Job description
A FIT Pool member is placed on the pool for a period up to 2 years during which he/ she is considered with priority each time WFP has a specific need for a Fixed Term International Professional staff member in his/her functional area and level.
JOB PURPOSE
These roles can be found in Headquarters (HQ), Regional Bureaux (RB) and Country Offices (CO). The Programme Policy Officer (Cash Based Transfers) will be expected to have an extensive breadth of programme and policy knowledge/experience including strong technical skills in Cash Based Transfers to credibly influence strategic, policy and operational discussions. Strong analytical capabilities, learning agility as well as proven excellent leadership capacities are prerequisites for successful candidates.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Formulate substantial parts of WFP’s CBT programme strategy in line with the organizational strategy, WFP-wide programme policies and context in the field; translate the CBT programme strategy and WFP-wide programme policies into Regional/Country level practices, programme guidance and implementation modalities and operations;Be visionary and innovative in the formulation of paths to achieve Zero Hunger goals making use of cash assistance when possible;Manage the operationalization of the CBT programme strategy across different locations in coordination with Country Offices, other functions and Field Offices, and in liaison with Regional Bureaux (RB) and HQ technical units;
Ensure that CBT operations are consistent with WFP policy and programme policies, Executive Board decisions, and other relevant guidance;
Provide technical advice on a wide range of CBT, programme and policy issues including assessment and analysis, the choice of most appropriate transfer modality and delivery mechanism, the deployment and testing of innovative approaches and the development of strategies;
Look for and advocate for more sustainable/innovative solutions in the delivery system of cash. Maximise the effectiveness of all potential existing systems if in line with WFP rules and regulations;
Enhance WFP’s leadership status in different forums on subjects related to CBT and other programmatic areas such as food security, nutrition, livelihoods, resilience, engagement in humanitarian, transition and development contexts and other related issues through direct participation, briefings, information products and other materials;
Be aware of the international humanitarian cash policies, of the positioning of some donors in relation to cash assistance, of the Grand Bargain principles and related WFP’s standing and act accordingly when representing WFP in humanitarian fora;
Position WFP in its role of cash-assistance leadership and coordination in rising emergencies every time is needed;
Keep close and direct contact with RB and HQ on policy related matters;
Assist senior stakeholders of governments and other partners in identifying where CBT can be usefully employed and provide support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of CBT programmes to strengthen government and community ownership and effectiveness of food security and nutrition programmes;
Develop innovative/operational partnerships and maintain established strategic partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve CBT assistance packages and support advocacy work;
Contribute to Country Office Emergency Preparedness i.e. early warning, risk analysis, and contingency planning in order to respond to humanitarian crises and needs with particular attention to the CBT package of preparedness;
Manage or oversee operational research and evidence building on issues relevant to food and cash assistance;
Advocate for resources for a broad portfolio of WFP projects with a CBT focus, including clearly articulating the need for CBT, food assistance and related programme opportunities, and follow up on the resource situation of projects including commodity and cash availability;
Advice and support the development of functional training in areas of CBT to enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partners to design and deliver effective food assistance programmes;
Lead, motivate and develop a substantive team to enable high performance;
Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men;
Other as required.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
At least eight years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in private or public sector demonstrating high performance and leadership capacity;
Demonstrated interest and substantial experiences in humanitarian and development work in multicultural environments;
At least three years of working experience in CBT programming in diverse contexts;
Vast and strong experience in the design, set-up, implementation and evaluation of in-kind food, cash and voucher transfers;
At least one field mission experience to support the setting up and/or running of CBT operations;
Proven capacity to initiate and lead innovation that strives for continuous improvements and leverages established partnerships;
Awareness of social protection is highly desirable especially knowledge of policies and practices around long term financial opportunities for the poor and vulnerable.
Education:
Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Science or other field of relevance to international development assistance, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
Language:
Fluency in oral and written English;
Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages).
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Excellent understanding of the theory and application of food security and safety net programmes;
Excellent understanding of Project Cycle Management and its application;
Excellent understanding of CBT programming and proven ability to asses, design, implement and monitor CBT programmes, preferably in complex emergencies and protracted crisis situations;
Solid understanding of CBT programming related to food security and nutrition;
Strategy development, coordination, action planning and capacity development skills in order to implement a strategy
Solid and well developed approach towards partnership
Proven/Excellent skills in strategic/analytical work
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
Strong motivation to make a difference and to contribute to WFP’s mandate;
Proven effective cognitive abilities, analytical and problem solving skills;
Demonstrated learning agility and thirst for constant growth;
Displayed openness and passion for new experiences and multicultural environments;
Proven leadership capacity to build and foster inclusive and high performing teams;
Exhibited ability to communicate effectively;
Demonstrated exceptional partnership building skills with internal and external stakeholders;
Proven strategic and policy engagement skills in international setting;
Deepened technical knowledge through exposure and the leading of technical teams;
Leading of policy discussions and decisions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Selected candidates will be placed in the FIT Pool and may be contacted as the needs arise for fixed-term international positions in any of the countries in which WFP operates, including hardship duty stations. The FIT Pool membership will last 2 years.
Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. These positions are rotational which means that the incumbent shall be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as non-rotational. Professional level positions are rotational on a period of 2 to 4 years, mobility is the essence of WFP.
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
11 June 2018.
Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
