Program Assistant

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 climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of individuals who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that embodies its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization is recognized for its efforts in humanitarian assistance and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Program Assistant position at WFP involves contributing to the design and implementation of automated management document models and data collection templates specifically for the monitoring and evaluation of the endogenous school feeding program. The role requires participation in data collection, compilation, and analysis to support operational decision-making. The Program Assistant will also be responsible for statistical analysis of data from school feeding activities, including the Home-Grown school feeding program, utilizing WFP digital tools and software such as Excel, SPSS, STATA, and R. The position emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and aims to enhance food availability through joint projects that provide agricultural inputs and technical support to beneficiaries. The role also includes producing management reports, dashboards, and various data presentations to track enrollment trends and educational outcomes in assisted schools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Assistant include:

• Designing automated management document models and data collection templates for monitoring and evaluation of the school feeding program.
• Participating in data collection and analysis, preparing management reports to support operational decisions.
• Conducting statistical analysis of data related to school feeding activities, including the Home-Grown school feeding program.
• Recording collected data and determining appropriate analysis methods and models.
• Producing dashboards and visual representations of data related to school feeding activities, including attendance and completion rates.
• Setting up relational databases for the Home Grown school feeding program, including beneficiary schools and food distribution data.
• Developing mobile applications as required for data interaction and dissemination.
• Supporting the alignment of school feeding activities with wider policies and guidelines.
• Assisting in the revision of monitoring and evaluation standards and tools in consultation with relevant technical units. 1
• Performing accurate and timely recording of data on school feeding activities following WFP standards. 1
• Elaborating monthly monitoring and evaluation reports and ensuring regular updates of recommendation matrices. 1
• Reviewing partner reports and providing technical feedback to enhance reporting quality. 1
• Ensuring timely updates and reconciliations of data in WFP systems.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Program Assistant position include a strong understanding of data management and analysis, proficiency in statistical software (Excel, SPSS, STATA, R), and experience in monitoring and evaluation processes. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Familiarity with school feeding programs and experience in humanitarian assistance or related fields are highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, showcasing their ability to contribute positively to the organization's goals.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Program Assistant position are required to have completed secondary school education. A higher education degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, statistics, or data management is preferred but not mandatory. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of data analysis and program evaluation in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in data management, monitoring and evaluation, or program implementation. Candidates should have a proven track record of facilitating communication with technical teams and contributing to the implementation of similar programs. Experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in school feeding or nutrition programs, will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of French is considered a valuable asset, given the bilingual nature of many WFP operations in Cameroon and other Francophone countries. Candidates who are fluent in both languages will have a competitive advantage in the selection process.

Additional Notes:
The Program Assistant position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract type, with a duration of 6 months. The position is based in Ngaoundere, Cameroon, and is classified as a full-time role. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment and does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.