Head of Field Office

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of Field Office
Location: Moundou, Guereda
Country: Chad
Deadline Date: 13 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 alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and a healthy work environment, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. WFP is committed to fostering a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Job Overview:
The Head of Field Office position is crucial for managing WFP's operations in the designated area, specifically in Moundou and Guereda, Chad. The role involves overseeing the effective and efficient management of human and financial resources while executing WFP's programs and activities. The Head of Field Office will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director or Deputy Country Director and will be responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with local governments, UN agencies, and other partners to enhance WFP's visibility and impact. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that food assistance is deployed rapidly and effectively, addressing the urgent needs of the population affected by food insecurity and malnutrition. The Head of Field Office will also play a key role in implementing WFP's strategic objectives and ensuring that the organization's values are upheld in all operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Field Office will be responsible for managing and directing WFP's field operations in the assigned area, ensuring the rapid and effective deployment of food assistance programs. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the field office to ensure efficient management of human and financial resources.
• Implementing WFP's initiatives, policies, and strategies at the field level.
• Ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of personnel, operations, and assets in accordance with WFP's safety standards.
• Collaborating with local governments and partners to identify areas for food assistance deployment.
• Developing and coordinating data collection and monitoring systems, conducting timely evaluations of program effectiveness.
• Preparing accurate reports on operations and performance for review by the Country Office.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
• Conducting inspections of storage facilities and distribution points to ensure compliance with WFP policies.
• Performing other duties as required to support WFP's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications to be considered for the Head of Field Office position. This includes a proven track record in managing field operations, particularly in challenging environments. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to lead teams effectively, manage budgets, and develop strategic partnerships. Strong analytical skills and experience in risk assessment are essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should also have experience in emergency response and development programs, showcasing their capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and needs.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a higher university degree in economics, international development, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience or training in related areas may be accepted. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian assistance and development work in the context of food security and nutrition.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience relevant to the position. This experience should include field operations, preferably in difficult or emergency settings. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing teams and budgets, as well as a solid understanding of the political and social dynamics that affect humanitarian operations. Experience in negotiating with partners and stakeholders is also highly valued, as is familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes in humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French (C level) is mandatory, along with a minimum proficiency in English (B level). Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse populations and stakeholders in the field.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role at Level II, with a contract duration of 11 months. The role is full-time and based in Chad, specifically in the cities of Moundou and Guereda. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application 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 and values.