Internal to UN - Programme Policy Officer (Refugee Assistance Transition), NOB, Nairobi

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes.

WFP in Kenya has been working in partnership with the Government for over 40 years. Its role has evolved from primarily delivering food assistance (saving lives) focusing on delivering immediate and ongoing support to boost food access and availability and to medium- to long-term action (changing lives) which aims at building climate-resilient food systems. In June 2023, this partnership was renewed through WFP Kenya's Country Strategic Plan (CSP, 2023-2027), through which WFP will continue to support the Government of Kenya in addressing food security and nutrition challenges within the framework of Kenya's Vision 2030 and to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) – Zero Hunger.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Government of Kenya gazetted and published the Refugees Act 2021, on 23 November 2021 and the law came into effect in February 2022. The provisions of this act place a strong emphasis on inclusivity and transitioning from camps to settlements for refugee management. This transition from a camp-based to a settlement-based approach holds profound implications for refugees, host communities, and broader humanitarian and development efforts. It fundamentally alters how the needs and aspirations of displaced populations are addressed. By departing from traditional camp models, which often isolate refugees and render them reliant on aid, settlements promote self-reliance. Consequently, refugees gain the opportunity to engage in economic activities, access services provided by the host government, and actively participate in host communities. This shift enhances their dignity and simultaneously reduces the burden on humanitarian agencies.

The Refugee Act of 2021 is currently being put into action. Subsidiary laws are being developed, and the 'Shirika Plan' is being drafted to guide the shift from camps to settlements. These developments align with the World Food Programme (WFP) Kenya's 2023–2027 Country Strategic Plan, reflecting the corporate agenda of "saving lives, changing lives." WFP in concert with other key stakeholders envision a transition that fosters integrated and thriving refugee and host communities with resilient economies, and to contribute to the realization of this vision, WFP is committed to playing a vital role through specific actions and collaborative efforts. Guided by international agreements like the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR), the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), and the Refugee Act of 2021, as well as local plans like the Socio-Economic Development Plans for Garissa and Turkana, WFP Kenya as articulated in the CSP2 is transforming its refugee operations design from a primarily humanitarian focus to one that encompasses humanitarian, development, and peace-building elements.

To effectively contribute to this transformation, WFP will focus on three pillars of collaboration with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), the government and other key partners. Firstly, WFP will transform its refugee operations design from a primarily humanitarian focus to one that encompasses humanitarian, development, and peace-building elements. Secondly, WFP will optimise food systems to enhance livelihood opportunities. Finally, WFP will transform existing assistance modalities and approaches such as cash-based transfers, and social protection to catalyse the transition.

WFP will leverage its long-standing relationships with the government, UN partners, NGOs, targeted communities, and county governments to implement this strategy through WFP initiatives, joint UN programs, and other collaborative efforts. Additionally, WFP will explore greater engagement with the private sector to increase investment in refugee-hosting areas. Recognizing the risk of inadequate funding and the need for coordinated action among stakeholders, WFP will also play a key role in advocating for the advancement of the transition agenda.

JOB PURPOSE

This position will provide policy and programme support to effectively guide WFP Kenya's refugee operations towards effectively contributing to the shift from an encampment approach in hosting refugees to integrated and resilient settlements for both refugees and host communities to meet food assistance needs. The position will contribute broadly to efforts to align WFP operations to the shift from encampment to integrated settlements.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• In liaison with the managers for the humanitarian and resilience components of WFP’s refugee operation, contribute towards the design and implementation of a wide variety of programmes, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
• Provide project management support to the refugee operation while ensuring a coordinated approach with other programmes in the Country Office and compliance with WFP standards and procedures.
• Contribute to the initial and periodic socio-economic assessments to inform differentiated assistance packages for refugees and surrounding local community members.
• Contribute to the development and refining of differentiated assistance packages (humanitarian and development) based on socio-economic profiles. The office will also contribute to the development of an "incentivization strategy" for vulnerable households to encourage their shift from unconditional assistance to conditional humanitarian assistance programmes, complemented by resilience and economic empowerment initiatives.
• In liaison with UNHCR, the Department of Refugee Services and other key stakeholders guide field operations in crucial processes that will be put in place for differentiated assistance to refugees. This will entail developing standard procedures for complaints, feedback and recourse.

• Research and analyse a range of policy and operational issues to inform the advocacy and improvement policies and improvement programme and activity design in relation to the Shirika Plan and WFP’s strategy for transitioning refugee operations from camps to settlements.

• Regularly, scan and identify catalytic opportunities for effective cross-learning based on existing and new investments led by the Government, multilateral actors and private sector and recommend them for consideration by the project leadership team.

• Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.

• Coordinate data gathering and monitoring for the transition ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained. Oversee the capturing of evidence and lessons learned from this process to inform research and learning from this initiative.

• Support the development and management of partnerships to ensure smooth roll-out of the above activities.
• Represent WFP in relevant technical and sector meetings and forums which are part of the Shirika Plan and identify issues that need to be channelled for policy engagement with the government.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Three (3) years post graduate relevant professional experience with master’s degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition, Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other field relevant to international development assistance.

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Five (5) years post graduate relevant professional experience with a first university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition, Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other field relevant to international development assistance.

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in both humanitarian and development assistance to local, displaced populations and refugees.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance for the design and implementation of humanitarian interventions, food systems and resilience programmes at national or county level, in coordination with government and other partners.
• Experience in integrated programme management, particularly in the areas of refugee transition, resilience building, economic empowerment, and social protection.

• Experience in leading teams in the implementing programmes.

• Has experience in contributing to policy development, advocacy, and policy dialogue.

• Coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytic thinking and experience in evidence generation and knowledge management.
• Experience in troubleshooting and solving complex operational issues.

Knowledge and skills:

• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a range of individuals to provide high-quality support.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Substantive analytical skills.

Language: National Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

Capability Name Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level Programme Lifecycle & Food Assistance Displays ability to identify the main hunger problem at the national or subnational level to design and implement context-specific programmes that integrate complex analysis and the full range of food assistance tools. Transfer Modalities (Food, Cash, Voucher) Demonstrates ability to analyse and consolidate quantitative and qualitative information from different sources (e.g., market studies) to inform transfer modality selection and programme development. Broad Knowledge of Specialized areas (i.e. Nutrition, VAM, etc.) Demonstrates the ability to interpret basic data in the context of WFP specialised fields to contribute to technical programme design, implementation and monitoring. Emergency Programming Displays ability to translate understanding of programme principles in emergencies and protracted conflict situations into relevant, effective, and context specific approaches. Strategic Policy Engagement with Government Develops thorough recommendations using multiple inputs (e.g., government counsel, research, own experience) to strengthen national or subnational entities and government owned food and nutrition security programmes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Type of Contract: Fixed Term

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension

• Kindly note; Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• The World Food Programme DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS.
• WFP embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in all ways.
• All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications and merit.
• Applicants profile MUST match the C.V attached. Any discrepancies between the C.V and the profile will lead to automatic disqualification.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications for this position will close at 11:59 p.m. (East African Time) on 4th December 2023.

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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.