Programme Assistant (Nutrition)

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 1963, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of achieving Zero Hunger. WFP emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. The organization is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger worldwide. WFP 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 Assistant (Nutrition) will play a crucial role in supporting WFP’s nutrition initiatives in Kerala, specifically focusing on the implementation of nutrition garden interventions at Anganwadi centers. This position requires close collaboration with the Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition) and the Head of the Nutrition and School Feeding Unit. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring various nutrition-related activities, ensuring alignment with WFP guidelines and local government policies. The role involves acting as a liaison for operational queries, facilitating effective communication among stakeholders, and contributing to capacity-building efforts for Anganwadi workers. The Programme Assistant will also be tasked with documenting project progress and coordinating with government counterparts to ensure timely implementation of nutrition initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the planning and implementation of nutrition garden interventions at Anganwadi centers.
• Acting as a point of contact for resolving operational queries related to project execution.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of activities.
• Reviewing the work of contracted field partners and providing guidance to meet project objectives.
• Organizing and conducting training sessions for Anganwadi workers and helpers on nutrition garden practices.
• Conducting regular visits to Anganwadi centers to monitor project implementation and identify areas for improvement.
• Preparing monthly progress reports for stakeholders and classifying best practices for dissemination.
• Coordinating with government counterparts and project stakeholders to facilitate timely project execution and issue resolution.
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completion of secondary school education, with a preference for those holding a university degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Agriculture, Management, or Social Sciences. The role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to draft official correspondence in Hindi when necessary. Knowledge of research methods and proficiency in quantitative and qualitative analysis are also essential. Advanced computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are required, along with familiarity with the UN system and WFP programs being advantageous.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have completed secondary school education, with a university degree in relevant fields such as Nutrition, Public Health, Agriculture, Management, or Social Sciences being preferable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of nutrition programs and project management in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible work experience, preferably in the development sector, particularly in partnership with government agencies, UN organizations, or international NGOs. Experience in implementing projects targeted at young children in Anganwadi centers is highly desirable, as it aligns with the objectives of the WFP's nutrition initiatives.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English and Malayalam is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional native languages is considered a plus, enhancing communication with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Indian nationals only and is classified as a Service Contract for a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal. The salary for this role is INR 66,485 per month, plus an additional 8.33% of the base salary towards social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. Employees will also receive medical benefits as per WFP's plan. Candidates should be aware that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and WFP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The role may require travel within the country, and candidates should be prepared to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.