Budget and Programming 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 eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the importance of a healthy work environment, where employees are selected based on merit and are encouraged to grow professionally and personally through various development programs.

Job Overview:
The Budget and Programming Officer position is a consultancy role within the Budget and Programming unit of WFP, based in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. The primary function of this role is to support the country office in managing budget revisions and programming activities, particularly in light of the recent influx of refugees and the need for effective resource management. The consultant will be responsible for leading budget management and resource analysis, ensuring compliance with WFP policies, and providing guidance to a medium-sized team. The role requires a strategic approach to budgeting and programming, with a focus on aligning WFP's country strategic plan with national development goals and sustainable development objectives. The consultant will also play a key role in capacity building within the team, ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage budgets and resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and support budget management, resource analysis, and programming activities at the country office level, collaborating with key stakeholders at WFP Headquarters and Regional Bureaus.
• Supervise and guide a medium-sized team, providing coaching and training to enhance operational support.
• Develop and document internal business processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to resource management.
• Participate in the development and implementation of plans, policies, and procedures for budget and programming activities.
• Create and review project budget plans, monitoring ongoing project performance against budget guidelines.
• Advise on fund utilization, alerting Country Directors to potential resource shortfalls and proposing solutions.
• Monitor and manage the resource pipeline to maximize operational effectiveness.
• Contribute to the preparation of food-demand plans and provide information to guide decision-making.
• Ensure accurate budget and project documentation is created and maintained. 1
• Coordinate and prepare reports for stakeholders, identifying trends and proposing solutions. 1
• Analyze data and propose improvements to systems and processes for budget management. 1
• Build capacity of WFP staff in budgeting and fund management through training and guidelines. 1
• Manage junior staff to ensure development and high performance. 1
• Contribute to preparedness actions and monitor financial risks. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Additional years of relevant work experience may substitute for formal education. The ideal candidate will have experience in translating operational requirements into financial information, preparing budgets and reports, and managing funds. Strong analytical skills and the ability to draft clear reports are essential. Candidates should be team players with excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and have a solid understanding of data analysis.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field is required. A first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses may also be considered. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in financial management and resource allocation.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience is required for this consultancy level position. Candidates should have a proven track record in budget preparation, resource management, and financial analysis. Experience in humanitarian or development contexts is highly desirable, particularly in roles that involve managing budgets and resources effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory, with a level C proficiency. Additionally, intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese is considered an asset. Strong language skills are essential for effective communication and reporting within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a duration of 11 months. The role is based in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, and involves working in a multicultural and diverse environment. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes. Candidates are encouraged to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before submitting their applications.