Programme Associate

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 its mission. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian assistance and global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for its employees, offering various training and mobility opportunities across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position at WFP is designed to provide specialized support in the implementation of nutrition, food systems, and school meals interventions in Punjab, Pakistan. The role involves working closely with government counterparts and cooperating partners to ensure effective program delivery and achievement of WFP's objectives. The Programme Associate will be responsible for coordinating program activities, monitoring progress, and managing partnerships to facilitate the successful execution of WFP's initiatives. This position requires a high degree of initiative and independence, as well as the ability to maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders. The Programme Associate will also contribute to program planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that all activities align with WFP's policies and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Associate include:

• Supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition, food systems, and school meals program activities in Punjab in accordance with WFP policies and strategies.
• Coordinating implementation activities with the Department of Health, Provincial Government departments, district authorities, and cooperating partners to ensure timely delivery of program outputs and achievement of targets.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with government stakeholders and cooperating partners to strengthen collaboration and support program implementation.
• Organizing and facilitating coordination meetings, technical consultations, review sessions, workshops, and planning exercises with key stakeholders.
• Following up on agreed actions from coordination meetings and ensuring timely communication among relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting the selection, onboarding, and management of cooperating partners in line with WFP partnership policies and procedures.
• Maintaining regular communication with cooperating partners to monitor implementation progress, identify challenges, and facilitate timely resolution of operational issues.
• Supporting the preparation, review, and monitoring of FLAs, MOUs, and other partnership agreements, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and reporting requirements.
• Compiling, reviewing, and validating program data received from cooperating partners and government counterparts to ensure completeness, accuracy, and consistency. 1
• Conducting regular monitoring visits to program sites and cooperating partner locations to assess implementation progress, identify bottlenecks, and recommend corrective measures. 1
• Liaising regularly with the Department of Health and Provincial Government counterparts to support planning, implementation, monitoring, and review of program interventions. 1
• Supporting documentation of lessons learned, best practices, success stories, and program achievements.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Associate position include:

• Completion of secondary school education (Grade 12).
• A post-secondary certificate in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or another relevant field.
• A first university degree in a relevant field is an advantage.
• Minimum six years of progressively responsible professional experience, with at least three years in nutrition, public health, food security, program management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in program implementation, monitoring, partner management, and government coordination.
• Experience working with the Department of Health, Provincial Government, and development partners is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in data management, data analysis, and program performance reporting.
• Knowledge of data quality assurance, data protection principles, and results-based management frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for the Programme Associate position includes:

• Completion of secondary school education (Grade 12).
• A post-secondary certificate in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or another relevant field.
• A first university degree in a relevant field is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates for the Programme Associate position should have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience, with at least three years specifically in areas such as nutrition, public health, food security, program management, or related fields. This experience should include demonstrated involvement in program implementation, monitoring, partner management, and coordination with government entities. Familiarity with the Department of Health and Provincial Government operations, as well as experience in conducting assessments, reviews, evaluations, and performance monitoring activities, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should possess strong skills in data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder engagement, which are crucial for the effective execution of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu is required for the Programme Associate position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Punjab will be considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate better communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Associate position is a Service Contract with a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The role is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. WFP offers a competitive benefits package that includes salary, social security contributions, medical insurance, annual leave, parental leave, and other benefits. It is important to note that all educational documents must be verified and attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, and appointment will be subject to the submission of HEC-verified degrees. The vacancy announcement is specifically for UN staff only, and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.