Emergency Preparedness and Response Project Manager CST Level 2

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of extreme weather shocks. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to its mission. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The organization emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for its employees, offering various training and mobility opportunities across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Project Manager will play a crucial role in managing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on WFP's Emergency Preparedness and Response programme. This position requires collaboration across various functional units within WFP and engagement with government counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, as well as key humanitarian and development partners at both national and sub-national levels. The EPR Project Manager will ensure the timely delivery of programme activities, contributing to the strengthening of preparedness, coordination, response readiness, and institutional capacity for effective disaster management in Lao PDR. The role demands a proactive approach to project management, ensuring compliance with budgetary, quality, and reporting requirements while leading a team to achieve project objectives effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading and overseeing the implementation of the EPR Project according to the approved project design and operational plan. Key responsibilities include managing and supervising project staff and consultants, ensuring effective execution and timely delivery of outputs, and achieving targets. The Project Manager will oversee project workplans and activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, donor requirements, national priorities, and WFP policies. Collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and other government counterparts is essential to strengthen disaster management capacities. The role also involves managing project planning, budget utilization, risk management, monitoring, and reporting processes. The Project Manager will coordinate across WFP functional units to ensure effective delivery of EPR Project activities, identify resource requirements, and promote alignment with broader WFP initiatives. Monitoring project performance against agreed indicators and preparing project reports and communications products are also key duties. Field missions may be required to support project implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be considered. Required qualifications include experience working with WFP and knowledge of its internal processes, policies, and systems. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in relevant areas is necessary, including at least 5 years in progressively responsible project manager roles. Candidates should have experience in EPR programming, including the ability to design and coordinate food and cash-based assistance, and experience in strengthening government-led emergency response systems. Proven ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders and coordinate multicultural teams is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, International Development, or Social Sciences is required. A first university degree combined with additional relevant work experience may also be acceptable. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of the complexities involved in emergency preparedness and response.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of professional experience in relevant areas, with a minimum of 5 years in progressively responsible roles related to project management. Candidates should have experience in various facets of EPR programming relevant to WFP, including the ability to design, lead, and coordinate the delivery of assistance. Experience in assessing and strengthening government-led emergency response systems is also crucial, along with a proven track record of building partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the region, may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a CST Level 2 role within WFP. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. The role is full-time and may involve international recruitment. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which will be detailed in the announcement. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.