Programme Assistant (Resilient livelihoods) – United Nations World Food Programme

Deadline of Application 23 November 2022

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes.  Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.
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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

Grade: L5
Type of contract: Service Contract
Duration: 1 Year (with possible Renewable)
Reporting to:Programme Policy Officer (Climate Resilient Food Systems)
Duty Station: Ganjam, Odisha
Vacancy no : 178239
Date of Publication: 09 November 2022
Deadline of Application: 23 November 2022

WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.
• This vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. As per the WFP’s Recruitment & Selection Policy, the definition of “internal” is only applicable to WFP staff members holding a permanent, continuing or FT appointment.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test will be used for screening candidates.
• Only recommended candidates will be retained on roster for a period of two years and may be considered for similar positions from roster.
• The salary for this position is INR 685,503 per annum, plus medical benefits as per WFP’s plan. All tax liability for payments from this contract are to be borne by the subscriber.

JOB PURPOSE
The World Food Programme (WFP), operating in India since 1963, aims to provide technical support Government’s initiatives in achieving sustainable food security and nutrition for vulnerable populations. Through its Country Strategic Plans, WFP aims to support India in achieving their targets under Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 17. Under Strategic Outcome (SO) 4, WFP aims to build resilience of small-holder farmers, stakeholders and other vulnerable communities to climate variability.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
A project on ‘Building Resilience of Small-holder women farmers through use of Solar based Technologies’ is being implemented in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, Department of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment in two blocks of Ganjam district. The project aims to improve climate resilience and sustainable nutritional security by building capacities to use the solar technology for drying the horticulture produce and its marketing. The position placed in the Ganjam district would be responsible for field level co-ordination and management of project activities.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer (Climate Resilient Food Systems), close co-ordination of Head of Sub-Office, Odisha and overall supervision of Head of Unit (Policy Design, DRR, Climate Change and SSTC), the incumbent will be responsible for the following key functions:
Management and Implementation

• Assist in the planning, developing and implementation of various activities and processes for the project interventions aligned with guidance from WFP and the State Government.
• Act as a point of contact for resolution of a range of operational queries, problems and escalate issues to the WFP team in the Sub-office, Country Office as required.
• Support in overseeing and/or reviewing the work of the technology partners, financial institutions, farmer collectives, facilitating coordination and providing practical advice and  guidance, to contribute to delivering objectives to agreed standards and deadlines.
• Support in organizing and conducting capacity building of the different stakeholders on various project related activities.

Monitoring of the project:

• Regular visits to the selected blocks, villages and farmers to monitor the implementation of the project, identify gaps in implementation and suggest/take corrective actions.
• Regular visits to the KVK, block and district officials to update on the project, seek support and monitor the procurement of raw material, processing and marketing.
• Organize monthly review meetings of key implementing entities including the department of horticulture, involved FPOs, district and block officials keeping the district collector informed
  Documentation and knowledge management
• Prepare monthly reports on the progress of the project at the district/ block level for sharing with all project stakeholders.
• Support in compilation and identification of good practices, case stories in the implementation of the project in the different villages for wider dissemination.

Coordination

• Coordinate with government counterparts at the district/ block level as need be to facilitate implementation of the project.
• Liaise with project stakeholders for timely implementation, seeking technical inputs and speedy resolution of issues identified in the projects.
• Liaise with other related projects of the govt and supported by WFP for stronger linkages and sustainability.
• Perform other related duties as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A university degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Management or Social sciences is preferable.

Experience: Minimum Five (05) years of responsible work experience preferably in  the development sector in partnership with the government/UN agency/lNGO. Experience on supporting the implementation of projects or working on projects targeted at addressing malnutrition at the community level is desirable

Language: Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong professional communication ability;

• Advocacy and networking skills with a broad range of stakeholders including government, private sector, civil society, academia, NGO and international cooperation
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Windows, Microsoft office;
• Knowledge of UN system would be an asset in particular WFP programs is an advantage
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of nutrition and food security experts across fourteen countries
• Tact and diplomacy

CRITCAL SUCCESS FACTORS

• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of actors from government, private sector and civil society.
• Good communications skills, both in writing and speaking.
• Solid planning and problem-solving skills and action oriented.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and simultaneously manage multiple tasks in an autonomous manner.
• Maturity, initiative, courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle any other additional tasks as requested by the supervisor.
• Ability to undertake travel within the District and State.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Applications received on WFP Career page will be considered.

• WFP wants to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to people with disabilities. For accessibility requirements you may have, please write to us at email: India.hr@wfp.org with Subject line “Accessibility request for people with disabilities –  VA No……. ”.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve food security,nutrition and build resilience. WFP’s policy on climate change and resilience commits it to invest early warning systems/climate service and building climate adaptation and resilience. The policy guides WFP’s action to support the implementation –at both government and community levels – of the international frameworks including Paris Agreement and the Nationally Determined Commitments. WFP works with governments to strengthen their capacity to prepare for, assess and respond to food insecurity caused by disasters, and to develop national policies and plans that address the impact of disasters on nutrition.

WFP India’s current Country Strategic Plan and upcoming plan (CSP, 2023-2027) outlines its commitments to contribute to the efforts of Indian government in achieving their targets under SDG 2, 17 and connected SDG’s such as SDG 5 and 13. WFP works with a variety of State and Central Ministries to take this agenda forward. Realizing India’s growing willingness and potential to provide technical support in the area of building resilience, climate adaptation for sustainable Food and Nutrition security,  WFP’s work under Outcome 4 of the Country Strategic Plan focuses on strengthening adaptive capacities and climate resilient food systems and livelihoods with following two main outputs:

1. Stakeholders at national and state levels have strengthened capacities to address food security and nutrition issues in disaster and climate-response mechanisms.

2. National climate response mechanisms are strengthened to improve community-level resilience and adaptation to natural shocks and other climate events.