Programme Assistant (Disaster Preparedness)

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 communities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (Disaster Preparedness) position is crucial for supporting the WFP Country Office in Islamabad. The role involves assisting in various tasks related to disaster preparedness, Anticipatory Action (AA), and resilience programming in vulnerable districts of Pakistan. The job holder will work closely with the Activity Manager and the SO1 Manager, contributing to the planning and implementation of activities that enhance disaster risk reduction and resilience building. The position requires a strong understanding of disaster risk management principles and the ability to coordinate effectively with government counterparts, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The Programme Assistant will play a key role in ensuring that project activities are executed efficiently and that lessons learned are documented for future reference.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Assistant include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the planning and coordination of emergency preparedness and AA activities at both field and country office levels.
• Supporting the integration of resilience-building measures into ongoing programs.
• Maintaining updated records of program activities, budgets, and outputs.
• Assisting in training sessions, workshops, and simulations focused on emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction (DRR).
• Facilitating communication between provincial teams, cooperating partners, and government counterparts.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices from program activities.
• Drafting correspondence, meeting agendas, and minutes for various meetings.
• Ensuring timely processing of administrative tasks such as procurement requests, travel arrangements, and payments for Activity
• Maintaining organized filing systems and databases for program documentation. 1
• Aligning budget proposals with operational plans, donor requirements, and WFP financial guidelines. 1
• Verifying invoices, receipts, and supporting documents from cooperating partners and project office teams. 1
• Maintaining regular contact with government counterparts, NGOs, UN agencies, and community representatives. 1
• Sharing updates on program activities, risks, and preparedness measures with relevant stakeholders. 1
• Preparing and facilitating missions to targeted areas as needed. 1
• Conducting field visits to support and monitor field activities, addressing issues as they arise, and reporting back for information and action. 1
• Performing other related duties or assignments as directed by the activity manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of disaster risk management principles and practices. They should demonstrate strong coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and local communities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include the completion of secondary school education. A Bachelor’s degree in social science, development studies, climate change, disaster risk reduction, project management, or a related field is desirable. It is important that all educational documents are verified and attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, as appointment will be contingent upon submission of HEC-verified degrees.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in coordination and administration, with a solid understanding of disaster risk management, emergency response, Anticipatory Action, community development, or related areas. Experience working with government institutions, international organizations, or NGOs is considered an advantage, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate complex environments and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Service Contract for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension. It is specifically open to Pakistan Nationals only. The WFP provides a competitive benefits package that includes salary, social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security contributions, medical insurance, annual leave, and parental leave, among other benefits. The role is based in Islamabad, and candidates are encouraged to apply through the WFP online recruiting system. All applications must be submitted exclusively through the designated platform, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.