Programme Team Leader

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 eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. WFP emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply, and invests in the professional development of its employees through training and mentorship programs.

Job Overview:
The Programme Team Leader will be responsible for designing and managing food assistance programs that effectively meet the needs of vulnerable populations in Eastern Afghanistan. This role involves providing technical advice and oversight on program implementation while leading a medium-sized team. The incumbent will ensure that all project plans align with the Afghanistan Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and adhere to corporate humanitarian policies. The position requires a strategic approach to program management, focusing on emergency food assistance, resilience building, school feeding initiatives, and malnutrition treatment. The Programme Team Leader will also oversee data management systems to ensure quality standards and evidence-based targeting, adapting programs to the unique socio-political and food security challenges in the region. This role is pivotal in ensuring that WFP's operations are effective, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of project plans and processes in alignment with the Afghanistan Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and corporate humanitarian policies.
• Direct the management of large-scale operations, including Emergency Food Assistance, Resilience and Food System initiatives, School Feeding, and Malnutrition treatment.
• Oversee CO data systems to ensure rigorous quality standards and evidence-based targeting across the four eastern provinces.
• Conduct operational analysis and research into socio-political and food security trends to adapt programs to the unique challenges of Eastern Afghanistan.
• Ensure high-quality, analytical reporting on CO activities for senior leadership and donors.
• Manage relationships with internal and external counterparts to ensure collaboration and identify operational risks.
• Lead the strategic identification and management of Cooperating Partners (CPs) to ensure high-impact results.
• Drive WFP’s value proposition in the Eastern region and facilitate high-level dialogue with stakeholders to negotiate humanitarian access.
• Lead the capacity-building strategy for WFP staff and partners, focusing on Emergency Preparedness and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP). 1
• Supervise and mentor a multi-disciplinary program team, serving as the final technical referral point for complex programmatic queries and staff development.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance.
• Alternatively, a First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
• Strong experience in program planning and implementation, with a proven track record of managing diverse program portfolios.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at the ministerial level and international financial institutions.
• Understanding of local policy processes and donor requirements is considered an added value.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. A first university degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant work experience and/or specialized training or courses.

Experience:
Candidates should ideally have director-level government experience and a strong background in program planning and implementation. Experience in leading a team to achieve results in a diverse program portfolio is essential. Familiarity with local policy processes, negotiations, and donor requirements will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, and is expected to be a full-time role. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be provided in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.