Programme Assistant (Nutrition)

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's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for its employees, offering various training and mobility opportunities across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (Nutrition) will play a crucial role in supporting WFP’s initiatives in Kerala, particularly focusing on nutrition garden interventions at Anganwadi centers. This position involves working closely with the Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition) and the Head of the Nutrition and School Feeding Unit to ensure effective project management and implementation. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring various activities related to nutrition gardens, acting as a liaison between WFP and local stakeholders. The role requires regular visits to Anganwadi centers to assess project implementation, identify gaps, and suggest improvements. The Programme Assistant will also be involved in capacity building for Anganwadi workers and will prepare progress reports to share with stakeholders, ensuring that WFP’s objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the planning, creation, and implementation of nutrition garden interventions at Anganwadi centers.
• Acting as a point of contact for resolving operational queries related to project interventions.
• Collaborating with internal counterparts to facilitate effective project implementation and monitoring.
• Reviewing the work of contracted field partners and providing guidance to ensure objectives are met.
• Organizing and conducting capacity-building sessions for Anganwadi workers and helpers.
• Making regular visits to Anganwadi centers to monitor project implementation and suggest mid-course corrections.
• Attending monthly meetings with field partners to discuss project progress.
• Preparing monthly project progress reports for stakeholders.
• Coordinating with government counterparts and project stakeholders for timely implementation and resolution of issues. 1
• Performing other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong ability to advocate and network with a diverse range of partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Knowledge of research methods and familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative methods are essential. Proficiency in advanced computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Windows, is required. Familiarity with the UN system and WFP programs is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team and possess tact and diplomacy in their interactions.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement is the completion of secondary school education. However, a university degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Agriculture, Management, or Social Sciences is preferred, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of nutrition and public health initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of progressively responsible work experience, preferably in the development sector, particularly in partnership with government agencies, UN agencies, or international NGOs. Experience in supporting the implementation of projects aimed at young children in Anganwadi centers is highly desirable, as it aligns with the focus of this position.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, along with fluency in Malayalam. The ability to communicate in other native languages is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Indian nationals only and is classified as a Level 4 Service Contract with a duration of one year, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The salary for this position is INR 61,561 per month, plus 8.33% of the base salary towards social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. Employees will also receive medical benefits as per WFP's plan. All tax liabilities for payments from this contract will be borne by the employee. The role requires the ability to travel within the country, particularly within the state and district of Kerala, to fulfill the responsibilities effectively.