Programme Policy Officer
Staffing Coordinator Support and National Officers Capacity Development
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are recruiting for a short-term position of Programme Policy Officer, which will be based in our Policy, Programme and Innovation Division (PPI) at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy, for an initial contract period of 9 months.
Overview
Programme Policy Staff Capacity Development is a priority of the Policy, Programme and Innovation Division (PPI). National Programme Officers (NPOs) play a significant leadership role in the design and implementation of WFP programmes and in ensuring continuity of relationships with Government authorities and other counterparts. Specific attention to NPOs’ capacity development initiatives is a key requirement for a stronger pool of programme staff in WFP and for more effective programmes, and is an area that requires a more substantial global investment.
The Programme Policy Officer will act as the focal point for National Programme Officers Capacity Development initiatives. S/he will lead the process to develop a better knowledge of the existing pool of NPOs, identify development needs and rollout learning opportunities. S/he will also support the Programme Policy Staffing Coordinator in her/his day to day duties.
Responsibilities
The Programme Policy Officer will work in the Office of the PPI Director, and report to the Programme and Policy Staffing Coordinator. Specific duties will include:
- Conduct a review of existing data and compile statistics on the number, grade, contractual status and geographical spread of existing NPOs;
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of individual NPOs’ profile, skills, knowledge, experience and professional development aspirations. This will mainly be achieved through direct dialogue with individual NPOs;
- Define the desired standards of skills, knowledge and experience applicable to NPOs in different contexts, in consultation with technical areas, and the existing learning and development gap;
- Develop a specific approach, within the context of PPI’s overall staff development strategy, for NPOs which takes into account their specific contractual status, their learning and development needs and WFP’s priorities;
- Proactively identify development opportunities for NPOs, and lead the process to nominate them for potential temporary duty assignments (TDY) and for participation to selected training, workshops and learning initiatives;
- Develop a more robust knowledge of the current pool of WFP policy and programme consultants and short-term professionals
- Produce a thorough handover package including documentation of analyses and processes developed;
- Provide general support to the Programme and Policy Staffing Coordinator, and act as deputy in his/her absence; perform other duties as required.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Education:
- Advanced university degree in Economics, Agriculture, International Affairs, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a field relevant to international development assistance.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in international humanitarian or development work or other related fields;
- Experience in a variety of context and programmes is desirable;
- Direct field experience as a WFP National Programme Officer will be an advantage.
Technical Skills & Competencies:
- Good knowledge of WFP operations;
- Solid knowledge of humanitarian programme and/or policy work;
- Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement and tact;
- Strong written and oral communication skills;
- Strong analytical and negotiating skills;
- Good action management skills with ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and meet deadlines;
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work in a team, and establish effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
- Proven capacity to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Language:
- Fluency in English is required;
- Intermediate knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is an advantage.
Terms and Conditions
WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.
http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.
http://www.unstaffmobility.org Learn more about countries where the UN operates.
Application Procedures:
Step 1: Register and create your online CV.
Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.
NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
Deadline for applications: 7 September 2014
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are encouraged to apply.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
