Programme Assistant (Sub-Engineer)

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 achieving Zero Hunger. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through training, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (Sub-Engineer) position is integral to the implementation of the Mid-day Meal Programme in Nepal, which has been operational since 1974 and currently serves over three million children across 27,000 schools. The role involves providing technical assistance and operational support for school kitchen infrastructure, ensuring that the programme aligns with the WFP Nepal Country Strategic Plan and government policies. The successful candidate will work closely with local governments and school communities to enhance the quality and sustainability of the Mid-day Meal Programme, particularly through the scaling up of the home-grown school feeding approach. This position requires a proactive individual who can manage tasks independently while collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective programme delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: identifying schools for the installation of cooking stoves, providing technical support to local governments and contractors, conducting feasibility studies for projects, preparing cost estimates, ensuring quality assurance of construction works, and preparing bills for completed works. The role also involves supporting the School Management Committee in site management, conducting pre-construction training for workers, preparing interim payment certificates, and ensuring compliance with transparency and accountability measures. The Programme Assistant will also be expected to prepare regular progress reports and assist in project monitoring and evaluation activities, ensuring that all work aligns with WFP's corporate tools and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education with a post-secondary certificate in a related field, such as a diploma in Civil Engineering. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in rural infrastructure implementation and management is required. The ideal candidate should have experience in facilitating communication with technical teams, building effective working relationships with local governments, and working in remote areas. Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills are essential, along with proficiency in standard engineering software such as AutoCAD and MS Office. Familiarity with Nepali typing is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes the completion of secondary school education along with a post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area, specifically a diploma in Civil Engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of the role and for effectively supporting the implementation of infrastructure projects within the Mid-day Meal Programme.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in the relevant field, particularly in the implementation and management of rural infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of facilitating communication with technical teams and building effective working relationships with local governments. Experience working in challenging geographic terrains and living conditions is also essential, as the role may involve extensive travel throughout the project area.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English and Nepali are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective collaboration with local governments, contractors, and school management committees, as well as for preparing reports and documentation related to the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract (SC) at Level SC L5, with a contract duration of 12 months. The duty stations for this role are Surkhet and Bajura, Nepal. 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. All applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before applying.