Programme Assistant (Cooperating Partner Management)

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 alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. WFP emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (Cooperating Partner Management) will play a crucial role in supporting the Cooperating Partner Management (CPM) team within WFP. This position involves a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring effective management of partnerships and financial documentation related to WFP's operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing partner payments, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with WFP's requirements. The role also includes facilitating meetings with cooperating partners, reviewing budget proposals, and managing field-level agreements. The Programme Assistant will work closely with various stakeholders, including NGOs, field offices, and activity managers, to ensure that all processes are executed efficiently and in alignment with WFP's objectives. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while meeting tight deadlines. The Programme Assistant will also contribute to the overall mission of WFP by ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need effectively and efficiently.

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

• Partner Payment Processing: Collect and verify all required supporting documents for partner payments, create Service Entry Sheets (SES) in WINGS, match invoices, and ensure all documentation is uploaded in the Invoice Tracking System (ITS). Maintain accurate records of all payment-related documents and ensure that the database is updated and shared with all field offices weekly.
• Support to CPC Meetings: Review budget proposals from NGOs to ensure alignment with WFP requirements, schedule CPC meetings with voting members, field offices, and activity managers, and review data to ensure CPC recommendations are reflected before agreement signatures. Draft Notes for the Record (NFRs) within two days after each CPC meeting.
• Field-Level Agreement (FLA) Management: Initiate FLAs using the digital signing platform (Partner Connect), guide partners through the digital signing process, ensure all agreements are signed, stamped, and properly archived, and monitor budget executions to ensure timely posting of provisional SES and closure of purchase orders (POs).
• Document Tracking and Archiving: Register all signed agreements and related commitment data, track and archive partner evaluations, and ensure all key documents are uploaded to Teams for easy access and reference.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Programme Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in Economics, Finances, Project Management, Accounting, or Business Administration is required or highly desirable.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working with the private sector, NGOs, or international organizations is essential.
• Experience in partner management or financial administration is considered an asset.
• Previous experience with the UN or other multilateral agencies is advantageous.
• The candidate must be a national of Cameroon.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in one of the following fields: Economics, Finances, Project Management, Accounting, or Business Administration. This educational background is crucial for understanding the financial and operational aspects of the role, as well as for effectively managing partnerships and ensuring compliance with WFP's standards and requirements.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in working with the private sector, NGOs, or international organizations. Candidates should have a strong background in partner management or financial administration, which will enable them to navigate the complexities of managing partnerships and ensuring that financial documentation is accurate and compliant with organizational standards. Previous experience with the UN or other multilateral agencies is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational environment and expectations of working within such organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of French is also highly desirable, given the bilingual nature of Cameroon and the need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance the candidate's ability to engage with partners and beneficiaries in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Service Contract (SC) at Grade SC5, with a duration of 12 months. The duty station for this role is Yaounde, Cameroon. 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 ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before submitting their applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.