Programme Assistant

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 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 invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment that aligns with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at WFP is crucial for supporting the implementation of food assistance programs, particularly in the context of school feeding initiatives in emergency situations. The role is based in the Pemba area office, where the Programme Assistant will work closely with the school feeding Programme Officer. The primary objective of this position is to provide comprehensive support to policy and program activities that effectively address food assistance needs, especially in the context of the National School Feeding Programme (PRONAE) in Cabo Delgado. The Programme Assistant will be involved in various aspects of project management, data analysis, and collaboration with local partners, ensuring that the programs align with WFP’s policies and guidelines. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication skills to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities. The Programme Assistant will also play a vital role in monitoring and reporting on program performance, contributing to the overall success of WFP’s mission in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a range of key accountabilities, including:

• Performing specialized and standardized processes and activities within the specific technical area of work, ensuring alignment with wider program policies and guidelines.
• Providing project management and general office support, adhering to established targets and WFP’s policies and procedures.
• Compiling data and supporting the analysis and preparation of reports related to food assistance needs, resource utilization, and program status to aid operational decision-making.
• Accurately recording data within the specific technical area of work, such as food security and vulnerability assessments, following corporate standards and guidelines.
• Collaborating with internal counterparts to support effective implementation and monitoring of ongoing project activities.
• Engaging with local partners, agencies, NGOs, and government institutions to facilitate communication and collaboration.
• Acting as a point of contact for resolving general operational queries and requesting assistance when necessary.
• Following standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP can respond quickly and deploy necessary resources to affected areas during crises. Additionally, the Programme Assistant will support the implementation of school feeding activities, including food delivery and distribution, monitoring activities, running small procurement processes for non-food items (NFIs), providing capacity building to project participants and government staff, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure timely program delivery and compliance with WFP standards.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Programme Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• Completion of secondary school education is mandatory, while a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area is desirable.
• At least 5 years of relevant job experience in a similar role or field is required.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to facilitate collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with WFP’s policies and procedures is an advantage.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Programme Assistant position must have completed secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area is considered desirable, as it demonstrates a foundational understanding of the principles and practices related to food assistance and program management. This educational background equips candidates with the necessary skills to effectively support WFP’s initiatives and contribute to the organization’s mission of addressing food security and humanitarian needs in the region.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of related job experience. This experience should ideally encompass roles that involve project management, data analysis, and collaboration with various stakeholders in humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to contribute to the implementation of programs, facilitate communication with technical teams, and assist in policy discussions. Experience in working with local communities, government institutions, and NGOs is highly valued, as it reflects the candidate's capacity to navigate complex environments and foster effective partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station (likely English) and in the local language (Portuguese) is mandatory. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, government officials, and community members. Additionally, knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of individuals and organizations.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Assistant position is classified as a Service Contract (SC5) and is based in Pemba, Mozambique. The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. This position is open exclusively to Mozambican Nationals, and female-qualified candidates are highly encouraged to apply. The role offers an attractive compensation package, which will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are reminded that the United Nations does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.