Programme Associate (VAM)

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, providing food assistance to millions of people in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. WFP's mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it strives to create a world where everyone has access to the food they need to live a healthy and active life. The organization emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate (VAM) position is integral to the Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) unit within WFP, focusing on providing specialized technical and analytical support to enhance data-driven decision-making and accountability in food assistance programs. The role requires a high degree of autonomy and judgment, as the associate will work closely with the Head of RAM to ensure that the organization's corporate standards are met. The associate will be responsible for implementing assessments and targeting activities, contributing to vulnerability and food security assessments, and developing information products that aid in the effective delivery of food assistance. This position is crucial for ensuring that WFP's interventions are based on reliable data and that the needs of vulnerable populations are accurately identified and addressed. The associate will also play a key role in capacity building initiatives, supporting local stakeholders and partners in understanding and utilizing data effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate (VAM) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the VAM officer in implementing assessments and targeting activities in accordance with corporate VAM policies; contributing to vulnerability, food security, and nutrition assessments through the design of tools and analysis of food assistance needs; developing information products and knowledge management systems, including dashboards and price bulletins; maintaining and enhancing databases and platforms to ensure data quality and accessibility; preparing and quality assuring analytical outputs such as reports and presentations; contributing to the design and implementation of VAM activities, including monitoring data collection processes; liaising with internal units and external partners to support coordinated data collection and reporting; assisting in emergency preparedness and response activities; and delivering capacity building initiatives to local stakeholders. The associate will also perform any other duties as required by the supervisor to support program objectives and priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in economics, agriculture, social sciences, development studies, data science, or a related field being desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 6 years of progressively responsible work experience in food security and nutrition-related data collection, analysis, and reporting. Proficiency in statistical tools and methods for food security analysis, such as SPSS, STATA, R, and GIS, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate practical expertise in food security analysis and mapping, experience with visualization software (e.g., Python, R, Power BI, Tableau), and strong database knowledge (e.g., SQL, MS Access). Experience interacting with partners and stakeholders, as well as working in a humanitarian context, is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completion of secondary school education, with a preference for candidates holding a post-secondary certificate in relevant fields such as economics, agriculture, social sciences, development studies, or data science. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of food security and nutrition analysis, as well as for effectively utilizing statistical tools and methodologies in the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible work experience in areas related to food security and nutrition, particularly in data collection, analysis, and reporting. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the methodologies and tools used in food security analysis, as well as the ability to work effectively in a humanitarian context. Previous experience in data management and interaction with various stakeholders is also highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications, particularly in contexts where French is commonly used.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a Service Contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The role is classified at Level SC - L6, indicating a mid-level position within the organization. WFP is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse pool of candidates. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which includes various benefits and opportunities for professional development. WFP emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.