Emergency Response Coordinator

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 who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and promote peace.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Response Coordinator will play a critical role in overseeing WFP Zambia's preparedness and response to the anticipated El Niño event, which poses significant risks to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security in the region. This position requires a strategic leader who can coordinate various functions within the organization, including program management, supply chain logistics, finance, and partnerships. The coordinator will ensure that all aspects of the response are aligned and effectively implemented, adapting to evolving conditions and evidence as they arise. The role involves leading the development of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and integrated response plans, managing the Emergency Task Force, and facilitating communication and collaboration across different teams and stakeholders. The coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that WFP's response is informed by the best available evidence and that operational decisions are made based on thorough analysis and strategic foresight.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Overall Emergency Coordination and Strategic Direction: Coordinate the overall El Niño preparedness and response architecture, advising the Country Office Management Team on strategic and operational issues. Maintain a comprehensive view of operations to ensure alignment across various functions.
• CONOPS, Response Planning and Milestone Management: Lead the development and operationalization of the El Niño CONOPS and integrated response plan, ensuring clarity in objectives, interventions, and operational arrangements.
• Emergency Task Force and Cross-Functional Coordination: Chair the Emergency El Niño Task Force, ensuring effective meetings and collaboration among various teams.
• Evidence, Analysis and Programme Decision-Making: Work with the Research Assessment and Monitoring unit to ensure that responses are based on solid evidence and analysis.
• Programme and Operational Coordination: Ensure coherence in preparedness and response interventions across various programs.
• Supply Chain and Logistics Coordination: Coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure that logistical planning aligns with program needs.
• Government, Inter-Agency, Partner and Donor Engagement: Engage with government and partners to ensure alignment and effective coordination of response efforts.
• Resource, Funding and Operational Readiness Tracking: Maintain an integrated view of needs and resources, ensuring that program ambitions align with available funding.
• Information Management, Reporting and Communications: Establish effective information management systems to keep stakeholders informed. 1
• Response Performance, Learning and Adaptation: Regularly review progress and adapt strategies based on lessons learned and evolving conditions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as International Affairs, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Economics, Food Security, or Logistics/Supply Chain Management. Alternatively, a first university degree with substantial relevant professional experience is acceptable. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian and emergency operations, with significant experience in large-scale emergency responses. Extensive experience coordinating humanitarian operations, developing CONOPS, and engaging with government and inter-agency mechanisms is highly desirable. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in International Affairs, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Economics, Food Security, Logistics/Supply Chain Management, Disaster Risk Management, or a related field is required. A first university degree with substantial additional relevant professional experience may also be considered sufficient for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian and emergency operations. Candidates should have extensive experience coordinating large-scale humanitarian operations, preferably within WFP or a comparable international humanitarian organization. Experience in developing and operationalizing emergency response plans and managing cross-functional teams is essential. Familiarity with drought and climate-related emergencies in Africa, particularly Southern Africa, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 11 months. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver key outputs, including an approved and regularly updated El Niño CONOPS, a master preparedness and response calendar, and regular management decision briefs. The role involves significant engagement with various stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and UN partners, and requires a strong commitment to WFP's values and mission.