Programme Policy Consultant

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 diversity and gender balance

Terms of Reference:

There is momentum to review current corporate preparedness and guidance as well as the overhauling the Emergency Preparedness and Response Package (EPRP) package based on recommendations from the Strategic Evaluation on WFP Capacity to Respond to Emergencies (2019); learning from the Global COVID-19 Level 3 (2020) and the Global Management Meeting (GMM) Working Group on simplification in emergencies. EME is the mandated lead for corporate emergency preparedness tools and guidance and in 2021 is working with HQ divisions to address different areas identified through recent learning, including a review of the Immediate Response Account (IRA) and a review of the Level 2/Level 3 Emergency Framework.

The purpose of this position is to ensure follow through on recommendations from recent evaluations and learning – with particular focus on Cash Based Transfers (CBT), given the joint commitment by the Emergency Division (EME) and CBT Division to build on 2020 learning and advance simplified processes for emergencies and review preparedness guidance to ensure minimum readiness. To this end, EME has committed to fund 100% a Programme Policy Preparedness Officer with a CBT focus. Targeted attention in key geographic areas to inform corporate learning will be a part of role as part of a large EME corporate learning project as well as working with CBT on the review of the current Financial Service Providers (FSP) contracting mechanism and simplified emergency CBT Business Process Model (BPM). The officer will work closely with the CBT in Emergencies Desk Officer.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of EME, and in close collaboration with the CBT in Emergencies desk:

1. Engage with teams in EME (Early Warning, the Operational Surge & Support, and EPRP Unit) as well as CBT Division and related units in HQ to support forward looking analysis and develop guidance and/or learning around the recommended preparedness actions for operational continuity.
2. Ensure that parallel EME workstreams including EME owned guidance i.e Emergency Pocketbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and trainings, are up to date with the latest CBT simplifications procedures and contribute to CBT cross-functional efforts to streamline their emergency guidance, trainings, etc.
3. Manage the implementation of donor funding received for CBT preparedness with particular attention to smaller Country Offices (CO) including support to COs (in coordination with CBT), documentation of learning to feed corporate preparedness, and support the EPRP team in developing the final donor report.
4. Partner with CBT as part of the ongoing EME led overhaul of the EPRP package.
5. As part of EME responsibility to advance Simplification in Emergencies (GMM Working Group), review – in full partnership with CBT in Emergencies desk – the preparedness of corporate processes and systems to enable the rapid set up of CBT in Emergencies in the absence of full preparedness, including:
   1. Support the development of coherent, and accountable cross-functional guidance, best practices, prioritization of key controls, and use of systems processes;
   2. Work with cross-functional units to simplify, lighten and hasten implementation processes, requirements, and guidance for CBT in Emergencies;
   3. Contribute to formulating options and scenarios for emergency registration and verification processes for beneficiaries to ensure minimal duplication of first-wave CBT assistance in an emergency;
   4. Support development of a matrix of delivery mechanisms highlighting potential for CBT in first phase of an emergency response depending on the context and the level of CO preparedness (identifying strengths, weaknesses, risks/mitigation, minimum preparedness requirements, and lead time to develop each);
   5. Provide support in developing/enhancing cross-functional evidence-based solutions for CBT in emergencies, in lesson learned exercises, best practice reviews, and other processes as requested, with a view to reviewing the current BPM, Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI) and Manual to tailor it to emergency contexts.
6. Ensure that CBT in Emergencies and EME led workstreams (including the Emergency Framework, the overhaul of the EPRP package, and/or other priorities related to Leadership and/or Simplification in Emergencies) are aligned.
7. Perform other duties as requested – including potential deployments to the field to support the above workstreams and/or as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

University degree in management, humanitarian/development, or a relevant field

Experience:

• Minimum 5-10 years of progressive professional experience in the field of international relief, recovery, development, markets or related fields
• Exposure to Emergency Preparedness and Response Operations in the field, preferably with WFP.
• Direct experience in setting up and/or implementing cash-based transfers in the field, preferably with WFP and preferably in an emergency context.
• Experience in sudden onset emergencies desirable and/or in emergency preparedness function.
• Experience in Process Mapping, gap analysis, process design and business process models.

Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of WFP corporate assistance transfer tools, guidelines and internal processes and controls is highly desirable.
• Proven technical knowledge of cash-based transfer programming, including preparatory assessments, programmatic and technical setup, financial setup, beneficiary management, monitoring and evaluation tools, etc. This must include technical knowledge of planning and implementation of operations in emergency settings, preferably from first wave/initial response

Languages:

Fluency (Level C) in English language is required, and a second official UN language preferred (ideally French and/or Spanish)

Terms and Conditions

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

Deadline for applications: 5 May 2021

Ref.: VA No. 141965

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of 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.