Food Systems Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, employing thousands of individuals who are dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has received recognition for its efforts, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, making it an attractive workplace for those interested in humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Food Systems Associate position is crucial for the World Food Programme’s operations in Somalia, particularly in the context of a multi-year program funded by KOICA aimed at enhancing food systems resilience and supporting sustainable community livelihoods in Somaliland. The role is based in Nairobi, with regular travel to Hargeisa, and is designed to provide technical and coordination support for effective project implementation. The incumbent will work closely with various teams within WFP, ensuring that the KOICA-funded project aligns with broader organizational goals and donor expectations. This position requires a proactive approach to project management, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of environmental and social safeguards into project activities. The Food Systems Associate will serve as a key liaison between WFP Somalia, KOICA, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the project is effectively communicated and that donor visibility is maintained. The role also involves contributing to the development of future project proposals and fostering strategic partnerships within the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Systems Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Project Coordination and Oversight: Support the planning, implementation, and tracking of KOICA-funded project activities in close collaboration with the Hargeisa Area Office. Conduct field visits to Hargeisa to engage with local communities, monitor project progress, and ensure quality assurance.
• Technical Support: Provide technical input to field teams on resilience strategies, integrated asset creation, and food systems strengthening. Promote climate-smart agricultural practices, including water harvesting and soil regeneration.
• Donor Relations and Visibility: Maintain regular communication with KOICA representatives and the Korean Embassy in Nairobi. Coordinate visibility efforts for KOICA, including success stories and event planning.
• Reporting and Documentation: Draft and contribute to donor reports, ensuring accuracy and alignment with KOICA’s expectations.
• Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships: Assist in developing concept notes and proposals for future collaborations with KOICA and other donors. Engage with key development stakeholders to explore synergies and new partnerships.
• Environmental and Social Safeguards: Ensure the integration of environmental and social safeguards in project planning and implementation, conducting risk assessments and supporting mitigation planning.
• Administrative and Operational Support: Assist with logistics, mission planning, and coordination across teams to ensure smooth project operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Environment and Climate Change, or Rural Development. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be considered. The role requires a strong understanding of project implementation within agriculture, rural livelihoods, or food systems development, along with proven field experience working with communities and local authorities. Familiarity with donor reporting, particularly with KOICA or WFP, is advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields related to international development assistance, such as Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Environment and Climate Change, or Rural Development. Candidates with a first university degree and additional relevant work experience or training will also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food systems and the challenges faced in the East African context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional work experience combined with an advanced university degree, or a first university degree accompanied by at least five years of relevant experience. Experience should primarily focus on project implementation within agriculture, rural livelihoods, or food systems development. Proven field experience working directly with communities and local authorities is essential, as is prior experience collaborating with or reporting to donors, particularly KOICA or WFP. Familiarity with the East African context or Korean-funded programming is highly preferred.

Languages:
Strong written and spoken communication skills in both Korean and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and documentation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open exclusively to qualified South Korean nationals, and female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. WFP Somalia promotes female-friendly spaces in the workplace. The role is full-time and involves regular travel to Hargeisa, subject to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which can be referenced in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.