Community UNV Positions for Tanzania School Feeding Project

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and changing lives by delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Established as part of the United Nations system, WFP operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on alleviating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization is committed to addressing the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, and it employs a comprehensive approach that includes emergency response, development programs, and advocacy for policy changes. WFP's mission is to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that communities can thrive through sustainable food systems. The organization employs thousands of staff globally and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, to achieve its objectives. In Tanzania, WFP is implementing its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2022-2027, which aims to support the government in delivering equitable and inclusive economic growth through investments in human capital, resilient livelihoods, and nutritious diets. The CSP emphasizes policy-level advocacy and technical assistance in areas such as school feeding and nutrition, aiming to improve the nutrition situation across the country.

Job Overview:
The Community UNV positions are designed to support the implementation of the Tanzania School Feeding Project, which is a multisectoral initiative aimed at enhancing school health and nutrition. The project involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government focal points in education, nutrition, agriculture, and community development. The selected UN Volunteers (UNVs) will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the WFP Mtwara Field Office and the overall supervision of the Head of Nutrition, HIV, and School-Based Programmes. The primary functions of the UNVs will include supporting project activities related to school feeding governance, nutrition-sensitive school feeding, community engagement, cash-based transfers, agricultural support, food safety, and quality assurance. The UNVs will also be responsible for data collection, monitoring, and reporting to ensure the effective implementation of the project. This role requires strong communication skills, community engagement abilities, and a commitment to promoting nutrition and food security in schools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community UNV positions include:

• Supporting project implementation in school feeding governance and accountability by enhancing the functionality of School Feeding Committees and ensuring regular engagement with stakeholders.
• Assisting in the implementation of nutrition-sensitive school feeding activities and participating in social and behavior change initiatives to promote healthy diets.
• Documenting community contributions to school feeding and facilitating parental engagement to foster local ownership.
• Supporting cash-based transfers to schools by reviewing documentation, ensuring operational budget codes, and assisting with procurement processes.
• Monitoring school gardens and agricultural activities, collecting data, and participating in agricultural awareness initiatives.
• Promoting food safety and hygiene practices in schools, monitoring conditions during site visits, and supporting awareness activities on safe food handling.
• Collecting and verifying data on school feeding, nutrition, and agriculture interventions, assisting in report compilation, and participating in field monitoring visits.
• Supporting project coordination and collaboration between schools, communities, and local government authorities.
• Engaging in gender-responsive documentation and analysis to identify barriers and capacities related to school feeding and nutrition services. 1
• Performing any other tasks as required by the supervisor and activity manager.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Community UNV positions include strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to engage and mobilize communities, and a commitment to teamwork and collaboration. Candidates should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, as well as problem-solving and adaptability skills. The ability to work with minimal supervision and a strong sense of integrity and accountability are also essential. Candidates must be residents of the Mtwara and Lindi regions at the time of application and should indicate their residence location in their motivation letter.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Community UNV positions should possess a relevant educational background, ideally in fields related to nutrition, agriculture, education, social sciences, or community development. A degree or diploma in these areas will be advantageous, as it will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support the implementation of the Tanzania School Feeding Project.

Experience:
Candidates should have some level of experience in community engagement, project implementation, or related fields. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, any prior involvement in humanitarian work, nutrition programs, or educational initiatives will be beneficial. Experience working with local communities and understanding the dynamics of school feeding programs will be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Community UNV positions, as it is the working language of the WFP. Proficiency in Kiswahili is also essential, given the local context and the communities involved in the project. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly if they facilitate communication with diverse community members.

Additional Notes:
The Community UNV positions are full-time roles with a duration of six months, specifically reserved for individuals who are residents of the Mtwara and Lindi regions. Applicants must ensure they currently reside in these areas at the time of application, as candidates from other regions are not eligible to apply. The positions involve working closely with local communities, schools, and government authorities to implement the Tanzania School Feeding Project effectively. The roles require a commitment to community engagement and a passion for improving nutrition and food security among schoolchildren.