Programme Assistant

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 vision emphasizes a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in an inclusive environment, embodying values such as Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. 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 Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of activities related to Strategic Outcome (SO) 1 (Emergency) and SO 4/5 (Resilience) in the Diffa region. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that emergency and resilience activities are executed in accordance with WFP's policies and procedures. The Programme Assistant will work closely with the Programme Manager and the Sub-Office Chief to facilitate operational management, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure that all activities align with WFP's strategic objectives. The role demands a strong commitment to humanitarian principles and the ability to work effectively in a challenging environment, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the operational management of emergency activities under SO1, which includes overseeing food and cash distributions, rapid response mechanisms (RRM), and prolonged interventions, particularly in the Sayam Forage refugee camp. The role involves facilitating coordination and management of requests from the Country Office (CO), assisting in organizing and monitoring Third Party Monitoring (TPM) missions, and ensuring timely processing of invoices and payments related to SO1 activities. The Programme Assistant will also contribute to the continuity of RRM operations, participate in operational meetings, and maintain accurate data entry and updates in WFP's SCOPE system. Additionally, the role includes monitoring the implementation of SO1 activities by field partners, representing WFP in meetings with government counterparts, and supporting resilience activities by tracking Food for Assets (FFA) sites and facilitating community engagement in planning and management. The Programme Assistant will produce reports on the progress of sites and households towards autonomy, ensuring that all activities are documented and communicated effectively to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's degree (BAC+3) in fields such as political science, social sciences, economics, management, statistics, nutrition, international relations, rural development, or a related technical field. A strong understanding of humanitarian program management, particularly in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition contexts, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in food/cash distribution activities and have experience working within the United Nations system, which will be considered an asset. Additionally, candidates must have strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (BAC+3) in relevant fields such as political science, social sciences, economics, management, statistics, nutrition, international relations, or rural development. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian assistance and the operational frameworks within which WFP operates.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in humanitarian program management related to food security and nutrition. This experience should encompass direct involvement in emergency response and resilience-building activities, demonstrating a solid understanding of the challenges faced in humanitarian contexts. Familiarity with WFP's operational procedures and standards will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written French (level C) is mandatory, along with an intermediate level of English (level B). Knowledge of local languages such as Haoussa, Tamasheq, and Zarma is highly desirable, as it facilitates communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Diffa, Niger, and is expected to be a full-time role. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of submitting applications through the official online recruiting system.