Launched in March 2019, the Regional Centre of Excellence Against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM) is the result of the strategic partnership between the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support countries in the West and Central African and in the continent at large in their efforts to eradicate hunger and malnutrition.

CERFAM serves as knowledge hub for good practices and high-impact innovations against hunger and malnutrition and a demand-driven capacity strengthening hub for regional, national, and local actors and communities. To this end, CERFAM facilitates and mobilizes high-level expertise and promotes innovative solutions to fight hunger and malnutrition through the documentation and dissemination of good practices, innovative approaches, and the networking of national, regional, and international experts within the framework of South-South Cooperation. More specifically, CERFAM has a service offering that is two-fold: (i) identify, document, promote and disseminate good practices at country level in Africa, and (ii) act as a catalyst by deploying expertise for the implementation of good practices through capacity building and South-South cooperation.

Home-grown school feeding, multisectoral approaches to nutrition, sustainable food systems, value chain optimization, community resilience and strengthening supply systems are key focus areas. Special attention is given to advancing youth and women’s empowerment and to gender-transformative approaches with a view to providing specific solutions to the needs of the different groups and creating equal opportunities.

Research, technical assistance, partnerships and communication and advocacy are the four pillars of CERFAM, key to leveraging CERFAM’s visibility, positioning, engagement and partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to leverage the Centre’s unique value proposition to bring about the transformation needed towards zero hunger.

After a bit more than two years of existence, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire has engaged a process to have CERFAM recognized by the African Union (AU) as a Technical Agency of the African Union (CERFAM-UA) specializing in sharing best practices and lessons learned in the fight against hunger and malnutrition in Africa.

During this transition period, CERFAM is seeking a Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer/consultant with a broad skill set to play a critical role in supporting the Centre during this transition and ensure continuity in terms of strategic and technical support to CERFAM.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Director of CERFAM, and the direct supervision of the Head of Strategic Planning, Programme Design & Partnership, the Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer/Consultant will primarily be responsible for the following functions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

Contribute to the development and implementation of key strategic, programmatic and policy projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with CERFAM and government priorities and objectives.
Provide technical advice or support the mobilization of technical expertise on programme and policy issues including assessment and analysis, the choice of objectives, activities, the deployment and testing of innovative approaches and the development of strategies to support government efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
Enhance CERFAM’s leadership and strategic positioning in areas related to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, resilience or engagement in development contexts through direct participation and the preparation of quality briefings, information products and other materials.
Research and analyze a range of policy and operational issues to inform the development of policies, programmes and activities in line with CERFAM’s objectives.
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by identifying, establishing and strengthening quality operational partnerships in support of CERFAM’s strategic objectives.
Proactively support a wide range of aspects of a partnerships portfolio, including partner profiling, data/trends analysis and outreach plan, to maximize resources and leverage policy and technical support for CERFAM’s work; ensure partner visibility and that partner conditions are met.
Gather and share partner intelligence (including forecasting), using key information systems (e.g. WINGS, Salesforce, WFPGo), and assess results.
Facilitate corporate dialogue with partners through the preparation of quality briefing materials; proactively highlight strategic opportunities and issues to senior management and propose options for the best course of action to nurture trust and interest in the work of CERFAM; support the preparation of joint events (e.g. conferences, webinars) that can advance CERFAM interests and objectives.
Extend support on partnership/contribution management, in line with corporate norms, processes and legal agreements, and on quality proposal and report writing by engaging with other WFP entities and external stakeholders.
Facilitate partnership growth, by exploring opportunities to expand existing partnerships and scope of new partners, guided by assessments, analysis and due diligence; present recommendations to senior management and ensure follow-up.
Contribute to the preparation of partnership proposals, strategic agreements, joint strategies and/or MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding), funding proposals, in accordance with corporate norms, processes and external regulations; ensure quality control of content by engaging with relevant functional units, Regional Bureau in Dakar and Country Offices.
Facilitate corporate dialogue with partners through networking and information sharing; proactively highlight strategic issues to senior managers and propose options for the best course of action to nurture trust and partnership growth.
Support the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
Perform other duties as required.

IV. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education****: Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant international working experience in Development sector and programmes or a related sector.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme design, programme management, policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement.
Has provided expert guidance in leading projects and substantial input into functional practices and policy formulation.
Experience in working with UN agencies, development partners, high level authorities, local governments and civil society organizations is desirable.
Experience in working in West and Central Africa is an asset.
Previous working experience in WFP is an asset.

Competencies:

Ability to work independently in a timely and organised manner.
Strong coordination and problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral, written, communication and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts and staff within the office, other UN agencies and key stakeholders.
Willingness to explore and experiment new ideas and approaches in own work.
Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork spirit and ability to work in multicultural settings.

Deadline for application: July 16, 2021

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting an inclusive work environment in which diversity is valued and where no form of discrimination is tolerated.

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate based on HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: wfp.org