Field Programme Assistant – Ditwa Response

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 work tirelessly to deliver effective humanitarian assistance to millions of people globally. WFP is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Field Programme Assistant – Ditwa Response will be an integral part of the emergency surge team, directly supervised by the Deputy Country Director. This role is crucial within the humanitarian response framework, focusing on delivering timely and effective assistance to communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwa and subsequent flooding. The position entails supporting field operations to ensure that program activities are executed efficiently and in accordance with WFP's operational standards and emergency protocols. The incumbent will collaborate closely with program and operational teams to maintain service continuity, facilitate coordination, and uphold accountability in all aspects of the emergency response. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work and are committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Programme Assistant will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Overseeing planned food and non-food assistance operations by verifying commodity movements, distributions, and NGO partner implementation.
• Addressing routine operational issues, escalating risks as necessary, and ensuring adherence to WFP operational standards and emergency response procedures.
• Supporting evidence-based program management by collecting, validating, and consolidating monitoring and implementation data from field locations and cooperating partners.
• Conducting basic analysis and preparing high-quality field mission reports, program summaries, and monitoring outputs to inform management decisions and program reviews.
• Maintaining regular coordination with cooperating partners, community structures, and internal units to facilitate effective information exchange and coherent program implementation.
• Organizing and participating in coordination meetings regarding distribution arrangements, commodity pipelines, entitlements, and beneficiary feedback.
• Contributing to the strengthening of monitoring systems by assessing field practices, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements to monitoring tools and processes.
• Providing guidance and on-the-job support to field staff to enhance performance and ensure effective execution of monitoring responsibilities.
• Delivering standard training to cooperating partners on WFP operational procedures, monitoring methodologies, and reporting requirements to reinforce their capacity for independent self-monitoring and high-quality program delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of related work experience, demonstrating a solid understanding of program output and outcome data collection, as well as conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses. Experience in utilizing WFP monitoring and evaluation systems and standards is highly desirable. Candidates should also exhibit strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, showcasing adaptability and resilience in challenging situations.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a related functional area is considered desirable, as it provides foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the role. Candidates with higher educational qualifications may also be considered favorably, depending on their experience and expertise in the field.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in program management or a related field. Candidates should have a proven track record of collecting and analyzing program data, as well as reporting findings to management and stakeholders. Experience in humanitarian settings or with international organizations is advantageous, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational challenges and dynamics of emergency response.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory. Additionally, proficiency in Sinhala or Tamil is required, as these languages are essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Candidates who possess knowledge of other languages may have an advantage, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is open exclusively to Sri Lankan nationals. The application deadline is set for 18 February 2026, at 23:59 GMT+05:30 (India Standard Time). The role is full-time and involves working within a dynamic and multicultural environment. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and candidates are advised to apply through the official online recruitment system. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.