Programme & Policy Officer

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 inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian work and the importance of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security in global peace efforts. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Programme & Policy Officer will lead the Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) unit, which plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability to affected communities and monitoring activities related to the economic, market, and food security situation in Venezuela. The RAM unit consists of two key components: Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). The job holder will be responsible for developing and implementing RAM plans that align with WFP's corporate standards and assurance framework, generating quality evidence to inform policy, advocacy, and donor engagement. This position requires a strategic mindset, as the officer will be involved in designing and planning operational activities, conducting analytical work, and ensuring that monitoring and evaluation strategies are effectively integrated into WFP's programs. The role also emphasizes the importance of community feedback mechanisms and learning to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of WFP’s programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop RAM strategies, activities, plans, and processes in alignment with WFP policies and guidance, ensuring actions related to protection and PSEA are incorporated.
• Supervise and support the planning and implementation of VAM and MEAL activities, acting as a second-level supervisor for RAM field teams and ensuring rigorous quality standards are maintained.
• Facilitate evidence-based decision-making on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, making monitoring, assessment, and evaluation findings accessible and developing innovative analytical products.
• Create systems and tools for monitoring and assessing food assistance needs, utilizing innovative methodologies and best practices.
• Build the capacity of WFP staff, partners, and national governments to conduct effective monitoring and vulnerability analysis.
• Assist WFP Management in addressing recommendations from assessments and monitoring activities, ensuring follow-up actions are taken.
• Incorporate accountability to affected populations, protection, gender, and age perspectives into all work areas to ensure equal participation in analysis and reporting.
• Review and provide technical feedback on monitoring and evaluation plans for new programs, ensuring they are risk-based and focused on measuring results.
• Analyze outcome data and recommend improvements to enhance WFP's ability to demonstrate outcome-focused results. 1
• Represent WFP in technical discussions with partners, exchanging knowledge and seeking collaborative interventions. 1
• Liaise with implementing partners to monitor ongoing projects, ensuring effective collaboration and highlighting potential risks. 1
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to strengthen the quality and coherence of RAM activities in the field. 1
• Lead review exercises as needed, aligned with the monitoring and evaluation plan and Country Strategic Plan. 1
• Oversee timely data entry in WFP’s corporate system COMET for program design and performance management. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of related work experience is acceptable. The role requires a minimum of four years of experience in leading teams and at least two years of relevant work experience in supervising and providing technical assistance to teams involved in research, evaluation, assessment, and monitoring. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods, food security and vulnerability analysis, and data management software such as ODK, COMET, MODA, Atlas.ti, SPSS, and Tableau is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other areas pertinent to international development assistance. Candidates with a first university degree may qualify if they have two additional years of relevant work experience, demonstrating the importance of both formal education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of experience in leading teams, with at least two years of relevant work experience in supervising and providing technical assistance to teams focused on research, evaluation, assessment, and monitoring. Candidates should have experience performing monitoring, evaluations, and assessments across multiple field locations, showcasing their ability to manage diverse teams and projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C in both languages. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse teams at WFP and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Caracas, Venezuela. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be provided 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 encouraged to apply regardless of their background, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.