Project Coordinator & Technical Lead (Financial Inclusion) CST II

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 extreme weather. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide. WFP's mission is driven by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator & Technical Lead (Financial Inclusion) will play a pivotal role in the Yemen Dairy Agribusiness Project, which is a large-scale initiative aimed at enhancing the dairy value chain in Yemen. This position is crucial for ensuring the successful implementation of Component C, which focuses on facilitating access to financial services and building financial capability for dairy producers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The selected candidate will provide technical leadership and oversight throughout the project lifecycle, from design to implementation, ensuring alignment with World Bank requirements and WFP's operational standards. The role requires a deep understanding of financial inclusion strategies, stakeholder engagement, and project management in complex environments. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for leading WFP's engagement with key partners, including the World Bank and FAO, and ensuring that project objectives are met effectively and efficiently. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to significant development outcomes in a challenging context, making a tangible difference in the lives of beneficiaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: leading WFP’s contribution to the finalization of project readiness measures for Component C; providing technical leadership on the design and operationalization of the Partial Portfolio Credit Guarantee (PPCG); acting as WFP’s primary liaison with the World Bank, FAO, and national counterparts; coordinating internal technical, operational, fiduciary, safeguards, and risk management inputs; overseeing the strategic and operational implementation of Component C; supporting adaptive project management through regular monitoring and risk identification; and providing strategic advice to WFP management on financial inclusion and private sector engagement. The role also involves preparing technical notes, presentations, and reports for various stakeholders, ensuring that all project documentation is translated into operational systems and field-level delivery arrangements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) or a university degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Social Sciences, or Business Administration. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience in areas related to financial inclusion, business and financial skills development, digital payment platforms, and partial portfolio credit guarantee mechanisms. Experience with World Bank-funded operations and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships in fragile and conflict-affected settings are essential. Strong drafting skills and the ability to work under pressure in politically sensitive environments are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) or a university degree in fields pertinent to the role, such as International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Social Sciences, or Business Administration. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of financial inclusion and development project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly in financial inclusion, business and financial skills development, and the design of tailored financial services for smallholder farmers and MSMEs. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in the setup and early implementation of large-scale development projects, including operational readiness and stakeholder management. Experience working in fragile and conflict-affected settings is highly desirable, as is the ability to navigate complex political environments and manage delivery risks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a Level C proficiency required. Additionally, working knowledge or intermediate proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation effectiveness.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy contract at level II, with a duration of 6 months. The role is based in Aden, Yemen, and involves significant engagement with various stakeholders, including international organizations and local partners. The selected candidate will be expected to work full-time and may need to travel within the region as required. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, as the organization is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.