Programme Policy (Local Food Systems Development)

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 to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing food assistance and developing sustainable food systems. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has received recognition for its efforts, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme Policy (Local Food Systems Development) is crucial for the effective coordination and implementation of a project aimed at strengthening local food systems in West Africa, particularly in Senegal. This role involves working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) and WFP’s Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa (WACARO). The consultant will oversee the establishment of a demonstration farm that serves as a collaborative platform for smallholder farmers, local cooperatives, researchers, and private companies. The farm will focus on innovative agricultural practices and environmental challenges, providing training and introducing new technologies to enhance the capacities of smallholder farmers. The consultant will also ensure that the project aligns with WFP’s Country Strategic Plan and national frameworks, contributing to the long-term sustainability of food systems in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Reporting to the Head of Resilience & Food Systems of WACARO and collaborating with the Senegal Country Office.
• Coordinating daily project implementation at the pilot site, ensuring alignment with MAFF and WFP objectives.
• Supporting the establishment and management of the demonstration farm, fostering collaboration with local cooperatives and private sector partners.
• Facilitating capacity strengthening for smallholder farmers, focusing on improved production, post-harvest handling, nutrition-sensitive practices, and market linkages.
• Developing and operationalizing public-private partnership models, engaging with Japanese companies, local SMEs, and cooperatives.
• Contributing to monitoring and evaluation processes, documenting lessons learned.
• Coordinating with government entities, UN agencies, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with national strategies.
• Supporting project reporting requirements and visibility activities.
• Conducting regular field missions to monitor activities and ensure quality implementation. 1
• Recruiting and supervising national project staff. 1
• Leading the documentation of the project based on the project concept note.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in social sciences, agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural economics, rural development, environmental sciences, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have at least three years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, particularly in agriculture, food systems, or resilience. Experience in resilience programming, smallholder farmer support, agricultural value chains, or nutrition-sensitive agriculture is essential. Demonstrated experience in partnership building, especially with private sector actors, is also required. Familiarity with WFP operations and donor-funded project implementation is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural economics, rural development, or environmental sciences. A first-level university degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food systems and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of postgraduate experience in project or programme management, with a focus on agriculture, food systems, or resilience. Candidates should have experience in resilience programming, supporting smallholder farmers, and working with agricultural value chains. Field-based implementation experience and coordination with government and local communities are essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in Japanese is mandatory due to the liaison role with MAFF and Japanese companies. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in English and French, both orally and in writing, to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders and partners involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is a contract for 11 months, with the potential for renewal or extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified as CST Level II, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience. The consultant will be expected to work full-time and may involve international collaboration, particularly with Japanese partners. Compensation and benefits will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.