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 and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger. WFP's vision is to create a future where every person has access to the food they need to live a healthy and active life. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization is committed to investing in the personal and professional development of its employees, offering various training and mobility opportunities across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Budget and Programming Officer position at WFP is crucial for providing specialized support in the planning, monitoring, and analysis of financial results for projects. The role is designed to promote the optimal use of financial resources, ensuring that WFP can effectively deliver its humanitarian assistance. The officer will work closely with the Budget and Programming Officer and will be responsible for analyzing budget plans, monitoring financial results, and making recommendations based on best practices and WFP's financial policies. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently while also collaborating with various stakeholders. The officer will play a key role in ensuring that WFP's operations in Venezuela are efficient and effective, contributing to the overall mission of the organization to assist over 100 million people annually.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Budget and Programming Officer include examining budget plans, closely monitoring and analyzing financial results of projects, and formulating recommendations in line with best practices and WFP policies. The officer will conduct thorough analyses of fund balances and donations, identifying surpluses and deficits, and proposing corrective measures to maximize fund utilization. Additionally, the officer will support supply chain management to ensure efficient oversight and address supply disruptions. The role also involves improving internal processes, strengthening institutional systems, and designing tools to facilitate overall planning, expenditure forecasting, and budget management. The officer will be responsible for entering budget plan information into institutional systems, ensuring timely and accurate data entry to support decision-making. Regular communication with stakeholders regarding project fund management and related processes is essential to clarify discrepancies and optimize fund usage. The officer will also provide guidance to other support staff, contributing to their professional development in budget planning and fund management. Furthermore, the officer will adhere to emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP can respond quickly to crises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Budget and Programming Officer position must possess strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of financial management principles. They should demonstrate the ability to work independently and take initiative in addressing complex queries with minimal guidance. Proficiency in financial analysis and reporting is essential, along with a good grasp of WFP's operational and financial policies. The ideal candidate will have experience in budget management and resource optimization, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Familiarity with supply chain management and emergency response practices is also advantageous. Candidates should be adaptable, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is required for the Budget and Programming Officer position. A master's degree or professional certification in finance or accounting is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in financial principles and practices, enabling the officer to effectively manage budgets and analyze financial data.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in budget management, financial analysis, or a related field. Experience working in humanitarian or development organizations is highly desirable, particularly in roles that involve financial planning and resource management. Familiarity with WFP's operations and financial systems will be considered an asset. The ability to demonstrate a track record of successful financial management and analysis will be crucial for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Budget and Programming Officer position, as it is the working language of WFP. Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, given the operational context in Venezuela. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Caracas, Venezuela, and is part of WFP's ongoing efforts to strengthen its operations in the country. The contract duration will be determined based on organizational needs and may be subject to renewal. WFP offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background.