Full ToR
TOR - Deputy Port Coordinator TL AFSi Project - UKHSP - 12062026
Project Background
The Timor-Leste AMR-Food Safety Nexus Initiative (TL-AFSi) – under UK Health Security Partnership (UK-HSP) – addresses a critical gap in food safety and AMR surveillance. Timor-Leste is heavily dependent on imported food (over 70% of consumables), with a significant portion being frozen food susceptible to carrying foodborne pathogens. Despite this risk, Timor-Leste currently lacks any systematic surveillance infrastructure for AMR in imported frozen foods.
The TL-AFSi project establishes a foundational, integrated One Health system by:
- Establishing systematic, risk-based sentinel surveillance for AMR and priority pathogens in imported frozen foods at four key Points of Entry
- Building sustainable national laboratory capacity for pathogen isolation, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST), and Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- Using generated evidence to harmonize existing regulations and draft enforceable, science-based food safety regulations
Overall Objective
To provide dedicated operational support (50% part-time) for all field-based and port-level activities of the TL-AFSi project, working in close partnership with the Field/Port Operations Coordinator. The Deputy will ensure successful day-to-day implementation of risk-based surveillance for AMR and foodborne pathogens in imported frozen foods across four Points of Entry, maintaining sample integrity, team safety, and strong government coordination.
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations Management (25% of time)
- Oversee day-to-day execution of port-based surveillance activities at Tibar Port, Motaain, Motamasin, and Wini, in collaboration with UQB-MALFF and Customs authorities
- Supervise implementation of bi-weekly sampling schedules, ensuring 50 samples per month are collected according to approved risk-based sampling procedures
- Directly manage correct use of sampling and transport kits, including sterile containers, cold-chain materials, PPE, and chain-of-custody documentation
- Ensure all samples are properly labeled, preserved, and transported from PoEs to laboratories while maintaining cold chain (2–8°C) and biosafety protocols
- Act as first point of contact for field teams to resolve operational challenges at PoEs
Training and Capacity Building (10% of time)
- Co-facilitate Training of Trainers (ToT) and on-site technical training for 26 UQB field inspection staff on risk-based sampling procedures, PPE use, sample handling, and chain of custody
- Conduct regular on-the-job coaching and refresher trainings for field staff
- Document training attendance, competency assessments, and skill gaps for MEL reporting
Coordination and Stakeholder Liaison (10% of time)
- Serve as daily operational liaison between PMU, UQB-MALFF, Customs authorities (ALFANDEGA), and port management at all four PoEs
- Support Field/Port Operations Coordinator in organizing monthly coordination meetings with PoE authorities
- Assist in facilitating pilot testing of sampling protocols at Tibar Port
Quality Assurance and Supportive Supervision (5% of time)
- Conduct monthly supportive supervision visits to all four PoEs to monitor sampling accuracy, cold-chain integrity, documentation completeness, and team adherence to SOPs
- Provide immediate corrective feedback and on-site mentoring during supervision visits
- Assist in quarterly reviews and revisions of risk-based sampling procedures
Key Deliverables
- Inception report (field operations section – deputy's input)
- Pilot testing report for Tibar Port (minimum 18 consignments) – joint contribution
- Training reports for ToT and on-site training of 26 UQB field staff
- Bi-weekly field operations summary and monthly progress reports
- Monthly supportive supervision reports for all 4 PoEs
- Final handovers note, including updated SOPs, training records, and sustainability recommendations
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Biology, Public Health, Logistics, or related field (Master's degree is an advantage)
- Minimum 3 years of experience in field operations, logistics, or surveillance activities, preferably in public health, food safety, agriculture, quarantine, or supply chain management
- Proven experience coordinating field teams and working with government authorities in low-resource settings
- Demonstrated knowledge of sample collection, cold-chain management, chain of custody, and biosafety procedures
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with ability to work independently under pressure
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken) and Tetum (or Bahasa Indonesia)
- Valid motorcycle or car driving license and willingness to travel frequently (up to 50% of working time) to remote border posts
Desirable:
- Previous experience working with UQB, MALFF, ALFANDEGA, or similar quarantine/border inspection agencies
- Familiarity with AMR surveillance, food safety testing, or One Health approaches
- Experience in training or mentoring field staff on SOPs, data collection, or quality assurance
- Knowledge of GEDSI principles and experience ensuring inclusive participation in field activities
Working Arrangements & Conditions
- Position Type: Part-time 50% (approximately 20 hours per week)
- Contract Duration: One year, with possibility of extension
- Duty Station: Dili, Timor-Leste, with frequent travel to Tibar Port, Motaain, Motamasin, and Wini
- Working Hours: Flexible hours required during field missions (e.g., early morning or late evening sampling)
- Annual Leave: 10 working days of paid leave annually
- Sick Leave: 3 days sick leave annually, with medical certification
- Reporting Line: Direct supervision of Field/Port Operations Coordinator and TL-AFSi Programme Leader
Commitment to Safeguarding & GEDSI
The Deputy Field/Port Operations Coordinator shall adhere to FGD-ICS's safeguarding and PSEA policies, complete mandatory GEDSI and safeguarding training, and ensure that all field activities are inclusive, accessible, and free from harassment, exploitation, or abuse.
