Field Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Field Assistant
Location: Cusco
Country: Peru
Deadline Date: 14 March 2025

Job Details

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 the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that embodies its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization is also recognized for its commitment to equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Field Assistant position is crucial for supporting the operation and monitoring of the project "Compartiendo la Mesa: Transformar los sistemas alimentarios con la agricultura familiar para reducir el hambre de Perú." This project aims to enhance interventions that improve the transformation and logistics chain of family agriculture, thereby optimizing food production, storage, processing, and marketing. The Field Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator in Cusco, focusing on implementing new modalities of food service in educational institutions, ensuring that local food purchases support family agriculture and local economies. The role involves monitoring the quality of food services provided in schools, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards, and facilitating community engagement in food procurement processes. The Field Assistant will also be responsible for documenting progress and challenges, providing technical assistance, and ensuring transparency in the management of resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including: providing technical assistance to parent committees and educational communities in implementing the subsidy modality in participating schools; coordinating with relevant authorities to improve the operations of the economic subsidy model; ensuring the proper use of subsidies and maintaining accountability in fund management; designing and adjusting management documents to optimize school feeding operations; conducting regular visits to selected schools to monitor food quality and service; facilitating beneficiary registration activities; preparing reports based on provided instruments; monitoring project activities and entering information into internal applications; incorporating gender equality guidelines into all activities; and supporting other related tasks as required by the Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should ideally possess a university degree in nutrition, food industries, or related fields. Proficiency in data processing software, including Office applications, email, and database management, is desirable. Candidates should also have strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with beneficiaries, educational staff, and partners. The ability to work under pressure and in short response times is essential, as is the capacity to collaborate harmoniously with WFP staff in Lima when necessary.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as nutrition, food industries, or similar disciplines is preferred. Knowledge of food safety and nutrition standards is advantageous, as is familiarity with local agricultural practices and community engagement strategies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant work experience in social projects or programs, preferably related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security or nutrition. Experience in fieldwork and data collection in relevant areas is also desirable, as it will contribute to the effective monitoring and evaluation of project activities.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, and knowledge of Quechua is highly desirable. Proficiency in English is a plus, as it may facilitate communication with international colleagues and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under a Service Contract (SC) with the World Food Programme until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of renewal. The salary level is classified as SC4 according to the National United Nations Scale. Individuals hired under SC contracts are considered independent contractors and must provide receipts for payment of their services. The compensation received is subject to personal income tax, and it is the contractor's responsibility to settle any tax obligations with national authorities. WFP does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process, and candidates are advised to be cautious when submitting personal information online. The deadline for applications is March 14, 2025, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.