Programme Assistant - Volunteer

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 is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, which underscores its significant role in humanitarian efforts globally. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background or identity.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant - Volunteer position is designed to provide essential administrative support to the Activity Managers within the Programme Division at WFP's Tanzania Country Office in Dar es Salaam. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the activities are implemented smoothly and efficiently. The job holder will be responsible for timely and accurate reporting, effective data management, and analysis that contribute to informed decision-making. This position requires a proactive approach, as the incumbent will work closely with various units, including Budget and Programming, Finance, and Supply Chain, to facilitate the successful execution of program activities. The Programme Assistant will also engage in data collection and analysis, meeting coordination, and communication with local partners, thereby playing a crucial role in the overall success of WFP's mission in Tanzania.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Assistant include providing backstopping support for Activity 1 and Activity 2, ensuring timely follow-up on deadlines, and facilitating smooth implementation of activities. The incumbent will coordinate meetings, workshops, and training sessions, which involves preparing materials, communicating with participants, and processing payments. Additionally, the role entails assisting with data collection, entry, analysis, and the preparation of reports. The Programme Assistant will arrange meetings, prepare agendas, and take structured minutes, ensuring that action points are followed up with relevant staff. The position also requires contributing to corporate and program reports, maintaining proper filing systems, and providing general administrative support for daily operations. Furthermore, the Programme Assistant will coordinate with internal functions to support program operations and facilitate communication with local partners, agencies, NGOs, and government counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Programme Assistant position should possess a strong foundation in administrative or program support work, ideally gained through internships, volunteering, or university projects. Experience in data collection, data entry, or basic data analysis is preferred, particularly with tools like Excel or other data management systems. Additionally, experience in organizing meetings, workshops, or community activities is beneficial. Involvement with student organizations, NGOs, or community initiatives that demonstrate teamwork and organizational skills is also desirable. The ideal candidate should exhibit strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields. Candidates should either be currently enrolled in a degree program or have graduated within the last 6 to 12 months. While no formal work experience is required, some prior exposure to relevant fields through volunteer work, university projects, or part-time roles is advantageous.

Experience:
While formal work experience is not a prerequisite for this role, candidates should have some exposure to administrative or program support tasks. This could include experience gained through internships, volunteer positions, or academic projects that involved administration, data collection, report drafting, or working with NGOs and community organizations. The emphasis is on the ability to demonstrate relevant skills and a willingness to learn and contribute to the team's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Kiswahili is essential for effective communication with local partners, government counterparts, and field operations, making it a critical asset for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role with a contract duration of 12 months. It is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and is considered a full-time position. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work environment and does not charge any fees for the application process. Candidates are encouraged to apply through the official online recruiting system, ensuring that their profiles are complete and accurate.