Area Office Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered on the belief that food is a fundamental human right and that no one should go hungry. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, gender, or background. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a diverse and multicultural working environment. WFP operates in numerous countries, providing effective humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need.

Job Overview:
The Area Office Manager will lead and manage a WFP Area Office, ensuring the effective and efficient management of human and financial resources while delivering WFP programs and activities. This role emphasizes building and maintaining relationships with local governments, UN agencies, and other key stakeholders to enhance WFP’s visibility and effectiveness in the region. The manager will be responsible for developing country strategies and policies that reflect local needs, promoting WFP’s corporate initiatives, and ensuring the timely deployment of assistance programs. The position requires a contextual understanding of the Kasai region and the city of Kananga, as well as the ability to manage a cohesive and high-performing team. The Area Office Manager will also be accountable for the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of WFP staff and operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and fostering partnerships with local authorities and organizations to improve food security and nutrition outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of country strategies, policies, and programs to ensure local needs inform planning.
• Support the promotion and deployment of WFP’s corporate initiatives and strategies.
• Manage WFP operations within the area of assignment, ensuring timely and effective deployment of assistance programs.
• Oversee the Area Office in Kananga and Field Offices, ensuring transparent and efficient people management.
• Ensure efficient use of financial resources to achieve set objectives.
• Ensure the security of WFP staff, operations, premises, and assets, participating in the Area Security Management Team.
• Collaborate with governments and partners to identify areas for assistance and provide technical expertise for food assistance programs.
• Monitor and evaluate activities, generating reports on the impact of WFP’s operations.
• Forge partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, civil societies, UN agencies, and other stakeholders. 1
• Engage with beneficiaries to ensure compliance with WFP policies and project objectives. 1
• Oversee WFP’s logistic ODS provision in the Kasai region. 1
• Enhance communication and visibility regarding WFP’s impact on food security and nutrition. 1
• Promote an equitable and inclusive workplace. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have developed or supported the development of multi-discipline work plans to achieve WFP strategic aims. Experience in field operations, particularly in hardship duty stations or emergency situations, is essential. Candidates should have experience analyzing political situations and assessing risks, managing mid-size financial budgets, and leading teams to deliver objectives effectively. Participation in negotiations with vendors, governments, or partners, as well as involvement in emergency operations or development programs, is highly desirable. Experience with security coordination and compound management is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience is required for this position, demonstrating a strong background in humanitarian operations and management.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, preferably French.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in a hardship duty station. The compensation package is attractive and includes various benefits. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.