Cash-Based Transfers (CBT) Officer

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 is recognized for its efforts in humanitarian assistance and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities regardless of their background. WFP also invests in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Cash-Based Transfers (CBT) Officer position is crucial for providing specialized support and technical analyses to policy and program activities that effectively meet food assistance needs. This role is based in Freetown and reports directly to the Programme Policy Officer. The officer will be responsible for the effective implementation of cash-based activities across Sierra Leone, ensuring that assistance delivery is uninterrupted and meets the needs of beneficiaries. The position requires strong coordination with various stakeholders, including Financial Service Providers and humanitarian partners, to facilitate smooth operations. The officer will also be involved in data analysis, reporting, and ensuring compliance with established strategies and policies related to cash-based transfers. This role is vital in contributing to the overall effectiveness and impact of WFP's programming in the region, particularly in the context of emergency preparedness and response.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the effective implementation of cash-based transfer (CBT) activities across Sierra Leone by coordinating with key Programme leads, identifying challenges, and providing timely, pragmatic solutions to ensure uninterrupted assistance delivery.
• Coordinate with Financial Service Providers (FSPs), payment solution focal points, and other stakeholders to facilitate the smooth execution of CBT operations.
• Prepare reports, conduct data analysis, and identify trends or issues within the area of responsibility, ensuring adherence to corporate standards and quality requirements.
• Ensure compliance with established CBT strategies, policies, procedures, and controls, while supporting the implementation of corporate standards with a strong focus on Programme quality, impact, and assurance.
• Take timely action to address technical challenges related to CBT operations and resolve complaints received through WFP’s Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM).
• Support the Programme Policy Officer in coordinating cash-based activities with humanitarian and cooperating partners, including documentation of meeting notes and key outcomes.
• Contribute to country office initiatives on analysis, learning, and strategy for cash-based transfers; strengthen evidence generation on the impact and effectiveness of CBT programming for beneficiaries.
• Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP can quickly respond and deploy needed resources to affected areas at the onset of the crisis.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a completion of secondary school education, along with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area. Candidates must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks successfully. A general knowledge of the Cash Based Transfers context in Sierra Leone is essential, as well as practical experience in data record keeping, reporting, and data analysis. Behavioral competencies such as teamwork, time management, integrity, and effective communication are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education and hold a post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the foundational knowledge necessary to perform the duties associated with cash-based transfers and related program activities effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have six or more years of progressively responsible work experience in relevant fields, particularly in humanitarian or development operational roles related to cash-based transfers (CBT). Demonstrated field-based experience is required, along with proven expertise in beneficiary data management. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of cash-based assistance and ensuring effective program implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Given the context of the role, proficiency in additional local languages may be considered an asset, but English remains the primary language for communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Sierra Leone Nationals only, and qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. WFP offers a competitive compensation package that will be determined based on the contract type and the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Additionally, WFP emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.