Asociado/a Senior de Programas – Profesional SBN

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Founded in 1961, WFP operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of individuals dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP's mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it actively works towards achieving Zero Hunger by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Programme Associate focuses on leading and managing various projects aimed at enhancing resilience and livelihoods in communities affected by food insecurity in Colombia. The role requires strategic planning, coordination, and supervision of initiatives that align with WFP's mission to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security sustainably. The Senior Programme Associate will oversee the implementation of projects that utilize nature-based solutions to address climate change impacts, ensuring that interventions meet technical, contractual, and sustainability standards. This position is integral to the WFP's efforts in Colombia, particularly in the Amazon region, where the organization aims to support vulnerable populations, including indigenous communities, in adapting to climate challenges and improving their livelihoods. The role also involves supervising a specialized team and collaborating with local authorities and community partners to ensure effective project delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Associate will be responsible for the following duties:

• Lead the design and implementation of nature-based solutions initiatives focused on restoration, conservation, climate resilience, and livelihood strengthening.
• Integrate cross-cutting approaches such as sustainability, rural markets, ecosystem regeneration, gender, protection, cultural relevance, and community participation into project planning and execution.
• Supervise cooperating partners to ensure technical quality, contractual compliance, programmatic progress, and appropriate resource utilization in all implemented activities.
• Conduct monitoring, follow-up, and programmatic analysis of the project portfolio, ensuring data quality, timely registration in corporate systems, and accurate reporting.
• Act as a programmatic and operational focal point with local authorities, public institutions, community organizations, and implementing partners, representing WFP when delegated.
• Manage and respond promptly to local government and territorial entity requests related to agreements and projects implemented by WFP.
• Coordinate operational and logistical planning for the Satellite Office, ensuring alignment with the Country Office and maintaining periodic presence in implementation areas.
• Lead and guide the local technical team, fostering a cohesive work environment, strengthening capacities, and ensuring proper execution of activities.
• Develop training and technical assistance processes aimed at partners, communities, and local actors, emphasizing resilience, productive sustainability, territorial management, and climate adaptation. 1
• Ensure the implementation of gender, protection, and environmental and social safeguard approaches in all activities within the portfolio. 1
• Support the application of WFP safety guidelines in the area, report risks and incidents, and fulfill other related tasks assigned by supervision in line with WFP's strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements for this position include:

• Education: Completion of secondary education; a university degree in Agronomy, Agroindustry, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Sciences, Administration, Sociology, Anthropology, or related fields is desirable, preferably with specialization in community development and demonstrable experience in nature-based solutions projects, resilience, and climate adaptation.
• Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating nature-based solutions projects, resilience, and climate adaptation. Specific experience in designing and supervising nature-based solutions in contexts of ecosystem degradation, particularly in areas inhabited by indigenous and rural communities. Experience in coordinating with cooperating partners, ensuring compliance with agreements, contracts, and results. Management of calls for proposals, evaluation of submissions, and technical support to partners. Coordination with donors and preparation of technical and financial reports. Strengthening local capacities and linking with markets. Familiarity with Office tools is desirable. Experience in developing virtual and in-person training methodologies. Experience working with ethnic communities. Knowledge of gender issues, particularly in rural areas.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of secondary education, with a preference for candidates holding a university degree in relevant fields such as Agronomy, Agroindustry, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Sciences, Administration, Sociology, or Anthropology. Specialization in community development and experience in nature-based solutions projects, resilience, and climate adaptation are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating projects focused on nature-based solutions, resilience, and climate adaptation. Specific experience in contexts of ecosystem degradation and working with indigenous and rural communities is essential. The candidate should also have experience in coordinating with partners and managing project compliance and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written Spanish is mandatory, with a desirable proficiency in English. This bilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse working environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is six months, under a Service Contract at the SC – L7 level. The position is based in Leticia, Colombia, but the organization is also establishing a roster of qualified candidates for future opportunities in other cities where operational needs may arise. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee immediate hiring but allows for candidates to be contacted for relevant vacancies. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace.