The postholder will help manage the Animal Health System Strengthening Project by working with the    the National Lead for Animal Health in Ghana, to ensure the effective coordination and delivery of identified outputs are delivered to time, within scope and resource allocation.

The postholder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering the Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded “Animal Health System Strengthening” project on behalf of the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The postholder will participate in the operational implementation of the project and work with the National Lead for Animal Health in Ghana, and visiting scientific experts from Defra’s arms’ length bodies in the UK, particularly The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), to deliver a bespoke package of technical assistance. This will include work on surveillance and detection, disease control, emergency preparedness and response, tackling antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), regulation of veterinary medicines and One Health coordination.   Using the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) pathway as the operating framework, the project will to seek to strengthen animal health systems, to better detect, protect and respond to animal disease outbreaks, and thus improve animal productivity and global health security.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to progress a career in a fast-paced and innovative environment and is an ideal opportunity for someone with technical knowledge in biological sciences and project management experience. A significant degree of autonomy is required, and the ideal candidate must have a flexible ‘can-do’ approach, proactively addressing issues as they arise,  be able to work to tight deadlines, be a good multitasker, and be able to handle a number of competing priorities at any one time.  The project is initially funded for three years and the term of employment is up to March 31, 2025.

This post will be based within the British High Commission (BHC) in Accra with possible travel to other areas of Ghana as relevant. This role will require close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ghana Veterinary Service and other UK government departments within the BHC.

·       At least three years’ previous experience in similar role in project/ programme management in public sector or with bilateral / multilateral organisations.

·       Proven experience of project management, including financial management and monitoring.

·       Experience of organizing events / conferences / workshops.

·       Ability to analyse data and present reports, interpret information and recommend appropriate actions.

·       Proven experience of drafting briefing papers, reports and presentations, complex diary management, and organising high profile meetings and events.

·       Strong written and oral communication skills.

·       Effective organisation, prioritisation and planning skills.

·       Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales.

·       Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to cope with uncertainty and change.

·       Ability to handle strictly confidential information from internal and external sources whilst always adhering to best practices of confidentiality.

·       Computer literate and proficient user of Microsoft programmes such as Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint.

·       Knowledge of administrative procedures, and skills and experience interpreting and implementing corporate policy e.g. finance policies and procedures.

·       An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.