Program and Policy Officer on Food Systems

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 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity. WFP also invests in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Job Overview:
The role of the Program and Policy Officer on Food Systems involves performing specialized and standardized processes and activities related to policy and program management to support the effective delivery of assistance packages. This position is crucial for ensuring that the WFP's operations align with its broader program policies and guidelines. The officer will be responsible for project management support, data compilation, analysis, and reporting to facilitate operational decision-making. The position requires collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, including local partners, NGOs, and government institutions, to ensure effective communication and implementation of ongoing project activities. The officer will also play a key role in emergency preparedness, ensuring that WFP can respond quickly to crises and deploy necessary resources to affected areas. This position is integral to the WFP's mission of providing food assistance and improving food security in vulnerable communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform specialized and standardized processes and activities within the specific technical area of work, ensuring alignment with wider program policies and guidelines.
• Provide project management and general office support, adhering to established targets and WFP’s policies and procedures.
• Compile data and support analysis and preparation of reports related to food assistance needs, resource utilization, program status, and performance to aid operational decision-making.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of data within the specific technical area of work, following corporate standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate and exchange information with internal counterparts to support effective implementation and monitoring of ongoing project activities.
• Assist in communication and activities with local partners, agencies, NGOs, and government institutions.
• Act as a point of contact for resolving general operational queries and request assistance as necessary.
• Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP can respond quickly and deploy resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis.
• Undertake additional activities as required by the supervisor that align with the purpose of the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being desirable. The position requires fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language used at the duty station and in the local language, if different. Additionally, candidates should possess strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and a commitment to WFP's values and principles. Knowledge of food security and vulnerability assessments, as well as experience in project management, is highly advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges, showcasing humility and integrity in their work.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area is considered an asset. Candidates are encouraged to present any additional qualifications or certifications that may enhance their application and demonstrate their commitment to professional development in the field of food systems and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant job experience in areas related to food assistance, project management, or humanitarian operations. Experience in facilitating communication with technical teams, contributing to program implementation, and assisting in policy discussions is desirable. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language used at the duty station is mandatory. Additionally, proficiency in the local language spoken in the duty station is also required if it differs from the UN language. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Havana, Cuba, and reports to the Program and Policy Officer on Food Systems. The role is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic and challenging environment, particularly during emergency situations. 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, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.