Procurement Officer - Local Regional Food Procurement Policy (LRFPP) at World Food Programme (WFP)

The World Food Programme (WFP) procures food items to support the agency’s global fight against hunger. These procurement activities include both direct (from Producers) and indirect (through Traders/Intermediaries) purchases of both raw and processed food items, such as Specialised Nutritious Foods (SNFs). In 2019 the Local and Regional Food Procurement Policy (LRFPP) was published with the objective of ensuring that WFP’s procurement activities not only meet the supply needs of the agency but also contribute more broadly to the elimination of hunger by supporting local food producers and the development of sustainable food systems in vulnerable regions.

With the inclusion of Sudan in RBN, one-third of all the food WFP buys globally is in this region, and although much of that is local procurement, there is potential for more. Three Country Offices in RBN are piloting the implementation of the LRFPP, being Ethiopia, Uganda, and Sudan. These pilots aim to promote and support the development of more inclusive food procurement systems within formal and informal markets, with a view to protecting and improving local food systems. Greater access to large and stable markets can raise the incomes of smallholder farmers in the region at a time when they have been so severely hit by the economic impact of global warming, conflicts, Covid-19, and the recent Ukraine crisis. 

Piloting the LRFPP will allow RBN to capitalize on more than a decade of efforts and investments to support smallholder market access, school feeding, and key government institutions. It will also generate important lessons and insights for WFP, government agencies, development partners, and producer organizations in RBN and other middle-income countries.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Unit, the LRFPP Regional Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:  

• Guided by the WFP corporate LRFPP policy and regional operational requirements, develop a regional LRFPP implementation plan with clear targets/KPIs, risks analysis, technology requirements and strategic partnerships opportunities.
• Lead the development and deployment of tools and other materials to assist countries with implementing LRFPP related activities and support as required with VCA related activities, including discussions with VC actors, public bodies, and the private sector.
• Develop resource requirements to support the roll out of the regional LRFPP implementation plan and manage them efficiently
• In coordination with the M&E team, develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for the regional LRFPP implementation plan.
• Provide overall oversight, guidance, and support to Country Offices on LRFPP implementation and regularly report on the progress of the implementation, proactively identifying challenges and engaging the relevant key stakeholders in problem-solving.

ADDITIONAL KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Collaborate closely with Logistics, Programme and other relevant internal parties to ensure an integrated approach and understanding in the formulation of plans, progress, priorities, and challenges.
• Develop relationships within WFP to share knowledge, influence, build capacity and advocate for policies to promote LRFPP and support fund raising initiatives
• Ensure that a Food Systems perspective is considered in procurement decisions and RB Food Systems initiatives reflected in procurement plans and activities
• Undertake strategic reviews to inform country offices sourcing strategies and plan specialized procurement initiatives that support effective and cost optimizing purchase decisions, ensuring alignment to Food Systems objectives.
• Work on the identification, development, and relationship management of high-level government representatives, private sector actors and development partners to support the achievement of LRFPP goals.
• Support the Regional Bureau and Country Office teams in gathering relevant data and evidence on activities and impact.
• Knowledge management of all LRFPP related material for record keeping, ease of reference and dissemination.
• Other as required

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced University degree in Agricultural Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields. A First University degree with additional relevant years of related work experience in agribusiness, value chain/ market development, and inclusive business is advantageous. Additional professional courses in Agricultural Business/Economics or related fields are also a plus.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• At least 8-10 years of meaningful and progressive professional experience in food trade business, agribusiness, and/or value chain/ market development.
• Experience working in the EAC region and/or a multicultural and fast-paced environment is an added value.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Good strategic understanding of Food Systems and Food Value Chains in the region
• A strong understanding of how climate risks and other shocks affect food security in the region.
• Strong project management and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills (ability to understand and be understood, diplomatic skills, writing skills)
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds externally and internally.
• Capacity to act upon problems (intellectual / problem solving and judgement skills)
• Pro-active prioritising, planning, organizing, coordinating, monitoring, reporting, following up
• Ability to organise work and deliver results with minimal supervision and under time pressure