Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and changing lives by delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to addressing hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's mission is to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position at WFP in Ghana is designed to support the development and management of various projects and programs that align with the organization's broader goals. The role involves providing project management support for specific programs that are relatively straightforward, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures. The associate will be responsible for data gathering, monitoring systems, and maintaining quality standards. Additionally, the position requires research and analysis of policy and operational issues to assist senior colleagues in developing effective policies and programs. The Programme Associate will also contribute to timely reporting on activities, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed and that there is consistency in the information presented. This role is crucial in fostering collaboration with internal counterparts and in managing partnerships that enhance food assistance packages. Furthermore, the associate will play a key role in capacity building for WFP staff, partners, and national government entities, preparing them to respond effectively to food assistance needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a limited number of projects, plans, and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
• Provide project management support to specific and defined programmes and projects of small to moderate size that are relatively straightforward in nature, ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programmes that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
• Follow data gathering and monitoring systems, ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
• Research and analyse policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programmes, and activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Liaise with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitor ongoing projects.
• Support the identification, development, and management of potential partnerships and collaborative working, leading to improved food assistance packages.
• Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national government to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, for example, through project management support of learning initiatives.
• Provide guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset. They should be adaptable and flexible, able to work in a dynamic environment while maintaining professionalism. A good understanding of project management principles and practices is essential, along with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. The role requires a commitment to accountability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related discipline is required. Additional certifications in project management or related areas would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in project management, preferably within the humanitarian or development sectors. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with food security and nutrition issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ghana would be an asset, as it would facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Accra, Ghana, and may require travel to remote locations with limited infrastructure. The role is full-time and offers a vibrant work environment with opportunities for professional growth. WFP Ghana promotes a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing strong support networks for staff. The specific contract duration and compensation details are not mentioned in the job ad, but candidates are encouraged to check the full entitlements at the duty station.