Head of Field Office

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 to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global peace and humanitarian efforts. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Head of Field Office is responsible for planning and managing field operations to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of food assistance programs and the optimal use of allocated resources. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of the field office, ensuring that food assistance is delivered effectively and that any operational issues are resolved promptly to prevent losses or delays. The Head of Field Office will work closely with the Deputy Country Director and will be accountable for the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of WFP staff and assets, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The position requires active participation in security management and the ability to build collaborative relationships with local authorities and partners to enhance food security initiatives. The role also involves monitoring and evaluating activities, preparing comprehensive reports, and maintaining a strong presence in project areas to ensure effective program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Field Office effectively to foster a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Plan and oversee WFP field operations to ensure the efficient delivery of food assistance and timely resolution of operational issues.
• Ensure efficient use of allocated resources in line with agreed plans, reporting any deviations to the Area/Country Office.
• Maintain accountability for the security of WFP staff, operations, premises, and assets, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
• Participate actively in the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).
• Conduct timely monitoring and evaluation of activities, preparing accurate reports on WFP operations and performance for review.
• Build collaborative relationships with local authorities and contribute to capacity building for effective food assistance response.
• Develop partnerships to enhance assistance packages and maintain liaison with local government, NGOs, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure frequent presence at project areas and distribution sites. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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. The role requires a minimum of 3 years of postgraduate professional experience in field operations, implementation, emergency response, policy, and donor relations. Candidates should have experience in developing work plans to support WFP's strategic aims and exposure to field operations, preferably in challenging duty stations or emergency situations. Experience in analyzing local political situations, managing financial budgets, and leading teams is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, International Development, or Social Sciences is required. Candidates with a first university degree and additional relevant experience may also be considered. Continuous professional development through training and courses related to the field is highly valued.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of progressive professional experience in field operations, implementation, emergency response, policy, and donor relations. Candidates should have experience in managing small to mid-size teams and financial budgets, as well as exposure to field rotations or working in sub-offices. Experience in security coordination and compound management is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language of the duty station is preferred if different. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of communication skills in both languages to effectively engage with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is for a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. It is classified as a National Officer Grade B position. WFP encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals living with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding fraud, sexual exploitation, and abuse, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background verification. WFP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to report any solicitation for payment.