Programme Associate (Activity 5, Engineer)

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 core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. For more information, visit WFP's official website at https://www.wfp.org.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate (Activity 5, Engineer) role is designed to provide specialized support and technical analyses to policy and program activities that effectively meet food assistance needs. The position involves acting as the technical focal point for field office asset creation, assessing and evaluating proposals for WFP Cooperating Partners' Asset Creation Projects, which include non-food items (NFI) and projects related to disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, rural infrastructure, and agro-forestry. The associate will conduct feasibility assessments for asset creation activities and ensure compliance with WFP's environmental and social safeguard requirements. This role requires active collaboration with Cooperating Partners and WFP country office focal points to facilitate project implementation and monitoring. The associate will also be responsible for preparing necessary documentation for project review committees and ensuring that all projects align with WFP's Environmental Social Standard guidelines. The position demands a proactive approach to capacity building among WFP program staff and partners, as well as effective communication and reporting on project progress and outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Associate include: acting as the technical focal point for asset creation projects, assessing and evaluating proposals, conducting feasibility assessments, ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards, preparing documentation for project review committees, liaising with Cooperating Partners and WFP country office focal points, preparing briefing notes for donors, monitoring and supervising asset creation projects, building capacities of WFP program staff and partners, preparing monitoring reports, assisting with program-related issues, updating databases, coordinating with relevant departments and agencies, conducting technical surveys and assessments, organizing program-related meetings, overseeing budget implementation, and supporting gender-focused activities. The associate will also perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires completion of secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a field related to civil engineering. A bachelor's degree in civil engineering is preferable. Candidates should possess strong analytical and technical skills, with the ability to assess and evaluate project proposals effectively. Proficiency in project management and monitoring is essential, along with a solid understanding of environmental and social safeguards. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for effective collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in civil engineering or a related field. A bachelor's degree in civil engineering is highly desirable, as it provides a strong foundation for the technical aspects of the role. The educational background should equip candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in the design and implementation of construction works, particularly in rural development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires six or more years of progressively responsible work experience in both the design and implementation of construction works. Candidates should have experience in rural development, particularly in infrastructure related to rural/village roads, agriculture, irrigation, drainage, and environmental safeguards. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of asset creation projects and ensuring their successful execution in alignment with WFP's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Myanmar is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, partners, and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance the ability to engage with diverse communities and partners in the field.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Associate position is classified under grade G-6/SC-6/SSA-6, with a contract duration of 12 months. The duty station is in multiple locations, including Myitkyina, Taunggyi, Nyung U, Hpa An, and Sittwe. This vacancy announcement is specifically open for Myanmar nationals, and female applicants, as well as qualified candidates from minority groups, are especially encouraged to apply. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary, pension, leave, and medical insurance. This vacancy announcement serves as a roster for qualified applicants to express their interest for future positions, and all applications will be reviewed to assess relevant experience and qualifications. Selected candidates may be contacted for further interviews or assessments.