WFP seeks to recruit a Programme Policy Officer- Social Protection-SC8 1 (105767) – Lilongwe/Malawi  

 

Position Context:

WFP country offices are programme-oriented and operational in nature. This has obvious benefits for meeting immediate needs but can also create siloes and persistent practices. A developing “Policy and Innovation Unit” would seek to remedy this by a focus on cross-cutting issues, notably to ensure policy coherence (e.g. across IRM, UNDAF, social protection etc.), and representation in important cross-cutting national forums, as well as serving as a think tank to trial and advance ideas, and develop guidance for innovations for the benefit of all operational units (e.g. graduation, capacity strengthening, shock-responsive social protection etc.).

 

Strategic Purpose of the Function :

Supporting national strategic processes, through support to national taskforces, research, and learning (e.g. ZHMSR, MNSSP TF, JEFAP TF etc.).

Evidence/knowledge generation through piloting cost efficient effective models in WFP programmes that will contribute to strengthening social support programmes and systems in Malawi.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) WFP is recognized as the leading solution provider and partner in the struggle to end hunger and malnutrition and particularly for its efforts to reach those furthest behind first.

Being the frontline agency of the United Nations system that delivers innovative hunger solutions to 81 countries each day worldwide; WFP’s 14,800+ strong staff share a vision and commitment to end hunger by 2030.  Tackling the causes — not just the symptoms – and operating in the remotest corners of the world, with all logistical means necessary, WFP’s results-focussed team provides nutritious and life-saving food and cash assistance when necessary. Bringing unrivalled experience and operating in the world’s most high profile, difficult environments, WFP upholds the humanitarian principles of humanity, integrity impartiality and neutrality.

In successfully achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) i.e Zero Hunger by 2030, the WFP team actively fosters partnerships with governments, communities, local authorities, civil societies, other UN agencies and the private sector.

For more on WFP and what we do, please go to http://www.wfp.org/videos/zero-hunger.

WFP Malawi is seeking qualified and dynamic candidate to fill the vacant position of Programme Policy Officer- Social Protection;

Education :

• University degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Economics, Agriculture, Development Studies/economics, International Affairs, Social Sciences, Nutrition or a field relevant to international development assistance, or relevant first degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer (Policy and Innovations/ZHMSR) the incumbent will perform the following responsibilities:

Policy Coherence, Representation, and Advocacy : 

• Support and maintain effective strategic partnerships with key actors and institutions ( government, UN agencies, NGOs) ;
• Provide effective WFP representation in technical meetings with Government and Development partners and other stakeholders in the Social Protection and Humanitarian sector; à MNSSP task force, JEFAP task force, SRSP task force and Social Support Fund .

Shock-Responsive Social Protection Evidence Generation, Trials, Guidance :

JEFAP Guidelines :

• Coordinate and lead the review, finalization and operationalization of JEFAP guidelines ;
• Provide secretariat support to the JEFAP task force supporting the DoDMA ;
• Co-Chair JEFAP task force meeting, in collaboration with government DoDMA ;
• Update the operational guidelines, following the learning, and develop a field-booklet for the full guidelines .
• Ensure effective dissemination of the guidelines

ECHO Technical Assistance :

• Support recruitment of technical assistance team to conduct research on shock responsive targeting ;
• Provide necessary technical support to consultants on operational and policy matters relating to emergency response in Malawi ;
• Coordinate consultations with relevant stakeholders and national and field level to generate evidence for categorical targeting .

 SRSP/ Lean Season Response :

• Provide technical support and guidance to M&E team regarding shock responsive social protection monitoring and evaluation including developing new /reviewing existing data collection tools and sample size for data collection during baseline surveys, PDMs and end line evaluation ;
• Support data collection and documentation of best practices during the SRSP implementation processes to be used for advocacy, partnership development and development of scale up strategies ;
• Support improved coordination on SRSP programming and implementation within WFP and with external partners throughout the project cycle ;
• Develop and disseminate clear communication to partners, district councils and beneficiaries regarding SRSP implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the context of lean season response .

Return On Investment (ROI) :

• Support the development of phase II of an inter-agency return on investment model on shock-responsive social protection ;
• Provide technical guidance to its development, ensuring correct conceptualization and representation of humanitarian and DRR activities ;
• Collect/ provide data where required .

Zero Hunger and Malnutrition Review :

• Strategic assistance provided to the process ;
• Technical assistance provided to the process ;
• Administrative assistance provided to the process .

Programme Quality Management :

• In collaboration with programme units develop and maintain standard operating procedures for distribution plans ;
• Review and consolidate food assistance distributions plans (in kind) ensuring timely processing and approvals in line with SOPs ;
• Support proper filing system for all correspondences, reports, project documents, and other key documentation to ensure easier retrieval when needed ;
• Ensure compliance with WFP policies, criteria and procedures with respect to managing WFP resources and food assistance programme.

• Has deepened technical knowledge through exposure to technical teams ;
• Has taken leadership of implementing programmes ;
• Has provided input into programme planning and design discussions and decisions ;
• Has solid understanding of, established networks or experience working with key stakeholders and related government bodies implementing the humanitarian programmes ;
• Familiar with the UN and/or WFP work in Malawi ;
• Interpersonal skills and communication, team-building and inter-cultural sensitivity ;
• Adequate computer skills, knowledge of relevant packages (MS Office) and internet proficient ;
• Self-starter and able to work with minimum supervision .

• Progressive  responsible professional experience in public sector management, development projects, emergency assistance, and/or operational aspects of national, bilateral or multilateral food aid or commercial transactions.

WFP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements, and do not attach certificates will be disregarded.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Deadline for appliying is Friday 20 June 2019

 

Apply here