Head of Programme

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 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the importance of a healthy work environment, where employees are selected based on merit and are encouraged to grow professionally and personally through various training and development programs. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which underscores its commitment to humanitarian work and the impact it has on millions of lives globally.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme position at WFP is a critical role based in the Herat Area Office, reporting directly to the Head of Area Office. The job holder will operate with a high degree of independence and will be responsible for managing junior staff to ensure that program and policy objectives are met effectively. This role involves a wide variety of program and policy activities, requiring analytical skills to navigate complex situations. The Head of Programme will oversee the implementation of food and cash assistance programs, ensuring they align with WFP standards and policies. The position also entails providing technical expertise to the program team, enhancing the design and delivery of assistance programs, and ensuring coordination among various stakeholders to improve program quality and effectiveness. The job holder will play a vital role in fostering partnerships and capacity building among staff and partners, contributing to the overall mission of WFP in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Programme include:

• Managing the implementation of WFP programs at the field level, ensuring timely and effective deployment of food and cash assistance.
• Providing technical expertise and support to the Area Office Program team in planning and implementing food and cash assistance programs.
• Ensuring coordination for resilience-building programs, linking school feeding, nutrition, social protection, and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Reviewing and analyzing data collected through monitoring and evaluation tools for decision-making purposes.
• Monitoring financial resources to ensure efficient use and adherence to approved budgets.
• Facilitating cross-functional coordination within the Area Office for coherent program delivery.
• Establishing and maintaining operational partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of strategic partnerships to enhance food assistance packages.
• Contributing to the capacity improvement of WFP staff and partners through training and technical guidance. 1
• Guiding and supervising junior and field-level program staff to foster high performance. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an 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 training is acceptable. Candidates should have a deepened technical knowledge through exposure to technical teams, experience in leading program implementations, and providing input into policy discussions and decisions.

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 combined with additional relevant work experience and training may also be considered acceptable for this role.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have substantial experience in program management, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a history of leadership in implementing programs and contributing to policy discussions. Experience in managing teams and working collaboratively with various stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) and Dari/Pashto is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Herat, Afghanistan, and is a full-time role. 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. All applications must be submitted through WFP's online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process. WFP emphasizes an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.