WFP recruits a Programme Policy Officer, NOB, Centre d’Excellence, Abdidjan (105517)
Title: Programme Policy Officer
Level: Fixed-Term
Grade : NOB
Duty station : Centre d’Excellence, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Vacancy announcement No: 105517
Closure date: 17 June 2019
Country context :
Côte d’Ivoire has enjoyed remarkable economic success with a GDP growth rate above 7% per year since 2012, making it a major economic power in the subregion and one of Africa’s most vibrant economies. Although, the Ivorian economy remains vulnerable to external risks, including volatility in the prices of agricultural and mining products, climate conditions, global and regional security risks, and economic inequalities, the country plays an influential role on socio-economic development issues in the subregion and the government is taking a leadership role in contributing to end hunger and malnutrition in the region.
Organizational context :
WFP has successfully developed and signed a MoU with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire on 5 October 2018 to establish a general framework for a strategic partnership, which will promote partnership, south-south cooperation, technical assistance, research and advocacy within the region, by capitalizing on good practices in food security and nutrition. This framework resulted in the creation of a Regional Centre of Excellence against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM), hosted and financed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. CERFAM was officially launched on 25 March 2019.
To enable it to operate, CERFAM is filling a number of key positions, including a National Programme Policy Officer.
Purpose of the assignment :
The Programme Policy Officer will work as the technical support for the implementation of the programme of work of CERFAM, in line with the terms and conditions of the MOU between WFP and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.
Under the general supervision of the Head of Programme, this position will ensure synergies with the tasks of the Programme Unit, WFP-related areas of work, with the workstreams of other Centres of Excellence and relevant partners and provide technical assistance to stakeholders of CERFAM.
Main accountabilities/ Responsabilities :
Within delegated authority, the Programme Policy Officer will perform the following tasks:
- Contribute to preparing and formulating strategic, technical and programmatic documentation and materials for the Centre to implement its portfolio ;
- Support the identification of opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve sustainable development and support advocacy work within the Centre’s strategic partnership ;
- Support the provision of technical advice, policy and programme advice to governments and WFP country offices in the region in capacity strengthening on food and nutrition security, including on vulnerability analysis, smallholder farmer support, school feeding, nutrition and other related topics ;
- Support the identification, and documentation and dissemination of good practices and lessons learnt ;
- Support stakeholders with capacity strengthening activities to leverage and apply good practices and lessons learnt ;
- Support the planning, formulation, deployment and implementation of innovative solutions and good practices against hunger and malnutrition to strengthen ownership of governments, communities and other partners ;
- Support the facilitation of governments’ engagement in food and nutrition security issues ;
- Support the facilitation of technical cooperation among countries and partners in the region, WFP regional bureaus, country offices and HQ divisions through knowledge exchange on good practices and innovative hunger solutions, as well as learning exchanges to pioneer countries on food security, nutrition and related topics ;
- Contribute to building and implementing south-south cooperation activities as well as the promotion and dissemination of south south practices in the continent ;
- Support the preparation of project proposals related to CERFAM activities ;
- Prepare events, briefings, reports, information products and other materials on subjects related to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, resilience in humanitarian, transition and development contexts ;
- Support data collection, analysis, knowledge management activities and evidence building on issues relevant to food and nutrition security ;
- Support the development of functional training in areas of expertise to enhance the capacity of stakeholders to design and deliver effective food assistance programmes ;
- Perform other related tasks as required .
Specific qualifications and experience requiredc :
Education :
Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
Experience :
At least 3 years of professional experience in international development, including at least one of the following topics: food and nutrition security, school feeding programmes, south south cooperation, agricultural development and social protection.
- Experience in design, management and implementation of policies, programmes and projects ;
- Experience in working with development, capacity strengthening and south south activities ;
- Strong technical knowledge in food and nutrition security, school feeding, support to smallholders’ farmers and related issues ;
- Strong academic/research background ;
- Experience in multicultural environments and working with staff from other cultures and background is an asset.
- Experience in working with UN agencies, Development Partners, High level authorities, local governments and civil society organizations is desirable.
Competencies :
- Ability t work independently in a timely and organised manner ;
- Excellent ral and written communication skills ;
- Willingness t explore and experiment with new ideas and approaches in own work ;
- Ability t work in a team and multi-task as needed .
Languages :
Language : Fluency in French and at least intermediate level in English. Portuguese will be an asset.
Terms and conditions :
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications received after the deadline on 11 June 2019 will not be considered.