for the implementation of the “MAKE-READY” project in Albania. This multi-country pandemic preparedness initiative, funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, aims 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. The coordinator will serve as FAO’s focal point on the ground vis-à-vis national counterparts and beneficiaries, working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Albania.
Salary and benefits
- Paid professional opportunity under a National Project Personnel (NPP) contract.
- Initial contract duration of 3 months with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.
- Opportunity to work with a specialized agency of the United Nations and build a strong professional network in the One Health sector.
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Albania or a resident in the country with a regular work permit.
- Advanced university degree (or university degree combined with additional years of relevant experience) in veterinary medicine, public health, animal health/science, epidemiology, One Health, or a closely related field.
- At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the management and/or coordination of projects and programmes in the fields of animal health and/or public health.
- Senior-level responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder coordination.
- Working knowledge (proficient – Level C) of English and Albanian.
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile on the FAO recruitment portal.
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile.
- Performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks (upon request).
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: October 6, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 27, 2026, at 10:59:00 PM (subject to local device time settings)
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile.
- Ensure your profile accurately includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your completed application through the FAO recruitment portal before the closing date.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
- Only higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) will be considered.
- Qualifications should align with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Mid-to-senior level veterinary or public health professionals in Albania with a strong background in epidemiology or One Health initiatives.
- Candidates who possess deep familiarity with the Albanian institutional context, including ministries and veterinary authorities.
- Bilingual professionals with excellent communication skills in both English and Albanian who have prior experience working with UN agencies.
What should you think carefully about?
- The initial contract duration is very short, lasting only 3 months, which may require flexibility and adaptability.
- This is a non-staff National Project Personnel (NPP) contract, which carries different terms and benefits compared to regular UN staff positions.
- Strict geographic eligibility limits this opportunity to Albanian nationals or residents with existing work permits.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for health or veterinary professionals in Albania looking to gain high-profile international organization experience. It provides a platform to lead a critical, multi-country pandemic preparedness initiative funded by the Pandemic Fund, allowing the coordinator to build strong networks across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors using the One Health framework.
Our take
Qualified Albanian nationals or residents with at least five years of experience in public or animal health project management should seriously consider applying. It is less suitable for international applicants requiring visa sponsorship or those seeking long-term job security from day one.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
