Consultant for Social Protection

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 alleviating 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 peace.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Social Protection will play a pivotal role in supporting WFP Niger's engagement with various ministries and partners, including UNICEF and the World Bank. This position requires a strategic approach to coordinating social protection initiatives, ensuring alignment with WFP's policies and the Country Strategic Plan (CSP). The consultant will act as the national focal point for social protection, facilitating communication between field operations, the Regional Office, and Headquarters. The role also involves providing technical assistance to enhance the national social protection policy framework, integrating WFP's activities with resilience initiatives, and ensuring effective monitoring and documentation of social protection programs. The consultant will be expected to produce policy briefs and reports, advocate for social protection initiatives, and support operational management of the portfolio, ensuring coherence and compliance with WFP's standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Coordination and Strategic Support: Engage with ministries and partners to prepare technical inputs, facilitate consultations, and follow up on actions. Act as the national focal point for social protection, ensuring effective liaison between various stakeholders. Contribute to the formulation of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and support technical committees on social protection.
• Technical Assistance and Systems Strengthening: Provide support for revising the national social protection policy framework, ensuring alignment with resilience and nutrition priorities. Facilitate the design of delivery systems and develop capacity-building plans for relevant ministries.
• Knowledge Management and Advocacy: Coordinate with teams to monitor and document pilot programs, produce policy briefs, and share lessons learned for replication in Niger and other Sahel countries.
• Operational Management: Review and provide technical advice on Annual Work Plans, contribute to planning activities funded by grants, and ensure technical monitoring of implementation.
• Cash Transfer Activities: Ensure coordination of cash transfer activities, plan distribution cycles, validate targeting criteria, and monitor implementation while addressing operational constraints.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in designing and implementing social protection policies and programs. A minimum of 3 years of experience in managing social safety net projects using cash transfers is required. Proven experience in working with government counterparts and inter-agency coordination, particularly with UN agencies and international financial institutions, is essential. Strong analytical and communication skills are necessary to effectively engage with stakeholders and produce high-quality reports and policy briefs.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related field. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) are preferred and may be advantageous in demonstrating expertise in social protection and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 5 years in the field of social protection, with a focus on policy design and program implementation. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects that involve cash transfers and social safety nets, as well as experience in collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is highly desirable, given the operational context in Niger. Knowledge of local languages may also be beneficial and is considered an asset for effective communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a contract duration that may vary based on project needs. It is a full-time position, and candidates may be recruited internationally. The compensation package will be attractive and in line with WFP's Terms and Conditions. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.