Founded in 1961 and assisting 80 million people in around 80 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
WFP’s efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations. Two-thirds of its work is in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict.
In emergencies, WFP is often first on the scene, providing food assistance to the victims of war, civil conflict, drought, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, crop failures and natural disasters. When the emergency subsides, WFP helps communities rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods. WFP also works to strengthen the resilience of people and communities affected by protracted crises by applying a development lens in its humanitarian response.
WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation implementing school feeding programmes worldwide and has been doing so for over 50 years. Each year, WFP provides school meals to between 20 and 25 million children across 63 countries, often in the hardest-to-reach areas.
Job Description
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 its mission. The organization emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP is also a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. 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. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.
Job Overview: The Programme Officer will be an integral part of the Programme Delivery unit, focusing on providing technical and operational support to Area/Field Offices. This role involves close collaboration with various WFP units to design and implement Cash-Based Transfer (CBT) and in-kind programs, ensuring that these initiatives effectively meet the needs of vulnerable populations in Syria. The Programme Officer will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and expansion of existing CBT and in-kind modalities, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness while identifying new areas for expansion. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work in a challenging environment, given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The Programme Officer will also contribute to the formulation and operationalization of corporate CBT strategies and business models, ensuring that they align with WFP's overall mission and objectives. This role is crucial in ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need, and it offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of millions.
Duties and Responsibilities: The Programme Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: overseeing the implementation and expansion of cash-based transfer (CBT) and in-kind modalities; providing technical support and guidance to WFP Area/Field Offices and Cooperating Partners (CPs) on CBT and in-kind implementation; contributing to the formulation and operationalization of corporate CBT strategies; overseeing technical integration work for new solutions and products for delivering cash and in-kind assistance; leading the review and oversight of CBT and in-kind operations, ensuring alignment with established strategies and policies; facilitating technical assessments and monitoring exercises; coordinating with humanitarian agencies and governmental bodies; providing guidance and support to staff; supervising team members and fostering a cohesive work environment; and acting as Officer in Charge (OIC) for the Programme Delivery team during the absence of the Head of Programme Delivery. The Programme Officer will also perform other duties as required, adapting to the evolving needs of the organization and the humanitarian context in Syria.
Required Qualifications: Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in implementing technical programs related to in-kind and CBT, or 5 years with a Bachelor's degree. Experience in team supervision and previous involvement with cash-based and humanitarian programs is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate sound knowledge of the project cycle and possess skills in digital tools that support the digitization and delivery of CBT and in-kind operations. The ability to engage and establish effective relationships with diverse stakeholders is crucial for success in this role.
Educational Background: The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other relevant disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international development assistance and the specific challenges faced in humanitarian contexts, particularly in Syria.
Experience: The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience with a Master's degree, or 5 years with a Bachelor's degree. Candidates should have progressively responsible experience in implementing technical programs related to in-kind and cash-based transfers, as well as experience in team supervision. Previous experience with cash-based and humanitarian programs, along with management of resources and budgets, is highly desirable. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the complexities of the role and to effectively contribute to WFP's mission in a challenging environment.
Languages: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and colleagues. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, but English and Arabic are the primary languages required for this role.
Additional Notes: This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and is expected to be a full-time role. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and candidates are advised to exercise caution when submitting personal information online. All employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.
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