Programme Associate (Agronomist)

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 core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization has been recognized globally for its efforts, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• WFP emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to apply for positions within the organization. For more information, visit their official website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate (Agronomist) position at WFP involves providing technical leadership and support for agriculture-related activities that align with the organization's program objectives and guidelines. The role requires assisting in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural projects to achieve established targets while maintaining quality standards. The Programme Associate will research and anticipate government policies, priorities, strategies, and regulations to ensure that WFP's agricultural initiatives are aligned with national frameworks. This position is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, as it involves preparing reports, analyzing data, and highlighting trends to support decision-making processes. The Programme Associate will also liaise with internal teams and external partners to foster collaboration and effective implementation of activities, thereby contributing to the overall mission of WFP in improving food security and agricultural resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Associate (Agronomist) include:

• Providing technical leadership for agriculture-related activities, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Assisting in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural projects to meet established targets.
• Researching government policies and regulations to align WFP's actions with national strategies.
• Preparing reports and analyzing data to support decision-making and compliance with standards.
• Maintaining accurate and timely records of data for stakeholders.
• Coordinating with internal teams and external partners to strengthen market linkages and improve agricultural value chains.
• Developing technical guidelines and specifications for crop production and post-harvest management.
• Organizing training programs on best agricultural practices and entrepreneurship development.
• Supporting the development of project proposals and participatory planning processes. 1
• Assessing the technical feasibility of interventions and identifying opportunities for improvement. 1
• Providing technical input for monitoring and evaluation systems and conducting field assessments. 1
• Preparing agriculture development plans and resource mobilization documents. 1
• Fostering partnerships with stakeholders to enhance project impact. 1
• Coordinating with local partners and agencies for accurate food security analyses. 1
• Supporting the capacity building of WFP staff and partners in the technical area. 1
• Acting as a point of contact for operational queries within the technical area. 1
• Overseeing the work of support staff and providing guidance to meet objectives. 1
• Following emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP's readiness to respond to crises.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Associate (Agronomist) position include a strong background in agricultural sciences or a related field, with a focus on practical experience in agricultural development and food security. Candidates should possess excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and prepare comprehensive reports. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, with a passion for improving food security and agricultural practices. Proficiency in project management and familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks are also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Programme Associate (Agronomist) position are expected to have a degree in agricultural sciences, agronomy, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in agricultural development, food security, or related disciplines will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas are encouraged to keep up with the latest agricultural practices and innovations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural development, project management, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies in the agricultural sector is highly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully implementing agricultural projects and initiatives, as well as experience in capacity building and training of stakeholders in agricultural practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Programme Associate (Agronomist) position, as it is the working language of WFP. Knowledge of local languages, particularly Sinhala or Tamil, is considered an asset and will enhance communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Associate (Agronomist) position is a Service Contract (SC) with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The duty station for this position is Badulla, Sri Lanka, and it is open to Sri Lankan nationals only. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment, ensuring that all employees have the resources and opportunities to succeed in their roles.