Internal to UN - Programme Policy Officer (Head of Area Office Central), NOD, Isiolo at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

• To lead and manage a large WFP Field Office to ensure the effective and efficient management of human and financial resources and delivery of WFP programs and activities. A large emphasis is placed upon building and maintaining relationships with local governments, UN agencies, donors and other partners in the area to reinforce WFP’s visibility.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Contribute to the development of Country strategies, policies and programmes to ensure that local needs inform country-wide planning.
• Support promotion and deployment of WFP’s corporate/CO initiatives, strategies and directions.
• Hold accountability for effective management of WFP operations within the area of assignment to ensure timely and effective deployment of food assistance programmes.
• Effectively manage the Field Office to ensure transparent and efficient people management and the continued development of a cohesive and high performing team.
• Ensure efficient use of financial resources for achievement of set objectives.
• Hold accountability for security of WFP staff, operations, premises and assets in the Field Office to ensure that WFP security and safety standards are locally set and followed. Actively participate and contribute to the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).
• Hold accountability for close collaboration with governments and other partners in identifying where assistance can be usefully employed at the local level and ensure provision of support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of food assistance programmes, including advice on the context-specific transfer modalities (food, cash or vouchers).
• Hold accountability for timely monitoring and evaluation activities and for accurate and comprehensive analysis and reports on WFP operations and performance to inform operational planning and decisions.
• Forge and nurture external partnerships to improve assistance packages, develop and sustain liaison with local government authorities, international and local NGOs, civil societies, UN agencies, donors, beneficiaries and other partners and media engaged in the field of food security.
• Engage with beneficiaries, inspect storage places and points where WFP commodities are received, in order to ensure compliance with WFP policies and that progress is made in the achievement of project objectives.
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace which incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
• Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: 

• Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences or other related field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
• At least eight (8) years of postgraduate professional experience with increasing responsibilities in the humanitarian and development sector in a bilateral, multilateral or nongovernmental organization. Proven experience in building synergies among units, projects and regions.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Has developed, or supported in the development of, complex and multi-discipline work plans to support the achievement of WFP strategic aims within a broad area
• Has gained substantial experience in complex field operations, preferably in a hardship duty station or emergency situation.
• Has field experience via field rotations or working in a sub-office, and through field postings.
• Gained experience of extensively analysing complex political situations, assessing risk accurately and inputting assessments into Area or Country Office risk assessments.
• Gained broader exposure across areas within a function (i.e. policy, programme etc.).
• Has gained experience managing large financial budgets, balancing multiple complex priorities effectively.
• Has experience leading a large, multi-discipline team to ensure the effective delivery of objectives.
• Participated in a complex vendor/government/ partner negotiation in support of Country, Regional or Functional level strategic plans.
• Participated in a large-scale emergency operation/ development programme.
• Has broad experience with security co-ordination and compound management within a larger area.