Programme Associate (Field Coordinator - School Meals)

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 achieving Zero Hunger. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and the organization emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate (Field Coordinator - School Meals) position is crucial for the implementation and enhancement of the Mid-day Meal Programme in Nepal, which has been operational since 197

• This programme serves over three million children across 27,000 schools, making it one of the largest social safety nets in the country. The role involves providing technical assistance to local governments and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Mid-day Meal Programme and the adoption of a home-grown school feeding approach. The Field Coordinator will work closely with various partners, including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, to strengthen local capacities and improve the quality of school meals. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing contexts while ensuring that the programme meets the needs of the communities it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Coordinator will be responsible for a range of duties including:

• Providing timely and quality technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of annual work plans for local governments, ensuring that the Mid-day Meal programme is well integrated into local plans and policies.
• Facilitating training and capacity strengthening activities for government officials, school staff, smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and community stakeholders.
• Supporting local governments in operationalizing the home-grown approach through coaching and mentoring, in line with the National Home-Grown School Feeding Framework.
• Assisting local governments in developing contextualized procedures and guidelines for the Mid-day Meal programme, including food procurement and contracting processes.
• Offering technical assistance on menu planning, social behavior change activities, and monitoring systems for the Mid-day Meal programme.
• Strengthening local government capacity to identify collaboration and partnership opportunities for home-grown school feeding initiatives.
• Conducting regular meetings with local governments, school staff, and other stakeholders to review progress, identify challenges, and collaboratively develop solutions.
• Representing WFP in various forums related to school meals at the district and municipal levels.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 6 years of relevant experience in implementing technical programmes at the field level, particularly in areas such as education, agriculture, nutrition, or food systems. Experience in coordinating diverse stakeholder groups and contributing to the design and implementation of programmes is essential. Knowledge and experience in school meals, nutrition, and education programming are critical, along with skills in negotiations, communications, and resource mobilization. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain networks with various stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and adapt to changing contexts.

Educational Background:
A minimum of secondary school education is required, along with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area such as agriculture, nutrition, public health, development studies, social sciences, law, human rights, international development, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge necessary to effectively support the Mid-day Meal Programme and its objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in technical programme implementation at the field level. This experience should include working with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the design and execution of programmes, particularly in the context of school meals and nutrition. Familiarity with the local context and challenges faced in implementing such programmes is highly beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English and Nepali are mandatory. Knowledge of a local language is considered an added advantage, and proficiency in Nepali typing is also an asset. The ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders is crucial for the success of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract (SC) at Level SC L6, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The duty station will be in one of the specified districts, and the role requires significant travel between municipalities and district headquarters. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary and health insurance through CIGNA. The organization encourages applications from female candidates and individuals with disabilities, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.