Asistente Senior de Programas

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 staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in leading market access strategies, supply chain management, and capacity development related to marketing, with a focus on resilience and climate change. This position is integral to the Livelihoods and Resilience unit, working closely with partners and stakeholders at both national and local levels. The role involves implementing the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) of WFP in Colombia, which aims to support rural communities in developing resilience against climate impacts and enhancing their livelihoods. The Senior Programme Assistant will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that enable small producer organizations to increase their competitiveness and establish sustainable commercial relationships, thereby contributing to local economic development and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and implementing market access strategies for small producer organizations; establishing effective communication channels between producers and clients; conducting workshops and providing technical assistance on marketing plans, sales strategies, inventory management, product packaging, quality standards, and customer relationship management; implementing sales tracking systems for organizations; advising on budgeting and sales projections; facilitating commercial agreements between organizations and clients; identifying and managing strategic partnerships to support marketing efforts; analyzing existing marketing strategies and assessing product potential for market access; designing alternative strategies to reduce dependency on intermediaries; conducting market studies to identify potential clients; maintaining a database of potential clients; identifying products requiring certifications and assisting organizations in obtaining them; contributing to project proposals related to market access; and preparing periodic reports on activity progress and results achieved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a completed secondary education cycle. A professional degree in economics, business administration, engineering with a focus on marketing, product development, market research, or commercial agreements is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in implementing and monitoring market studies, business plans, and commercial alliances, with a minimum of three years working with small producers, indigenous communities, Afro-Colombians, ex-combatants, and victim populations. Proficiency in document management and organized maintenance of digital and physical files is essential, along with strong communication, negotiation, training, and technical assistance skills. Familiarity with computer tools (MS Office) and database management is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of secondary education, with a preference for candidates holding a professional degree in relevant fields such as economics, business administration, engineering with a focus on marketing, product development, or market research. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of market access and the economic dynamics affecting small producers.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience, specifically in the implementation and monitoring of market studies, business plans, and commercial alliances. Candidates should have at least three years of experience working directly with small producers and marginalized communities, which is essential for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these groups in the context of market access and resilience building.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. Knowledge of English is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and enhance the candidate's ability to engage in broader discussions related to WFP's mission and objectives.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Service Contract with a duration of six months, which may be extended based on performance and resource availability. The role is classified at the SC5 level, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience. The position is based in Bogota, Colombia, but there is a possibility of future opportunities in other locations as WFP seeks to establish a roster of qualified candidates for operational needs. The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background.