Programme Policy Officer - Cash Base Transfer (SC 8)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition, particularly in times of crisis. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees are valued and supported in their professional development through various training and mobility opportunities. WFP operates in numerous countries, providing assistance to millions of people in need, and is dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - Cash Base Transfer (SC 8) position at WFP involves supporting the implementation of a significant cash transfer program aimed at assisting vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka. The role is critical in managing cash-based transfers, which are essential for providing immediate support to households affected by disasters, particularly in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that cash transfers are administered effectively, beneficiaries are registered and profiled accurately, and compliance with WFP's operational standards is maintained. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and reporting on program outcomes, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders, including field staff, implementing partners, and government agencies. The officer will also play a key role in documenting lessons learned and contributing to the overall strategic objectives of WFP's Country Strategic Plan in Sri Lanka, focusing on emergency support and community resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cash Transfer Administration: Support the registration and profiling of beneficiaries in WFP systems, prepare and verify beneficiary lists for cash transfer activities, track disbursements, and maintain accurate payment records. Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and WFP standards in documentation and record-keeping.
• Programme Documentation & Reporting: Collect and disseminate correspondence, reports, and program materials related to cash transfer activities. Assist in preparing monitoring reports and community feedback documentation, and maintain organized filing systems for program records.
• Data Entry & Monitoring Support: Conduct routine data entry for beneficiary information and cash transfer tracking, compile program statistics for reporting, and provide administrative support for field monitoring missions.
• Coordination & Communication: Liaise with field staff and partners to facilitate program operations, respond to queries from partners, and support coordination forums.
• Community Feedback Mechanism: Stay informed about WFP’s feedback mechanisms, log beneficiary queries, and assist in resolving transfer-related discrepancies.
• Protection and Accountability Integration: Ensure alignment of cash transfer activities with corporate guidance on beneficiary accountability and handle beneficiary feedback with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in a relevant field. A minimum of one year of postgraduate professional experience in a managerial, supervisory, advisory, or decision-making role is required. Candidates with three years of experience with a master’s degree or five years with a bachelor’s degree in related fields will be considered favorably. Experience with cash-transfer programs is an asset. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital beneficiary management systems are also required. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for managing multiple streams of documentation and reporting.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in a relevant field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may also be considered if they have additional years of related work experience and training in humanitarian or development contexts.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least one year of relevant postgraduate professional experience. Candidates with three years of experience with a master’s degree or five years with a bachelor’s degree in related fields will be given preference. Experience in cash-transfer programs is particularly valuable for this role, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of managing cash-based assistance.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written communication in English is mandatory. Proficiency in either Sinhala or Tamil is also required, as these languages are essential for effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Service Contract role based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is open only to Sri Lankan nationals. The application deadline is set for 11 September 202

• WFP emphasizes a commitment to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.